How to make your Facebook content “Top News”

This is an article we wanted to share:

One of the main aims of companies using Facebook for business is generating awareness, as Jay Baer pointed out in his Facebook Success Summit session on Tuesday afternoon. The top way to do this, Baer says, is to win the News Feed. It seems simple: If you get someone to “like” your company’s Facebook page, then they receive the content you send out, right?
Not exactly, Baer said.
Your news feed is divided into two sections, “Top News” and “Most Recent News,” and people are automatically directed to their “Top News” feed when they log in. Facebook has even acknowledged that 95% of users only read their “Top News” version of the feed. Thus, to stay on your customer’s radar, your content must fall into the “Top News” category.
As Baer explained in his presentation, “Top News” is determined by the Edge Rank, an algorithm that reflects three components:

• Affinity Score: The amount you have historically engaged with content by a person/page increases your affinity to the content creator.
• Timing: The more recent the post, the higher it ranks.
• Weight: As posts are commented on, liked and shared by other Facebook users and their networks, their overall weight increases.

So, what should you do to continue to appear in the “Top News” section of the News Feed?

• Post content frequently. This increases your chances via the timing angle.
• Consider your post timing. Only 35% of Facebook users log in during the workday, research shows. That means “off hours” might work best for posting your content.
• Use calls to action in your posts. Encourage your fans to like, comment, or share your content to increase the weight.

How often are you posting content on Facebook? Did you understand direct the connection between frequency, weight, affinity and becoming “Top News”? 

By Emily Molitor
www.smartblogs.com
*This article was written by Emily Molitor for SmartBlogs

The 8 Types of People That Belong on Twitter

Check out this neat article from Inc.com - The 8 Types of People that Belong on Twitter

So which one are you?  Customer Service Rep?  Brand Watchdog?  Conversationalist?

For questions on Twitter, social media or anything marketing, contact us.  We'd love to have a conversation.

Puncture Seal.... Peace of Mind on the Road

Asterisk Creative video production for Radiator Specialty's product Puncture Seal. Our team worked closely with the Gunk family to create a video that clearly depicted the value offered by the Puncture Seal Family of Products.

10 Ways to Jump Start Your Social Media Thinking

It seems as if there are thousands of articles out there advising you how to effectively incorporate social media into your marketing plan. In reality, what is the next step after you've created a Twitter, Facebook, and a blog? Here are 10 way to jump start your social media thinking and take your company's presence to the next level.

Please visit http://www.socialmediaexplorer.com/2009/07/22/10-ways-to-jump-start-your-social-media-thinking/

The Art of Branding

Its more than just the logo.

Today brands are meant to embody everything that is your company. True success is when someone can recognize a brand even when the name is taken away. Companies like Apple, Nike, and McDonald's have mastered the art of branding recognition - who could forget the infamous "swoosh"? The Asterisk Creative team brainstorms to give you the the most optimal brand recognition through use of social media marketing, keyword rich content, and SEO strategies. If you want to reach your highest potential, no aspect of your company can be overlooked.

Discover how you can improve your brand recognition.
Visit http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/brand-recognition-20090619-cogw.html

20 Reasons to use Social Media Marketing

Today the importance of a TV commercial or newspaper ad is dwarfed in comparison to that of social media marketing. If I had a dime for every time I heard, "Follow us on Twitter!" in the past 12 months I would be rich. While interactive media powerhouses like Facebook and Twitter may seem like a fad or downright annoying, in reality they are excellent resources to communicate your brand to the consumer. They are efficient, low-cost, and easy to manage. At Asterisk Creative we stress the importance of using media resources like these. The more your company is mentioned, the more potential clients you reach.

Still not convinced? Here are 20 reasons that will change your mind.
Visit http://www.examiner.com/x-8160-San-Diego-Social-Media-Marketing-Examiner~y2009m6d25-The-Top-20-Business-Reasons-To-Use-Social-Media-Marketing

Social Media – Is it a fad?

So just came across this post on twitter - http://www.ploked.com/social-media/social-media-is-it-a-fad.html, and it got me to thinking. Is social media a fad? I think not. It’s a new wave of communication that has yet to used to its fullest potential. We have just scratched the surface on how social media can be used, not only from a communications standpoint, but also from a marketing perspective as well. Brands can instantaneously engage with their end users via social media and this communication can give them insight into how to better meet the needs of those consumers. Brands can learn how consumers react to their products and services and even gauge what marketing campaigns are most effective based on consumer response. Brands like Domino’s and Comcast have used twitter to manage their “damage control.”

If you have considered dabbling in social media and don’t know where to start, or would like to explore how it can positively (and inexpensively) boost your marketing and SEO efforts, give Asterisk Creative a call. We can help you navigate the wild world of social media.

Asterisk Creative Cafe

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Marketing is the food for your business... So, order up one of our tasty originals or a side item to kick start your business!