Mediaboss Marketing

Allowing us to express our thoughts and share our experiences with the world, social media has become vital in our daily lives. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, all offered something unique at the time of their inception and have since become people's mainstream choice for interacting with the online world.

Despite the staggering user counts that these social media giants hold, new ventures that quickly turned into successes are proof that there is always room for something new and different.

From a platform curated for creative individuals, to an audio-based network, here are some of the most unique social media apps you can use for a refreshingly different experience.

Among the various effects of social media on adolescents, the biggest ramification of these platforms has to be the overuse and dependency on filters. BeReal counters this by promoting a more realistic approach to sharing pictures on the internet.

Every day at random, BeReal sends out a notification prompting its users to take a photo and upload it within the timeframe of two minutes. There are no filters that you can access, and the app captures pictures from your front and back cameras simultaneously. You can retake a BeReal as many times as you wish, but you do need to publish it to check out what your friends have posted for the day.

The uncertainty of when you get to post a photo paired with a filter-less approach to sharing your life is what makes BeReal one of the more peculiar social media apps out right now.

Launched during the peak of the pandemic in 2020, at a time when most people were locked indoors and bored to tears, Clubhouse almost reinvented social media. And by reinvent, we mean going back to the roots of communication and once again popularizing audio-only conversations.

Clubhouse features several live discussions on various topics that you can join and participate in. You can create your own rooms, invite your friends or just share the link with the masses and enjoy a conversation with strangers.

Clubhouse ended up being so popular that in a matter of weeks, the more mainstream social media platforms followed suit. In fact, if you find yourself using Twitter a lot, you can join Twitter Spaces and enjoy a similar experience to that of Clubhouse.

Polywork isn't your usual happy-go-lucky social media platform where you find cat photos or selfies, and instead is geared towards working professionals looking to interact and collaborate with others in a similar domain.

When you first sign up for an account, Polywork will prompt you to choose a few communities that you can later interact in. Like most other social platforms, you can post, comment, like, and follow other people.

Polywork is still a very sparsely populated networking site but one that has a lot of potential if used correctly. You can think of it as a slightly more community-oriented version of LinkedIn.

It might seem a bit far-fetched to label Discord as a social media app, but the inclusion of community-focused features recently has made it a viable option for those looking to discover communities and make new friends.

Apart from video and voice calling, texting, and creating stickers, you can add apps to your Discord server to automate almost every action.

You can join and interact with people using the public server browser on Discord. Featured communities usually are a great way to explore new games, hobbies, and now even AI tools.

You've probably heard your favorite YouTuber promoting their Patreon in their videos. For the uninitiated, Patreon is a community where creators can upload content in the form of photos, videos, and other exclusive rewards. These goodies can then be accessed by fans who pay for a monthly subscription.

There are different tiers at which creators can choose to place different amounts of content for their patrons to access. One of the biggest reasons why Patreon is such a striving platform for creators is because the company only takes about a 5 percent commission on transactions, reserving most of the revenue for the creators.

Reddit is the website on the internet. Are you interested in cats? Or perhaps you enjoy watching kids fall overthere's a place for everything on Reddit.

The website is divided into thousands of smaller communities that are aptly called subreddits. These communities are jam-packed with all kinds of users, be they experts on the topic, or those who are just scratching the surface.

There is a very effective upvote and downvote system on the website which essentially declares which posts end up on the front page of Reddit. Users also get Reddit karma based on how people react to their posts and comments. You can create posts with photos, videos, GIFs, or just text.

Many argue that due to its vastness, Reddit is the best social media platform you could be using, and we tend to agree with that.

Another instance of a platform blowing up due to the effects of the pandemic is Letterboxd. It is essentially a huge community built for cinephiles who love watching and reviewing movies.

You can keep track of every recent movie you've watched, create a watch list, and discover similar movies based on your watch history. A great way to find new recommendations is by reading reviews left by other users.

Apart from reviewing movies and star rating them, you can create movie lists and diary entries on Letterboxd. Lists are a great way to sort a similar set of movies you've watched, and diary entries can be fun looking back on as memories.

Ello is a platform dedicated to creative individuals, more specifically, artists. You can share your work in a community full of artists, but using Ello gets you more than just likes and followers.

The Creative Briefs section on the platform allows users to connect with major brands through briefs that are regularly posted. If the brand ends up liking your submission, you may be chosen to work on a project directly with the agency.

The Arts Editorial and Underscore campaigns are a great way for community art to gain widespread recognition. If utilized properly, Ello can help artists crack brand deals and make posting to social media worthwhile.

Most mainstream social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter seem to be incorporating the same set of features that keeps narrowing the differentiating factors between them.

