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Elon Musk’s Early Twitter Missteps Could Spark a Larger Trend Away from the App

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2 years ago

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Elon Musk’s Early Twitter Missteps Could Spark a Larger Trend Away from the App

Yes, I know you’ve read enough about Elon Musk and his ridiculous/visionary plans for Twitter, and trust me, I’m pretty sick of writing about his every move too. But he now owns one of the major social networks, while Twitter also plays a significant role in the modern communications landscape, in regards to both marketing and general interaction.

And right now, Twitter, and even social media more broadly, is at what feels like a turning point, where the whole concept of how and where we interact could be set for a major shift.

I mean, that’s been happening for some time already, with people sharing less to their social news feeds, and more in DMs, while TikTok has also ushered in a new era of entertainment over interaction, which has already morphed the concept of what social media is anyway.

The Creator Economy is also being pitched as a major opportunity, mostly by social platforms and agencies who stand to directly benefit from getting people to post more stuff online. But again, the idea of what social media was – connecting with friends and keeping them updated – and what it is now – a replacement for pretty much every other form of media – has changed dramatically. Which is why this new shift at Twitter comes at a particularly critical stage.

Will we see a mass migration of users away from Twitter as the platform revises its approach to ‘free speech’, revamps key elements like Spaces, and starts selling blue checkmarks?

It’s impossible to say, but definitely, it feels like Twitter is now in the hands of a brains trust of former users, who have a range of radical plans on how to ‘fix’ the app, though little practical knowledge of what might actually work to improve it. That seems like it’ll lead to a lot of trial, a lot of error, and a lot of walking things back as they try to establish new foundations for the platform.

What comes out in the end? Honestly, I suspect Twitter at this time next year will look a lot like what Twitter does right now, with some new tweaks and alterations more in line with Elon’s personal preference.

Musk and Co. are clearly going to push out changes, as fast as they can, but I suspect that they’ll quickly realize that a lot of these updates won’t work like they think.

The updated Twitter Blue is the best example – and granted, we don’t yet have the full details on how Musk’s $8 verification program will work. But thus far, it seems like you’ll soon be able to pay $8 to get a blue tick next to your username, like all the celebrities have in the app, along with priority tweet display in search and reply listings, and paywall-free articles from partner publications.

There will not, according to reports, by any kind of ID checking in this new process, so the suggestion that this is ‘verification’ of anything is flawed already. It also negates the practical value of the current verification process, and potentially leaves users more susceptible to scams.

But no problem, Elon says:

The median cost of reported social media scams in the US last year was $468, so scammers will essentially be risking an $8 fine for an opportunity to make 58x that, on average. But no problem, Elon notes, Twitter will make money out of it – even if users are more at risk.

Which, really, is indicative of the current approach we’re seeing from the new Twitter management. Elon’s asking people to pay him, for not much in return, while he’s also trying to bully advertisers, and change things that he personally dislikes, with little regard for, you know, the actual people that use the app.

Why should people pay $8 per month for a graphic next to their username? ‘We need to pay the bills somehow’, Musk told author Stephen King. Okay, but so does every other business, yet the fundamental process is that you offer something of value, then you get paid for that product or service. What market need is paying for a blue checkmark fulfilling?

Sure, a lot of people want a blue tick, as it portrays some sense of authority or respect. But once everyone can buy one, that’s immediately eliminated – because everyone will know that any chump can just pay up and display a tick, which effectively means that no-one with a verified account alone is actually ‘important’ anymore.

Which is kind of Elon’s whole pitch.

So you’re asking people to pay for a mark of authority that will no longer mean the same thing as soon as to do.

And as there’s no form of ID checking, it’s not about verifying an actual person – and if people can still use the app without it, scammers will still be able to create bot armies. So it’s not really solving anything, it’s just a way for Elon to make money – and in fact, it’ll actually open up new avenues for impersonation, scams, mass-influence programs and more (which, incidentally, Elon himself discovered this week).

Yet, Elon seems to think that you should just pay up, to help support… the world’s richest man?

It seems like a very confused pitch – though it is also worth noting that this is likely to be the first stage of a broader expansion of Twitter’s subscription offerings, with more features to be added to the package.

But again, the entire push, at present, is entirely about what will benefit Twitter and its new ownership, and Musk seems to be trying to use his massive personal following as a lever to just make people do things, regardless of the logic.

