40 useful things you can share on Twitter besides blog posts

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I was never good at 'pass the parcel' when I was a kid. I blame it mainly on being over zealous. That and my unhealthy competitiveness - always had to win (which didn't always make me the best birthday party guest!)

Twitter reminds me of pass the parcel a bit - RSS readers are ripped open first thing in the morning and then the shiniest blog posts get circulated and shared...like a good prize should I suppose.

But shiny doesn't always equal useful. In fact, I'd argue that the more unusual and varied your stream is, the better - both for you and your followers.

Making variety a pillar of your approach, coupled with the recognition that time is a finite resource, definitely means there is a place for short and sweet too (and how many blog posts can you really read in one day anyway?!?!?)

So, I had a bit of a think and compiled a list of things to consider sharing more often...here goes...

40 useful things you can share on Twitter besides blog posts

1. Flag up a hashtag you are following for the day and why (or list a few that you think are worth a look)
2. Discovered a new app / tool that's useful? Provide a brief description and share the direct link i.e. MyTweeple.com is a great follower manager tool
3. A link to a Wikipedia entry from your niche can be very useful - especially if its been updated
4. Link to someone's Twitter favourites - they are usually full of hidden treasures both for you and your followers
5. Spotted a glitch or alteration to a platform you're using? Let people know what it is and how to address it
6. A specific conversation / thread might be going on - highlight it and link to it (actually share conversations)
7. Some great discussion might be being made around a Facebook post - highlight it and link
8. A link to a transcript from a Twitter chat - these usually packed full of useful insights and maybe highlight one key point
9. Been given some invites to a new edition of a platform? Share those around i.e. the new Digg.com
10. A link to a poll taking place that might stimulate some thought / encourage interaction
11. Simply introduce two people that you think might hit it off - "@TomA meet @TomB, you guys have loads in common..."
12. A link featuring a special offer or product that might be of interest / add value to your community
13. A link to a YouTube video of interest to your niche
14. A link to an example of a good 'terms of use' page on a blog you've visited (or similar)
15. A link to a directory of blogs from your niche (or a great blogroll) is a nice share
16. A link to a Twitter list you think is worth following and why or one from tweepml
17. A link to a news aggregator and a brief explanation as to why it is useful
18. Spotted a Flickr gallery / group being used in an interesting way? That's worth a share
19. A link to a place / directory where your followers blogs can be featured - adding great vale to them
20. Interesting Twitter accounts are always worth sharing i.e. @CleverAccounts
21. Flag up an event that's coming up and possibly of interest to your community - link to the details
22. A link to something light - @jeffespo does it beautifully with his 'cartoon to start the day' tweets
23. Spotted a contentious issue developing? Create your own poll and encourage people to vote
24. If you've discovered an interesting special on Foursquare - share it via Twitter
25. Pull an interesting quote / stat out of a news item and feature that (as opposed to the prescribed headline and piece)
26. Link directly to an interesting presentation on Slideshare.net
27. Specific pages on blogs / sites can sometimes reveal more than the the daily live content - share interesting examples of those i.e. an about page or privacy page
28. Google Chrome extensions always make life easier - started using a good one? Share it
29. Explain why someone should follow a particular blog / author, as opposed to just just linking to individual posts with no context
30. If you're heading to an event, share the #hashtag and link to that event before / during / after
31. Sometimes a link to a robust and engaged Facebook community page is worth sharing 
32. A link to a good example online customer service i.e. Twitter complaint response 
33. Go back in time -great timeless content is always worth a share - even if it has a 2007 date on it, share it
34. Use TwitPic differently - take and share shots of use / value, not (just) pics of the beach while you are on holidays
35. Have you just joined a new community? Let people know where they can find you with a link / user name tweet
36. Use TweeShot to share a screen grab of interest (especially controversial tweets that might be deleted)
37. Link directly to a relevant podcast
38. Sometimes really basic but useful websites are launched - like this one - link to 'em
39. Figured out a short cut / easy way of doing something.  Flag. it. up.
40. Over to you...

I wrote this post for a selfish reason too - I'd love to know what other people share besides blog posts.

Can you recommend any other things that people find useful on Twitter?

Being useful opens the door to engagement for both individuals and organisations...let's brainstorm!

Adam

The Ultimate YouTube Treasure Chest for Marketers

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A couple weeks back I made a personal pledge to get a better understanding of all the social media channels and tools we have at our disposal - and spend less time on my two 'favourite' platforms (blogs and Twitter) - firmly of the belief that the more I can cram into my head the better (I think!)

So, I've spent a few days trying to get a little further under skin of YouTube, and I've pulled out some tools, tips, resources and examples of YouTube goodness.

I plan to add to this pot as time goes on, but in the meantime I thought it was worth sharing what I found to be particularly useful so far.

YouTube Goodness - 'Brand' New

Some of these finds are brand new to me but others are just useful for those who work with brands on a daily basis. Enough of the suspense, let's get to it...

