Sunday, March 30, 2014

How to Get More Friends to "Like" Your Facebook Status

When I was first stumbled on the topic, How to get more friends to 'like' my status on Facebook, I instantly thought GET BETTER FRIENDS. Although, that's not a realistic solution. Besides, there are many ways to get more friends to 'like' your Facebook status.

Keep your post short and simple.

Facebook is generous with the amount of words you can put into your status. Only approx. 3.5 sentences are visible in the feed, unless a reader opens up the entire status by clicking on read more.
Long posts are tedious to read and will often be passed over for a more concise status. Keep your status to around 2-3 sentences, make what you write count. Don't over explain, describe or waffle on.
There is no benefit from over-posting. Often referred to as 'spam', continuously updating your status will again result in people skimming or avoiding your posts altogether. A reasonable guide would be no more than 2-3 a day, there is no way your life is that interesting to need more.

Keep your status interesting.

Create a variety of interesting and unique topics to post about. Be selective of what you say, information such as “just had a peanut butter sandwich” is not interesting but something like “hurricane just smashed up the backyard". (OK, that was a little dramatic!) is.

Re-read your status and correct any typing errors, spelling and basic grammar. It's extremely easy to make mistakes, but it is also a quick way to turn people off reading something when it doesn't make sense. Try to avoid cutting words down or using acronyms, not everyone understands them and the meaning can change from one place to another.
Use funny attention-grabbing words - be descriptive giving details, using the least amount of words as possible. If needed, use your thesaurus, never repeat the same word twice in one paragraph if possible.
Up-load photos with your post, remembering that a picture is worth a thousand words. Funny, sarcastic and cute pictures often go viral, re-share with caution. When sharing a link click the square to show preview.
Tag your friends and family in your posts and photo's. this will increase your audience to thier friends also as your post will flow down their feed, as well as anyone who comments will show in the ticker.

Post your status at the right time.

The simplest ways to have more friends "like" your status on Facebook, is for more of them to see the post. Often the most popular time is mid evening. People will often get on Facebook after work or school, this is when your status will be viewed the most.
Remember that Facebook has provided a setting where you can highlight an event. By indicating that you have a special event or feature story, you will draw attention to the post. Again, overuse of this setting will work against you.

DON'T DO...



DON'T - do chain letters, expect people to copy and paste (mobiles can't manage cut and paste plus some people don't know how).
DON'T - "lets see who reads my status" or I bet none of my friends...
DON'T - be too personal - there is a place for real, heavy, personal drama. Facebook is not it
DON'T - be too heavy , you don't want to cause a hate campaign, but a little controversy is good for comments and debate.
DON'T - write too vague a status or no-one will know what you're talking about.
DON'T - post every time your kid burps - keep parent posts reasonable . Your kid is cute, but may not be so attractive to others.
By following a few of these idea's, you will definitely find more of your friends "like" your status on Facebook. Have fun on there, be safe and keep your private life private. Facebook gives people the forum to write and say things they would never to a persons face, be careful and keep it light.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

How to Blog Like a Boss

If you're here, it's because you want to add power, sassiness, and that special sauce to your blog. You want to rock your readers' worlds until they come back for more, time and time again. Well, unfortunately, it's not easy. With these tips, however, you can make it happen. Blog on!

How to Blog

How to Blog

First, a definition:

What do I mean when I say "blog like a boss?"
A boss blogger connects with their readers, sees continuous growth, and creates a following.
This doesn't mean you'll make money, but a strong, capable, and growing blog has no reason not to in the long-run.

1. Embrace the ego.

To blog successfully, you need a blog personality. That might be of you, or a version of you, but there's a person there. People will read for your content, but they'll come back for the personality.

You need to share that identity through your writing style, social media, layout, and more. Embrace this mentality, and use it completely.

If you're edgy, be edgy. If you add in this soothing, easy-going voice while you try to be a "world rocker," it might confuse your readers.

Tip: Write out a list of 5 key adjectives that describe this personality. Incorporate those whenever possible, and only write in a way that embraces at least one or more of those at all times.

2. Be the main contributor.

When your blog grows and becomes more popular, it can become more work. Then, many bloggers start reaching out to guest bloggers to ease the load.

Bad idea!

There's nothing wrong with guest bloggers in theory, and they can be great if you want to network and spread the word.