None of this will work. While Elon is surrounded by a lot of sycophants and yes men, and while he does have a large and very passionate base of supporters, who are ready and willing to pledge their tribute in the misguided belief that it will make them a part of his cool crew, I suspect that Musk will eventually find that most people won’t just pay, and that advertisers won’t just set aside their morals and brand obligations because the rich man told them to.

Because we’ve already seen this.

Twitter Blue has been around for over a year, and Twitter’s revenue from subscriptions has actually gone down from the less than 10% of its intake that is represented at peak. Similar arguments were floated – ‘Twitter only needs a small percentage of people to sign up to make it a worthwhile addition’. Yet, even with that in mind, Blue has barely been worth running, with the addition of tweet editing, one of the most requested social media features of all time, seemingly not shifting the needle much either.

Add to this the fact that most Twitter users don’t tweet, they simply log on to keep up with the latest, and it’s baffling to even consider why anyone would even think that an $8 verification offering would work.

But again, this is the ‘trial’ stage, this is the step before recognized ‘error’ – and really, the only true risk right now is that Elon annoys so many current users/advertisers with his changes that Twitter usage collapses, and real-time interaction switches to another app.

Which it will. Twitter’s practical value is simply not enough to make it an essential app, but it does have the potential to become more significant, and more profitable, than it currently is, if done right.

But if done wrong, it could all go south very quickly, which brings us back to the original point.

Right now, we’re in the midst of the next big interactive shift. Web3 advocates are keen to pitch alternative options to the legacy, capitalist-led systems, messaging apps are integrating new tools to maximize engagement, and the metaverse is ever-looming on the distant horizon. People are already considering new ways to connect – and as such, pushing them harder in that direction seems like a massive risk.

Which is why the direction at Twitter seems so flawed, so short-sighted, and really, so introspective, in alignment with its new owners’ preferences.

That’ll change as things go awry, but it does feel like we’re on the cusp of a major change, sparked, not led, by Elon Musk’s $44 billion purchase.



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12 Proven Methods to Make Money Blogging in 2024

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2 days ago

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May 14, 2024

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Make money blogging

 

Make money bloggingThis is a contributed article.

The world of blogging continues to thrive in 2024, offering a compelling avenue for creative minds to share their knowledge, build an audience, and even turn their passion into profit. Whether you’re a seasoned blogger or just starting, there are numerous effective strategies to monetize your blog and achieve financial success. Here, we delve into 12 proven methods to make money blogging in 2024:

1. Embrace Niche Expertise:

Standing out in the vast blogosphere requires focus. Carving a niche allows you to cater to a specific audience with targeted content. This not only builds a loyal following but also positions you as an authority in your chosen field. Whether it’s gardening techniques, travel hacking tips, or the intricacies of cryptocurrency, delve deep into a subject you’re passionate and knowledgeable about. Targeted audiences are more receptive to monetization efforts, making them ideal for success.

2. Content is King (and Queen):

High-quality content remains the cornerstone of any successful blog. In 2024, readers crave informative, engaging, and well-written content that solves their problems, answers their questions, or entertains them. Invest time in crafting valuable blog posts, articles, or videos that resonate with your target audience.

  • Focus on evergreen content: Create content that remains relevant for a long time, attracting consistent traffic and boosting your earning potential.
  • Incorporate multimedia: Spice up your content with captivating images, infographics, or even videos to enhance reader engagement and improve SEO.
  • Maintain consistency: Develop a regular publishing schedule to build anticipation and keep your audience coming back for more.

3. The Power of SEO:

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) ensures your blog ranks high in search engine results for relevant keywords. This increases organic traffic, the lifeblood of any monetization strategy.

  • Keyword research: Use keyword research tools to identify terms your target audience searches for. Strategically incorporate these keywords into your content naturally.
  • Technical SEO: Optimize your blog’s loading speed, mobile responsiveness, and overall technical aspects to improve search engine ranking.
  • Backlink building: Encourage other websites to link back to your content, boosting your blog’s authority in the eyes of search engines.

4. Monetization Magic: Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by promoting other companies’ products or services. When a reader clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you get a commission.

  • Choose relevant affiliates: Promote products or services that align with your niche and resonate with your audience.
  • Transparency is key: Disclose your affiliate relationships clearly to your readers and build trust.
  • Integrate strategically: Don’t just bombard readers with links. Weave affiliate promotions naturally into your content, highlighting the value proposition.