1. You Tube Show and Tell 

This was only set up a few months ago and is billed as the 'home of creative marketing examples on YouTube'.

It may be a bit light in some sections, but the bank of goodies such as 'viral hits' and 'brand channel examples' are really useful, especially during the planning stages of a campaign.

Major benefit: Creatives corner - a series of videos giving you advice on getting the most out of YouTube content

2. Infinitube

This is clever, useful, and addictive.

Infinitube allows you to select a key word / topic, and it will then respond with playing related videos on an automatic loop.

Major benefit: Doing some research about a brand / person, let this run for 45 minutes or so and you'll have covered a good portion of what you need to know.

YouTube's Quick List function is similar and is worth keeping on file too.

3. Tubereplay

Imagine you are at a conference and you have a great case study video you'd like to feature on loop during the time your guests are present?

This is the answer. Chuck the URL into the bar and let it do the rest.

Major benefit: Access to YouTube content that you want to use to make an impact

4. SynchTube

This is cool...and I must use it soon!

As they describe it: "synchtube allows you to create public and private rooms where you can watch synchronzied YouTube videos with up to 50 people. Everyone views the same video at the exact same time!

Major benefit: A solution to getting people 'together' to pass feedback on video content

5. One click search from Google Chrome

I love Google Chrome extentions - so nifty.

This one is a good 'un for when you are madly researching or looking for something - instead of popping out of the window you are working in, just search for a video direct via extension icon. Simples.

Major benefit: Time, time and, erm, umm, time.

6. The YouTube Blog

If you are spending more time in the video space, this blog isn't a bad one to subscribe to - also worth following them on Twitter too.

Major benefit: YouTube changes more than I do before a dinner party, so this is a good place to keep on top of new development and initiatives.

7. Converting YouTube videos to other formats with Any Video Converter

I love this for so many reasons.

It's free and it can turn any format video into desired output you like - and it is dead easy to use.

Major benefit: YouTube is home to every clip on the planet, this tool will allow you to grab the ones you want and re-package up as you see fit.

8. TubeChop

Ever wanted maybe 20 seconds of a four minute clip on YouTube?

This is the solution for you - go in there, grab it, and pass it in.

Major benefit: Just say a news report features your client / brand for only a small portion of a report, you can get just the bit you need. Nice.

9. TestTube from YouTube

The idea behind this makes a lot of sense. It is where YouTube developers and engineers test stuff out, but in a pretty open environment, allowing you to get a look in.

Things like 'comment search' and 'insights for audiences' could come in very handy.

Major benefit: Gives you a chance to be one step ahead of your clients, adding valuable insight where appropriate.

10. Channel Search

It can sometimes be a little tough navigating the YouTube interface, making some sections almost impossible to find.

I'm especially interested in how brand channels are evolving and these two links are great for this:

YouTube's most subscribed channels

YouTube's sposnor channels

11. CitzenTube

This is a video feed of the latest news with footage provided by Joe Public.

Major benefit: If you have some footage that is newsworthy, you might get it featured there.

12. YouTube Sidebar Widget

This can come in handy for bloggers to people managing corporate websites.

This will help created a customized Videobar for your site, in any shape or format you desire.

Major benefit: Trying to promote your YouTube channel? Feature one of these across your digital portfolio for extra awareness.

13. Creating a branded YouTube channel

I found a couple of great resources in relation to branding up a YouTube channel.

One direct from Google (guide to branding a channel) and one from One Woman Marketing (branded YouTube channels).

Major benefit: Both are very useful and worth referring to when you need to go through the design / set up process.

14. Top of the YouTube pops

YouTube have just announced that they'll feature charts to highlight the most watched / popular videos.

Here are two resources that are always worth checking in on:

Top 100 most subscribed UK YouTubers

Top 10 YouTube videos of all time (via RRW) 

Major benefit: Check out the most subscribed list to get an idea of why people subscribe to certain YouTubers over others.

15. Top examples of branded YouTube channels

I always find it tough compiling best practice examples of YouTube branded channels because they can be hard to a) search for and b) whether or not they deliver on their promise / purpose

In any event, here are five that I think each have something to offer:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Tango

http://www.youtube.com/user/homedepot (good example of content fit vs brand)

http://www.youtube.com/user/thelynxeffect

http://www.youtube.com/user/DriveTheATeamVan - (test the 'drive the van option')

http://www.youtube.com/user/hbo (great use of scrolling menu)

So there you have it - some YouTube intel.

Do you have any other YouTube tricks, tools and tips to share?

If so, lay 'em on us via the comments section below.

Adam
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Note: I spent most of my time scrawling through Google and YouTube pulling this post together but also wanted to make special note of a couple of posts:

http://www.guidingtech.com/1643/youtube-guide/

http://stedavies.com/2008/03/list-of-youtube-brand-channels/

They were very handy in pulling this together.

Choosing the right name for your blog aka child's play

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Blog names are a bit like tattoos - once you've been inked (or bought that URL) you are together for life.

