SOCIAL
Facebook Updates Its Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak, Including Free Ads for WHO
With the Coronavirus outbreak slowly spreading across the globe, people are understandably spooked and looking for more information. And given the propensity for people to get their news updates from Facebook, it’s a fairly safe bet that many will be looking there – and with 2.5 billion active users, it’s now likely the best platform to reach the maximum amount of people, and disseminate necessary information on the latest updates, relevant to each region.
Late last month, Facebook outlined its initial response to the outbreak, which included increased fact-checking and removal of misinformation, along with dedicated News Feed notifications for users in relevant regions, as guided by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Now Facebook’s expanding on that initial announcement.
In a post on his personal Facebook profile, CEO Mark Zuckerberg has outlined a range of additional measures, including:
- Providing the WHO with as many free ads as it needs to maximize its coronavirus response. Zuckerberg says it’s also providing “support and millions more in ad credits” to other organizations working to reach and raise awareness of the outbreak in impacted regions.
- Blocking people from running ads which seek to exploit the situation. Facebook detailed the action it’s taking on this front last week.
- Providing anonymized Facebook data, including mobility data and population density maps, to help organizations to better understand how the virus is spreading.
In addition to this, and outside of Facebook itself, Zuckerberg also says that The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub is providing resources and support to map the cell structure of COVID-19, with a view to developing a vaccine.
“Researchers are now using this to investigate potential ways to limit lung damage and address the symptoms of coronavirus. This is one of the fundamental ideas behind CZI – to do basic scientific research to create building blocks that health organizations can use to find cures for diseases.”
Zuckerberg also says that Facebook is working on more ideas to assist, with further announcements to come.
As noted, Facebook’s scale now makes it one of the key platforms for sharing information, and all Government organizations should be working in partnership with the platform in times of crisis to ensure optimal delivery of alert and awareness information. Whether you like it or not, or agree with its data-tracking processes, Facebook’s reach is undeniable – a recent report showed that around 75% of the people across the world who are able to access Facebook’s apps are doing so, an incredibly high penetration rate.
Given this, it’s good to see Facebook taking on more responsibility to assist, and provide assistance where it can.
SOCIAL
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.
SOCIAL
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.”Â
“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.
SOCIAL
Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement
Instagram’s testing out some new options to help spice up your live-streams in the app, with some live broadcasters now able to select a game that they can play with viewers in-stream.
As you can see in these example screens, posted by Ahmed Ghanem, some creators now have the option to play either “This or That”, a question and answer prompt that you can share with your viewers, or “Trivia”, to generate more engagement within your IG live-streams.
That could be a simple way to spark more conversation and interaction, which could then lead into further engagement opportunities from your live audience.
Meta’s been exploring more ways to make live-streaming a bigger consideration for IG creators, with a view to live-streams potentially catching on with more users.
That includes the gradual expansion of its “Stars” live-stream donation program, giving more creators in more regions a means to accept donations from live-stream viewers, while back in December, Instagram also added some new options to make it easier to go live using third-party tools via desktop PCs.
Live streaming has been a major shift in China, where shopping live-streams, in particular, have led to massive opportunities for streaming platforms. They haven’t caught on in the same way in Western regions, but as TikTok and YouTube look to push live-stream adoption, there is still a chance that they will become a much bigger element in future.
Which is why IG is also trying to stay in touch, and add more ways for its creators to engage via streams. Live-stream games is another element within this, which could make this a better community-building, and potentially sales-driving option.
We’ve asked Instagram for more information on this test, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.
How the TikTok Algorithm Works in 2024 (+9 Ways to Go Viral)
Blog Post Checklist: Check All Prior to Hitting “Publish”
How to Use Keywords for SEO: The Complete Beginner’s Guide
How To Protect Your People and Brand
How to Craft Compelling Google Ads for eCommerce
Google Started Enforcing The Site Reputation Abuse Policy
The Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing
Elevating Women in SEO for a More Inclusive Industry
How to Brainstorm Business Ideas: 9 Fool-Proof Approaches
Microsoft Testing Clear Distinction Between Free & Paid Search Results On Bing
-
PPC5 days agoHow the TikTok Algorithm Works in 2024 (+9 Ways to Go Viral)
-
SEO6 days agoBlog Post Checklist: Check All Prior to Hitting “Publish”
-
SEO4 days agoHow to Use Keywords for SEO: The Complete Beginner’s Guide
-
MARKETING5 days agoHow To Protect Your People and Brand
-
PPC6 days agoHow to Craft Compelling Google Ads for eCommerce
-
SEARCHENGINES6 days agoGoogle Started Enforcing The Site Reputation Abuse Policy
-
MARKETING4 days agoThe Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing
-
MARKETING6 days agoElevating Women in SEO for a More Inclusive Industry