No matter what social media platform you incline the most towards, there is a plethora of ways to distinctively craft and consume content. Fortunately, certain social media apps truly do offer unique features, and it is up to us internet beings to explore these new platforms.

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8 Unique Social Media Platforms That Offer Something Different - MUO - MakeUseOf

19

April

2023

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16:27 PM

America/Chicago

On Thursday, May 18, the City of Houston Business Opportunity Office and Mayor Sylvester Turner or his representative will host an International Business Summit at the Marilyn Davies College of Business (MDCOB).

MBA International Business students at MDCOB are invited to join the summit, which will bring the world of international business to your doorstep and expand your opportunities for networking on a global scale, according to Dr. Carlos Gooden, Executive Director, Graduate Business Programs at MDCOB.

The summit convenes international business leaders and dignitaries in an effort to enhance the awareness of international trade and commerce opportunities for the Houston small-business community. This year, Business Beyond Borders consists of panelists and keynotes who will share information about how entrepreneurs can make valuable contacts to successfully export their products/services, as well how to use technology and news media/social media to do business in Caribbean countries.

Were anticipating an engaged audience of 150 small business owners as well as a mix of other international and local government officials and chambers of commerce at the event, said Gooden. Through a combination of panels and B2B workshops, participants will learn how to make valuable contacts to successfully export products/services, as well as how to use technology and media/social media to do business in Caribbean countries.

All sessions will take place on the first floor of MDCOB, and the event will be livestreamed.

RSVP online and mark your calendarmore details and a full agenda will be coming soon!

About the University of Houston-Downtown

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nations fourth-largest city since 1974.As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates more than 15,000 students, boasts more than 64,000 alumni, and offers 46 bachelors degrees, 11 masters degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities & Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences & Technology.For the fourth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report ranks UHD among universities across the nation for Best Online Criminal Justice Programs(No. 27and No.15 for Veterans) and Best Online Bachelors Programs.UHD has the most affordable tuition among four-year universities in Houston and one of the lowest in Texas. U.S. Newsranked the University amongTop Performers on Social Mobilityand awarded UHD aNo. 1 rankingas the most diverse institution of higher education in the southern region of the U.S.The Universityis noted nationally as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Minority-Serving Institution, and Military Friendly School. For more on the University of Houston-Downtown, visitwww.uhd.edu.

The rest is here:
Save the Date: Business Beyond Borders Summit May 18 - UHD News

Social media optimization (SMO) refers to the strategic use of social media networks to manage and improve an organizations online presence and messaging. With the increasing popularity of social media platforms, businesses and organizations are recognizing the importance of leveraging these channels to reach their target audience and build their brand.

SMO involves a range of tactics and techniques aimed at maximizing the visibility and impact of a companys social media presence. This includes optimizing social media profiles, creating and sharing engaging content, building relationships with followers and influencers, and monitoring and analyzing social media metrics to track performance and identify areas for improvement.

One of the key benefits of SMO is that it can help businesses and organizations to increase their online visibility and reach a wider audience. By optimizing their social media profiles and sharing valuable content, companies can attract more followers and engage with their target audience in a meaningful way. This can lead to increased brand awareness, customer loyalty, and ultimately, sales.

Another important aspect of SMO is building relationships with followers and influencers. By engaging with followers on social media platforms, companies can build trust and establish themselves as thought leaders in their industry. Similarly, by collaborating with influencers who have a large following on social media, businesses can tap into their audience and gain exposure to new potential customers.

To effectively implement SMO strategies, it is important to have a clear understanding of the target audience and the social media platforms they use. Different platforms have different audiences and require different approaches to content creation and engagement. For example, LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that is best suited for B2B marketing, while Instagram is popular among younger audiences and is ideal for visual content such as photos and videos.

In addition to creating and sharing engaging content, SMO also involves monitoring and analyzing social media metrics to track performance and identify areas for improvement. This includes tracking metrics such as engagement rates, follower growth, click-through rates, and conversions. By analyzing these metrics, businesses can gain insights into what is working and what is not, and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Overall, SMO is an essential component of any modern marketing strategy. By leveraging the power of social media platforms, businesses can reach their target audience, build their brand, and drive sales. With the right approach and a commitment to ongoing optimization and improvement, SMO can help businesses to stay ahead of the competition and achieve their marketing goals.

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Importance of Social Media Optimization (SMO) - GVS United ... - Global Village space

Story Links JERSEY CITY, N.J. Ron Baines, New Jersey City University athletics' Assistant Director of Career Engagement and Program Development, has been selected to attend the prestigious 10th annual NCAA Division III Institute for Administrative Advancement, which will take place in Orlando, Fla., from June 10-11, in conjunction with the annual National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) convention. Additionally, NJCU's Director of Athletic Communications, Digital and Creative Content, Alex Falk, has been selected as a grant recipient for the 2023 College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) Unite convention, which will take place simultaneously in Orlando from June 11-14, also in conjunction with NACDA.

