New tools, Google search engine algorithm updates, the AMP debates, an intro to Lens… you’ll get those stories and more in this issue of the Stukent monthly digital marketing news wrap-up.
Let’s do it!
1. PINTEREST INTRODUCES LENS
Topic: [highlight type=”dark”]Social Media Marketing[/highlight]
Key Point: Tired of using your own eyes to search for the pins you want to collect? Check out Lens, a mobile app that leverages machine vision to locate objects similar to what Lens sees.
For instance, have you been aching to find out more about bananas? Load up the Lens app and point your mobile device lens towards a banana. Pinterest says you’ll get more “context” and you can “let your eyes do the searching.”
How helpful would that be? You’ll have to try Lens and see. The app is available on both iOS and Android. Here’s an overview by Casey Newton: Lens… Shazam.
[line]2. FACEBOOK SAYS SHORTER VIDEOS GET MORE VIEWS
Topic: [highlight type=”dark”]Online Advertising[/highlight]
Key Point: Responding to questions about using GIFs in ads, Facebook Business says using GIFs is not only possible, it’s a good idea.
GIFs will “play and loop in the same way as videos,” and the file size requirements are the same. Find out how to upload GIFs to Facebook, how to boost a post that will contain a GIF, where to find GIFs, and advice on best practices here: Using GIFs in Facebook Ads.
[line]3. GOOGLE POSTMASTER TOOLS
Topic: [highlight type=”dark”]Email Marketing[/highlight]
Key Point: Did you know Google provides a way to get deeper insight about things like spam rate, delivery errors, and what Google thinks of your outgoing email practices in general?
Google Postmaster Tools can help you determine where barriers exist between your mail and the recipient. It’s way worth looking into for businesses using bulk mail for marketing.
Here’s where to find out more: Google Postmaster Tools.
[line]4. GOOGLE SEARCH CONSOLE FOR SEO
Topic: [highlight type=”dark”]SEO | Analytics[/highlight]
Key Point: Many people have Google Analytics accounts, but few get anywhere near maximum utility from the tool. It’s the same for Google Search Console. Many don’t use it at all.
Valerie DeCarlo, writing for SEO Web Consulting says Google Search Console is “the main source of communication between website owners and Google,” and the (free) tool offers benefits you don’t want to miss out on.
From help with structured data markup, to search traffic optimization and security – everyone who manages a website should check in with Google Search Console on a regular basis. It’s like “eating an apple a day.”
Get all six of DiCarlo’s tips here: 6 Ways Google Search Console Can Help Your SEO.
[line]5. FACEBOOK MARKETING PREDICTIONS FOR 2017
Topics: [highlight type=”dark”]Social Media Marketing[/highlight]
Key Point: Will Facebook groups begin allowing paid ads? Will Messenger get an end-to-end sales tool? Is it even possible we’ll see Facebook launch a cable television network this year?
Social Media Examiner asked pro marketers to go out on a limb and predict the developments we’ll see from Facebook in 2017. It’s a fun read, and – who knows – some of it may even come true.
Get the scoop: Facebook in 2017, According to the Pros
[line]6. GOOGLE RELEASES “PEOPLE ALSO ASK”
Topic: [highlight type=”dark”]SEO[/highlight]
Key Point: It appears Google’s “People also ask” is now released from testing. The feature inserts a box below the primary snippet results to help searchers drill deeper into the data.
Search on “What is email marketing” or “What is ROI” to see samples.
Will companies need to pay AdWords to be included in the People also ask answers? Does it present a new ranking possibility? More will be revealed. For now, it’s all speculation.
Here’s that scoop, another score by Search Engine Watch: People Also Ask.
[line]7. FACEBOOK SHOPPABLE FEED ADS
Topic: [highlight type=”dark”]Online Advertising[/highlight]
Key Point: Facebook wants to help retailers sell goods. There’s a caveat, though: not just sell more things anywhere… but sell more right on Facebook.
To further that end, Zuckerberg’s team is “testing product ads that let retailers showcase multi-product imagery within the news feed,” says Marketing Land contributing writer, Laura Collins.
Get a look at the new ad format, and find out more about the trend right here: Social Shopping.
[line]8. AMP PAGES ARE NOW EASIER TO SHARE
Topic: [highlight type=”dark”]SEO[/highlight]
Key Point: Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) are loved by many, but hated by some. One complaint concerns the difficulty of getting to the publisher’s site from an AMP post. That’s been good for Google, but not so good for those losing out on attribution.
In response to the furor, Google installed an anchor button in the AMP header. Clicking it will reveal the publisher’s URL. That move, of course, doesn’t completely quiet the commotion, but it’s a step towards a solution.
Read all about the AMP fiasco here: Google Strengthens AMP.
[line]9. BUILD A PASSIONATE FANBASE WITH REDDIT
Topic: [highlight type=”dark”]Social Media Marketing[/highlight]
Key Point: Is getting active on Reddit really the “guerilla warfare of social media”? AdEspresso says so in their getting started guide to the do’s and don’ts of Reddit.
Find out why the platform is hot, how to get upvotes, all about Karma, and the five steps to get headed in the right direction. To wrap it up, you’ll get a list of mistakes to avoid.
It’s a good and helpful read. Check it out here: Getting Going with Reddit.
[line]10. GOOGLE’S BIGGEST ALGORITHM UPDATES IN 2016
Topic: [highlight type=”dark”]SEO[/highlight]
Key Point: Key Point: Search Engine Watch says last year’s changes may be a helpful indicator of what’s to come in 2017. To that end, SEW rolled out an E2M infographic of updates to the search algorithm in 2016.
The journey began with a core algorithm update on January 8, rolled past Mobile-Friendly 2 on May 12, gave us the Universal Results Shakeup on September 13, and brought the Penguin back on September 23. Along the way, several other suspicious findings drew attention.
Take a stroll down SEO memory lane and ponder what’s coming. Will user intent drive the engine? You decide. Get started here: SEO 2016 Infographic.
[line]Congratulations! You’re all caught up on your digital marketing news and updates for the month! Tweet your excitement!
Have no fear, spring is on the way, and March is the month to see it happen. Thanks for joining us for a look at top stories in the digital marketing realm.
Did we miss something you think we should have covered? Let us know. Are you aware of breaking news we’ll want to share in the next issue? We’re listening!
Go forth and do good!
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