But, your readers want you. In fact, they might stop reading entirely if you aren't the main contributor.
If you can't be in charge of 90% of all content, you need to slow down a little so your needs and goals match what is possible on your schedule. Don't outsource your voice or your readers will go away.

3. Write regularly.

Whether you write once a week or once a day, you need to write regularly. Develop a set schedule. Do publish at least once a week. Anything less is too little.

My tip: Create an editorial calendar. Focus on publishing once or twice a week for now, and draw out a map of specific titles so as to hit all of your key topics each month. Otherwise, your blog may become too heavy in this area or another.

4. Write smoothly.

Writing for the web is not the same as writing for your English classes. It takes an entirely different set of skills, including web design, marketing, PR, aesthetics, and more.

Here are 5 tips to optimize every post:
  1. Always have a strong title.
  2. Write about one clear topic (don't use your post to catch up on a variety of topics).
  3. Range between 500-1,500 words in each post.
  4. Add unique or engaging (and legally attributed) pictures (at least 1).
  5. Optimize every post for search engines (For WordPress: install WordPress SEO by Yoast.)

5. Use the Call-to-Action.

To blog like a boss, you need a following. There are people who will want to follow you, but they might not know it.

Create the following by converting the energy and excitement you've already created by utilizing the call-to-action (CTA). You need at least one that's static. For example, prompt readers to sign up for the email list or Like your page on Facebook in the sidebar.

But, you also need to add a CTA to the beginning and/or end of every post (end is best for now). Ask the reader a question, and tell them to comment below. Recommend them to read the next post, or sign up for your email list right there.

Readers are often open to these ideas, but they don't necessarily act unless you say so. You're missing these great contacts if you don't engage the enthusiasm your readers already have.

6. Do not write for money.

Why do you blog? Are you there for the money? Well, stop it.

The money might come eventually, but it usually takes over a year of hard work and even then, it might be $10 here or there. It will not be right away.

Instead, focus on building your blog and its persona. Take advantage of social media, and create custom, killer content. In the meanwhile, go ahead and add Google AdSense to learn how it works. Stick to one ad, and don't clutter the screen.

A note on ads: optimize for your audience. This is why I recommend Google AdSense. Google can optimize ads for each specific reader, which increases conversion. You might like your hosting company, but your readers might not be in the market for such a service.

7. Focus on the reader.

Before you write, think of how each potential post can help your reader. Why would they read it? What would they want to know?

Before you publish your website, think of how your reader would navigate your site. Is it clunky? Does it look good? Is it self-explanatory? Are your posts easy to find? Do you use a weird lingo?

Focus every inch of your blog on your reader, then lace everything with a strong personality.
Everyone's selfish. Readers are selfish. They won't keep reading just to be nice. Give them a reason to come back time and time again, and you'll find success.

8. Aesthetics matter.

One of the biggest mistakes I see on the web is that bloggers neglect to value aesthetics.
Focus on simple, straightforward, and minimal designs when in doubt.
You do not need 5 different fonts, 10 different color schemes, and pop-up ads. Instead, build your website so that everything falls into its own place. Don't add anything more than you need.

If your readers get a headache looking at your screen or plugins overlap in an unsightly way, they'll disappear.

And yes, it is harder to have a simple site. You have to make concessions, especially with advertising. But, in the end, it will make it much more enjoyable and easy-on-the-eyes for your fans!


9. Feed it.

Hopefully by now, you've realized the value of an email list. It can be difficult to decide what to do. Here's how I manage the need for email subscriptions, email marketing, and RSS feeds.

Here's what I do:

Instead of RSS feeds, which very few of my readers use, I burned a feed on Google's Feedburner.
Then, I integrated that feed with my MailChimp email subscription list. Now, my readers get a customized, visually-appealing email with each update instead of the more simplistic Feedburner options available.

The extra plus: now your RSS list is linked to your email list. You can now use these email lists to send updates, like holiday letters, special offers, or new events.

In the past, you might have all of these things woefully separate. By linking your RSS feed to your email list, you can simplify everything, generate a far more user-friendly and aesthetically-pleasing email, and build an email list.

How do you rock your blog?

Hey, not every blog or blogger or audience is the same! What works for me and my fellow bloggers might not work for you.


Author:  Michel Kery