"Alex Falk and Ron Baines are incredibly deserving of the recognition they've received from CSC/NACDA and the NCAA, respectively," said Robert Cole, NJCU's Interim Director of Athletics."It is wonderful to see professional organizations value the same traits and characteristics they show us on an everyday basis. We are extremely excited about their continued professional growth and future contributions to NJCU and its students."

Baines, who is in his second season with the Gothic Knights' department of athletics, will take part in programmingover his two days of attendance designed to engage and empower current and aspiring athletic administrators. The Institute for Administrative Advancement is also intended to help its cohorts gain professional development opportunities with the goal of assisting in career advancement. With NJCU, Baines currently serves in a primary role with the Gothic Knights' student success department, the Rising Knight Institute. Additionally, he assists student-athletes with professional development, networking and enrichment programming, as well as undergraduate and post-graduate career opportunities.

Falk, who joined Jersey City's department during the 2020-21 season, serves as two separate CSC national committees the prestigious Academic All-America committee, as well as the New Media committee, on which he serves as Vice Chair. At 2023 CSC Unite, he will assist in portions of the conventions operations with various on-site duties as well as have the opportunity to network with his counterparts from other intercollegiate departments from around the country, as well as across all three divisions, as well as NAIA and NJCAA. Falk's role at NJCU consists of the day-to-day athletic communications operations, game staffing, content creation for NJCUGothicKnights.com, as well as all primary social media accounts, statistical operations and more.

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Baines Selected to Attend NCAA DIII Institute for Administrative ... - NJCU Athletics

Francis Muiruri, a 31-year-old Kenyan farmer, has found a new income stream on social media: selling information. As a digital consultant, he advises other farmers on successful service delivery on the farm.

"I have been practising pig farming for 10 years and poultry farming for close to three years. I engage with current and potential farmers on Facebook and YouTube, and about three months ago, I joined Tik Tok. I have got a lot of exposure there," he said.

Despite living with disability, the Thika-based, mixed-crop farmer appreciates the platform's role in commercialising his farming business.

For him, social media is a platform where he gives but also takes.

"I research information on social media and integrate it with my farming experience," he said.

"I also use the site to sell chicken cages, egg laying birds, quality feeds, help other farmers in warehouse development and search for markets for some of my clients."

According to the World Bank, farming employs more than 60 per cent of Africa's population. It is one of the greatest beneficiaries of the thriving digital space in the continent.

Social media in Africa is quickly becoming young farmers' favourite networking space. A quick search on various social media reveals farmers' heavy reliance on the platforms.

In Ghana, farming groups, such as the Ghana Farmers Association, have almost 70,000 followers on Facebook. Pages on catfish, rabbit and pig farming also have an immense following on this platform.

Besides Facebook, Tik Tok has also attracted significant numbers of farmers from across the continent interested in farming content.

Mpumezo Ndima of South Africa describes himself on the platform as a wholesome farmer, agriculturalist and consultant.

With over 7,000 followers on the platform, he discusses ideal farming practices, including community-based agriculture and mechanised farming.

Besides using diverse platforms to deliver fresh products straight to consumers' doorsteps, farmers across Africa use social media to share information, improve techniques and stay up-to-date on market prices.

'Poultry Farming in Nigeria' (@rostalresourcesltd) uses Instagram to showcase chicks of different ages and their respective prices to clients and potential markets.

Besides the standard interactive capabilities offered by social media platforms, an assessment of YouTube reveals an even more robust industry.

Harmony Mazai, a Zimbabwe-based YouTuber, alias "Mr Zim", showcases how he converted his ancestral village land into a multi-million farming business in one of the videos.

The thriving farmer takes his more than 16,000 subscribers on a step-by-step daily experience at the farm, highlighting the importance of each activity he partakes in.

As Muiruri says, "The greatest benefit with using social media in farming is that people experience the journey to success with you.

"When they trust you are telling the truth and they can confirm your success story, they become inspired to try out the same approach."

Experts admit social media is a disruptive technology that has positively advanced farming practices in the continent.

Enoch Warinda, executive director at the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa, says the use of social media in farming "needs to be embraced".

And while Anold Derembwe, project manager at Land and Agricultural Bank of South Africa, acknowledges that social media has a critical impact on farming practices, he warns that some information offered could be misleading.

"Some of these farmers do not have the requisite experience and post material that is either half-baked or totally wrong," he said.

Derembwe believes social media consumers, especially those seeking information from the space for farming, should validate information shared through social media.

"Consumers must verify authenticity prior to copying or employing it," he said.

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Farmers reap big from social media - The Star Kenya