December 19, 2012

Why Updates to Facebook App 'Nearby' Tab Are So Important For Businesses

December 19, 2012/ Andrew Macarthy

Facebook has rolled out changes to the 'Nearby' tab on its mobile app, giving local businesses an even better chance of being discouvered by users on the move. There are over 600 million Facebook mobile users, so this change is particularly significant for bricks and mortar establishments.

Until now, the Nearby tab showed only where their Facebook friends had checked in. Now, in addition to that, users can see which businesses are nearby, ranked primarly by the recommendations of friends according to star ratings, check-ins, and Likes. If none of a users' friends have left their mark, then the ranking data will be pulled from non-friends who have engaged with that place.

Facebook mobile users can also now search for places by category - such as restaurants, coffee, nightlife, outdoors, arts, hotels, and shopping. Once they've found a suitable business, users can Like, chec-in, call, or get directions straight from the Nearby tab of the app. They'll also be able to share recommendations with their friends and the wider Facebook community - but only if they have legitimately checked in.

This update to the Facebook app for iPhone and Android makes it more important than ever for businesses to make sure they have a Facebook Page, and that the information on that page - address, store hours, contact details, etc. are all accurate. In addition, getting users to engage with your business on the app now has greater meaning, so encourage customers to check-in, like, and engage to help boost your rankings within the app.

December 12, 2012

Christmas Explained With Social Media [INFOGRAPHIC]

December 12, 2012/ Andrew Macarthy

For a bit of fun during the holiday season, and in the style of similar infographics that have popped up this year, here's Christmas Explained With Social Media. Please like, share, and pin to let your friends see!

Christmas Explained With Social Media [INFOGRAPHIC]

December 12, 2012

How to Edit Twitter Photos With Filters | Use Instagram Filters Tutorial

December 12, 2012/ Andrew Macarthy

In December 2012, Twitter hotted up its spat with Instagram by introducing its own set of photo filters right into its mobile apps. Once you've downloaded the update, using the filters is really simple. Let's take a look:

Step 1: Take or Choose A Photo

In the Twitter app, tap the quill icon to begin tweeting and then tap the camera icon to take a new photo or choose from an existing one.

Step 2: Auto Correct

Tapping the magic wand icon will make the app auto-correct the photo for you. Tapping again will remove the effect if you don't like what you see.

Step 3: Add Filters

Tap the icon of the three interconnected circles to launch the app's new photo filters and tap to choose which one you want to apply. Alternatively, swipe your finger across the screen from left to right to preview the filters one by one. Tap 'Done' when you're happy.

Step 4: Scale and Crop

Tap the final icon of the right-angled rulers to open the option to scale and crop your photo. Zoom in and out by pinching your fingers, and adjust the framing by tapping and dragging the photo around. Tap 'Apply' when you're happy.

Step 5: Publish

Twitter will compress your newly-edited image and attach it to your tweet. Type out your tweet as normal and click 'Tweet' to publish it to your feed.

Will you be using Twitter's new filters instead of Instagram? Let me know in the comments below!

Andrew Macarthy is author of 500 Social Media Marketing Tips, the #1 Amazon Kindle Bestseller:

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Social Media Tips, Social Media Marketing Tutorials | Andrew Macarthy