The missing link?
Just Another Day in Social Media. ❤️
Elon spent his Sunday night banning accounts — including those belonging to high-profile Twitter users such as Sarah Silverman and Kathy Griffin — for impersonating him. Many users have been changing their Twitter names to "Elon Musk" and retweeting posts to help boost Democratic nominees ahead of Tuesday's vote, and honestly, just to poke fun. Looks like he is having none of it. This comes as Musk plans to launch a new $7.99 Blue subscription that lets you pay for Twitter verification without having to confirm who you are. Ironic, isn't it?
Here are today's top stories:
Leaving Twitter? I guess I'll see you on LinkedIn
Blog: We need to talk about Twitter
If you need a mood boost, these videos should do it
LinkedIn 101
As panic set in over the weekend amid the Twitter fallout, many were trying to figure out where they might be able to find a similar experience. Many users talked about Mastodon. Until this weekend, I'd never heard of it. But from what I've read, it's a bit confusing (you have to choose a server, etc.). Here is a backgrounder from CNN. And of course, there are other alternatives, such as Reddit and Discord.
And while these might work for an individual user, brands need to connect with potential customers who are already on a mainstream platform. My prediction is that brands who have focused on using Twitter to connect with community will be looking for another mainly text-based platform to focus on. Enter: LinkedIn.
If it's been a while since you've used this Microsoft-owned platform, there have been some big changes.
Getting Set Up
This is going to be a very high-level overview of how to get set up. So if you're already on LinkedIn and know how it works, you can jump down to the next section on The Vibe.
LinkedIn Profiles: These are for individuals. These accounts are all about you, your work history, your accomplishments, etc. You'll want to fully fill out your profile, including your summary, work experience, and education. But two most important elements of your profile page are:
A profile image (of you, smiling and facing forward, with minimal distractions in the background). You need this if you want people to trust you and connect with you.
Your headline. This defaults to your job title, but you should consider changing it to something that stands out and shows your personality. Also, consider that LinkedIn is a search engine, so avoid using jargon or words like "guru" that will never come up in search.
Also, make sure to edit your vanity URL so that it matches the name on your profile (the default adds a bunch of numbers at the end)
LinkedIn Pages: These are the public face of your organization or business. You'll be asked to fill out a several details, upload a profile image and banner image. You also have the option of adding a call-to-action button. And people can choose to follow your page. Here is an FAQ about Pages.
How They Interact: While you definitely need a LinkedIn Page for your organization, it's never going to be as powerful as a LinkedIn Profile. People connect and trust other People. So you'll need a create a plan for your employees to help advocate and share your posts to help amplify your Page content — especially when you're trying to grow your followers in the beginning.
The Vibe
Usually when I mention LinkedIn to a client, they will say something like, "Oh yeah, I have a profile on there, but I never use it." And if you haven't used it in a while, you probably think of it as a "professional" networking platform. The kind of place that only job seekers go. But thinks have really changed.
In August, you may have heard about the "crying CEO", also known as LinkedIn marketing expert Braden Wallake, the CEO of HyperSocial. Wallake posted a picture of his tearful face on LinkedIn in the midst of mass layoffs. I personally started to notice this fall that many posts in my feed were obituaries — to friends, to family members, to pets.
Maybe it's because some have migrated over from Facebook, which is struggling with disinformation and the spread of hateful content. Or maybe researcher/storyteller Brené Brown's vulnerability training for corporate leaders is finally getting through — but either way, expect a way different vibe on LinkedIn.
Creators and Content
Another thing that has changed at LinkedIn is that there are now Creators and Influencers on the platform. That's partly because LinkedIn now has a Creator Mode. Turning it on gives you access to additional tools. And you'll get to add a button to your profile that allows you to follow the person. If you want to see an example, here is a profile of Millennial LinkedIn Trainer Michaela Alexis.
Another reason is that there are several ways to publish content (this is something to be aware of if you have a CEO or Executive Director on the platform that you want to help amplify). In the newsfeed, you'll see an option to just start writing your thoughts. And typically people also upload a photo. But there are other options — such as uploading video and audio, or polls for Pages.
You can also write an article. LinkedIn Articles are longer form content, similar to a blog post. And you can create these from your Profile Page or a Company Page.
Build Relationships — Don't Sell!
LinkedIn is a social media platform, and as such, you are using it to build community. Take the time to engage with your connections. Like and comment on posts. Send them a message with helpful info. And never, EVER, sell. This includes when you send a connection request.
Imagine if you were at a conference and you just walked up to someone and said, "Hi, my name is Sandra and this is what my company does. Do you want to buy it?"
Sounds crazy, right? But it happens all the time on LinkedIn. So when you want to connect with someone, don't just hit the "Connect" button. Instead, go to their Profile page, hit connect, and choose the option to send a message. In your message, mention why you want to connect, or something you have in common. And when they accept the request, always send a thank you.
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ICYMI
🔴 Meta launches new tools for Creators to build businesses on Facebook and Instagram [Meta Blog]
🔴 Instagram outlines how to use Live Producer to go live in videos [Instagram Blog]
🔴 YouTube announces November Creators on the Rise [YouTube Blog]
🔴 TikTok faces more calls for a ban from the FCC [CNN]
NEW BLOG POST
"By 2025, nearly 75% of the global population and almost all smartphone users will be frequent AR users."
That's according to Snap’s cofounder and Chief Technology Officer, Bobby Murphy, who delivered a presentation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s EmTech Conference on November 3rd, 2022 about Augmented Reality (AR).
Read His Remarks
CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
Curated For Your Enjoyment
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the news, or what's happening on social media, or climate change, or... ok, I don't need to go on... I've curated a few viral TikTok videos that kept me smiling last week. Watch one, or watch them all! I hope you enjoy 😊
I Want to Smile: Dancing Security Guard
I Want to Be Inspired: Hit the High Notes
I Want Christmas: How to Get The Scent
*Plus, did you know that the Corn Kid has retired? I guess it's hard to compete with school. 🤷♀️
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