5. Display Advertising: A Classic Approach

Display advertising involves placing banner ads, text ads, or other visual elements on your blog. When a reader clicks on an ad, you earn revenue.

  • Choose reputable ad networks: Partner with established ad networks that offer competitive rates and relevant ads for your audience.
  • Strategic ad placement: Place ads thoughtfully, avoiding an overwhelming experience for readers.
  • Track your performance: Monitor ad clicks and conversions to measure the effectiveness of your ad placements and optimize for better results.

6. Offer Premium Content:

Providing exclusive, in-depth content behind a paywall can generate additional income. This could be premium blog posts, ebooks, online courses, or webinars.

  • Deliver exceptional value: Ensure your premium content offers significant value that justifies the price tag.
  • Multiple pricing options: Consider offering tiered subscription plans to cater to different audience needs and budgets.
  • Promote effectively: Highlight the benefits of your premium content and encourage readers to subscribe.

7. Coaching and Consulting:

Leverage your expertise by offering coaching or consulting services related to your niche. Readers who find your content valuable may be interested in personalized guidance.

  • Position yourself as an expert: Showcase your qualifications, experience, and client testimonials to build trust and establish your credibility.
  • Offer free consultations: Provide a limited free consultation to potential clients, allowing them to experience your expertise firsthand.
  • Develop clear packages: Outline different coaching or consulting packages with varying time commitments and pricing structures.

8. The Power of Community: Online Events and Webinars

Host online events or webinars related to your niche. These events offer valuable content while also providing an opportunity to promote other monetization avenues.

  • Interactive and engaging: Structure your online events to be interactive with polls, Q&A sessions, or live chats. Click here to learn more about image marketing with Q&A sessions and live chats.

9. Embrace the Power of Email Marketing:

Building an email list allows you to foster stronger relationships with your audience and promote your content and offerings directly.

  • Offer valuable incentives: Encourage readers to subscribe by offering exclusive content, discounts, or early access to new products.
  • Segmentation is key: Segment your email list based on reader interests to send targeted campaigns that resonate more effectively.
  • Regular communication: Maintain consistent communication with your subscribers through engaging newsletters or updates.

10. Sell Your Own Products:

Take your expertise to the next level by creating and selling your own products. This could be physical merchandise, digital downloads, or even printables related to your niche.

  • Identify audience needs: Develop products that address the specific needs and desires of your target audience.
  • High-quality offerings: Invest in creating high-quality products that offer exceptional value and user experience.
  • Utilize multiple platforms: Sell your products through your blog, online marketplaces, or even social media platforms.

11. Sponsorships and Brand Collaborations:

Partner with brands or businesses relevant to your niche for sponsored content or collaborations. This can be a lucrative way to leverage your audience and generate income.

  • Maintain editorial control: While working with sponsors, ensure you retain editorial control to maintain your blog’s authenticity and audience trust.
  • Disclosures are essential: Clearly disclose sponsored content to readers, upholding transparency and ethical practices.
  • Align with your niche: Partner with brands that complement your content and resonate with your audience.

12. Freelancing and Paid Writing Opportunities:

Your blog can serve as a springboard for freelance writing opportunities. Showcase your writing skills and expertise through your blog content, attracting potential clients.

  • Target relevant publications: Identify online publications, websites, or magazines related to your niche and pitch your writing services.
  • High-quality samples: Include high-quality blog posts from your site as writing samples when pitching to potential clients.
  • Develop strong writing skills: Continuously hone your writing skills and stay updated on current trends in your niche to deliver exceptional work.

Conclusion:

Building a successful blog that generates income requires dedication, strategic planning, and high-quality content. In today’s digital age, there are numerous opportunities to make money online through blogging. By utilizing a combination of methods such as affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and selling digital products or services, you can leverage your blog’s potential and achieve financial success.

Remember, consistency in posting, engaging with your audience, and staying adaptable to trends are key to thriving in the ever-evolving blogosphere. Embrace new strategies, refine your approaches, and always keep your readers at the forefront of your content creation journey. With dedication and the right approach, your blog has the potential to become a valuable source of income and a platform for sharing your knowledge and passion with the world, making money online while doing what you love.

Image Credit: DepositPhotos



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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

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2 months ago

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March 18, 2024

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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.

The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.

According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.

Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.

Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.

The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.

This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.

Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.

As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?

Only time will tell.

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

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3 months ago

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February 26, 2024

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.

When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.

“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.

Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.

“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.” 

“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.

“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.

Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.

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