This Week in Social Media

News for the Week of June 16

Snapchat Content Now More Discoverable

Snapchat is bringing updates to users and making its content more discoverable by revamping its Stories and Discover pages.  The Snapchat Discover page will now feature a grid-style format, much like Pinterest, as well as headline previews which will allow users to quickly discover new and exciting content.  The Stories page now combines two rows of Discover channels and Live Stories into a single row of non-friend content that is scrollable, making it easier for users to determine which Stories they are interested in watching.  An additional feature is the tap-and-hold feature, which will allow them to subscribe to their favorite Discover channels, rather than having to search for them.  Dealerships, don’t overlook the usefulness of Snapchat in your social media planning.  With 10 billion daily video views, there’s plenty of room for you to get creative and deliver brand stories that will help you connect with today’s consumers.

Facebook Video Comments

Facebook users worldwide can now add video to their comments.  Available immediately and supported by desktop, Android, and iOS, users can upload videos as replies to posts by people and pages, and even within groups and events.  This encourages an even greater level of engagement and interaction between users and allows for more creativity in conversations.  Dealerships, consider video replies when consumers pose questions or leave feedback for you.  You can leave a personalized, detailed response simply by clicking the camera icon next to the comment field.

Facebook Supports 360 Photos On News Feed

Facebook users can now share 360 photos on their new feeds simply by taking phone panoramas to capture 360-degree photos and then posting as they would any other photo.  Facebook will do the rest by converting the photo to an immersive 360 photo users can explore and experience—similar to viewing Facebook 360 videos.  To identify 360 photos in the Facebook News Feed, simply look for the compass icon on the right-hand side of the photo.  Dealerships, keep exploring the latest advancements and tools available to you, especially when it comes to social media and visual capabilities.  Your consumers will be more likely to interact and get involved with your brand when you’re able to deliver relevant content that leverages the latest technology.

Instagram Adds Easy Share for iOS

The Instagram 8.2 update offers a welcome enhancement for users, allowing them to post directly to the app from Photos or other iOS apps.  Users are now able to select an image or video and simply use the share menu to post directly to Instagram—and captioning is also available—all without having to open the Instagram app.  Users will still have to open the app to user filters or tag others, however.  In order to access this latest feature, users will need to download the latest version of Instagram.  Add pics to Instagram and keep your consumers updated on what’s going on at your dealership.  With 400 million monthly active users, there’s a high likelihood you’ll reach plenty of people when you post content that interests and involves your consumers.

Hello, Twitter Insiders

Twitter recently introduced Twitter Insiders, a network of over 12,000 Twitter users who participate in research studies.  Intended to present a solution for more well-rounded and streamlined consumer research, this program is made of consumers who participate in anonymous panels across the U.S. and U.K.  Twitter Insiders partners are able to test market ideas and get consumer feedback, allowing them to update campaigns based on valuable and quick insights.  Dealerships, it’s important to get to know your audience—even before you start interacting with them via social media.  When you know who your consumers are, know their likes and preferences, and take the time to understand their needs in the marketplace, you’ll be better equipped to offer the right solutions for them.

Now Easier to Embed Twitter Timelines

Twitter just made it easier for users to embed timelines for any web app.  Now with factory functions, Twitter makes it possible to embed one timeline or numerous timelines, and users can take advantage of the new oEmbed API to help them integrate timelines directly into their CMS.  To customize their own embedded timelines, users can go directly to publish.twitter.com to get the code needed to copy and paste into their sites.  Not only is it essential to have a functional, up-to-date website, but it’s also wise to embed your social feeds and keep consumers connected to what you’re doing online.  Dealerships, it’s easier than ever to embed your Twitter feed, engage consumers, and let them know how you’re interacting with online followers.

Tip of the Week – Use Images Creatively to Capture Audience Attention

By now, you’ve heard a lot about images and video and how well they resonate with your consumers.  That’s because today’s shoppers are busy.  They are on the move, accustomed to things happening quickly, and attracted by quick, easy-to-digest content.

But now that more people are figuring that out, how can you stand out from the crowd?  How can your dealership use images in a creative way to both earn brand recognition and bring followers onto your lot?

Check out a few quick tips that will give you an edge when you’re working to create captivating visuals:

• Consider an infographic. Infographics are a fun way to convey a lot of information in combination with visuals that keep readers interested in your content.  There are plenty of sites, like com, that will make creating the perfect infographic quick and simple.

• Make a GIF. While you may not want to use them all the time, for your more casual posts, GIFs can be a great way to capture attention.  Apps like com will help you along the way, and before you know it, you’ll be posting your very own animated image files.

• Use a quote. Some of the most popular posts on social media are quotes, and the automotive industry has some inspiring stand-outs of its own.  Consider Henry Ford’s fun, “Auto racing began 5 minutes after the second car was built.”  Turn it into a great visual by visiting a site like com and voila, you’ve got a great post to engage your consumers.

• Make a collage. Instead of a single photo, consider combining several of your best shots into one eye-catching design.  It’s quick and easy with sites likecom, and since your consumers are accustomed to seeing multiple pics and collages on sites like Instagram, you’ll likely catch their eye with your creativity.

• Create a storyboard. You’ll need to use your creativity for this one, but consumers will gravitate toward something you can explain to them in an easy step-by-step format, especially if you use visuals.  Consider making it light-hearted or simplifying a difficult topic, for example: The New Car Buyers’ Guide to Maintenance.  Then create a visual storyboard of maintenance milestones to help customers remember important times they need to visit the dealership.  Check out sites like com to get help and great ideas.

• Make a meme. Memes are big on social right now, and net can help you create your own in no time.  Take your own dealership pics and top them off with clever—yet tasteful—captions.  You’ll capture consumer attention and garner online interaction.

When you’re working with visuals, there are plenty of easy add-ons you can utilize to quickly capture attention.  Add a filter or a caption, position pics for side-by-side comparisons (great for automotive!), or just snap unique or candid moments in your dealership.  Whatever you decide, be sure to be a consistent online social presence, and your followers will learn to look to you for enjoyable, relevant content.