And, what might seem like the perfect concept at the time of creation, can feel like the complete opposite 12 months down the line.

So what's the solution then? How can you ensure you make the right decision?

I've been doing some research and have come back with approach you may want to consider...

Blog naming rights aka child's play

Before I unleash my theory, I thought it was worth getting a steer from some other sources to begin with - you know, a measuring stick.

DailyBlogTips.com suggests three rules for choosing a blog name:

1. It must describe your blog
2. It must be easy to remember
3. It must be equal with the domain name

Chris Garrett has also listed some good criteria when developing a catchy blog name, including some advice about possible future directions.

I took these posts, and many others into account, and then I stumbled on a post called Top Tips for Choosing Baby Names - and this is where it all began to crystallize.

We spend WAY too much time pontificating and providing advice when really, common sense rules the roost.

To be sure, let's test this theory...

Top tips for choosing a baby, erm, umm, blog name

1. Does the name fit with the baby?

An important tip - the last thing you want to do is give your blog a name that doesn't sit alongside its personality or purpose. It is for this very reason I didn't call my blog The Cat Corner. Meow!

2. Is the name difficult to pronounce? If so, consider how frustrated its parents might get by constant mispronunciation.

It could be argued that blogs are like babies - you bring them into the world, nurture them and introduce them to people you care about. So, it makes complete sense to choose a name that can be easily communicated or you may find yourself changing its name by deed poll, or even worse, using a URL that ends in .cc or .info.

3. Is the name difficult to spell? When your child starts going to school will he / she by hindered by your choice?

Although you can make money with mispelled names on Google, its not a decision I'd take lightly. It would also be a shame if you produced all this great content but a similar sounding URL was found before yours because you got too fancy. Keep it simple, or be made fun of...or even worse, be impossible to find.

4. Is the name very common? Do you mind that your child may be one of several children in his / her class or street with the same name?

The flip side to not being too clever is being too common - its the naming equivalent of turning up to a party in the same frock. Some of the most common words used in blog names have been compiled by Elliott C. Back - you may want to steer clear of these.

5. Would you still like the name when your child is not such a teeny tiny baby any more?

This is hard isn't it. You'll throw a bunch of names around and be convinced that you've found the 'one'.Annoyingly, flash-in-the-pan names are often just that, and something like Social Media Magician is tough to live up to.

6. Consider your other children's names

Yes, this is big. You may have other blogs. You may use specific handles throughout the rest of your social media portfolio. Does the name sit alongside the others? Is it different enough, yet could it feasibly be part of the family? 

7. Watch out for names that can be shortened or have a hidden joke

Imagine choosing a name or tag line like: Communications. Relationships. Answers. People. It says what you are about, clearly, but can easily be shortened to C.R.A.P. Not the ideal positioning for your blog...or child for that matter.

I hope I haven't made too much light of this very important process.

If anything, I think this brings a very important element of communications to life: balance.

Seeking advice is great, but often the answer is characterised by common sense.

In any event, choose your blog name wisely...you need to be able to live with it for life...or until Google pushes it back down its search results.

Adam

UK bank takes fraud protection to a new 'handmade' level

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Bank rant? No. Bank high five? Yes.

I lost my debit card last week (not big news, I tend to lose one every 6 weeks or so).

So, I followed the normal process, cancelled it and ordered a new one.

They say it takes 4-5 working days to deliver a new one.

I woke up Saturday morning (day five) praying that my card was in my mail box, I opened it up and there, to my disappointment, was just one letter. It had a hand written address label. My heart sunk. No cash for me this weekend then eh?

Agony to ecstasy to amazement...

I walked back up the stairs, feeling a bit miffed with my bank that I would be left stranded until Monday.

In a huff, I opened the letter that was delivered and my jaw dropped (OK, I'm exaggerating, but I was massively impressed), and here's why...



So, within the handwritten letter was this note and the original formal bank letter with my card enclosed - how very clever.

I won't show you the outer letter, there's nothing that special about it (and it has my address on it!) but its 'normalness' is what is so great about this.

What can other brands learn from this?

We all talk about wanting to put the customer first.

We all say we want to do things to in a bespoke manner.

But do we do it?

(Note: there is the argument here that banks have even more of a reason to invest in fraud protection because of the cost associated with it. In effect, they are not taking all this care in delivering my card for my protection, but rather for their own. You make your own mind up.)

No matter the motivation, this is a great example of customer service evolving and adjusting to the environment we now live in.

Often as communicators, we are given the challenge to amplify the customer service efforts of brands.

But, how often do we develop physical solutions?

How often do we create products that have an inherent story in them?

How often are we really given the chance?

Where are we really at?

The onset of social media has had several impacts but one is becoming increasingly apparent...well for me anyway.

The 'story' is still, in some cases, being created after the event - not during the embryonic phase.

When the story is an afterthought, there isn't a whole lot you can do with it, no matter how proficient you are as a communicator.

This view isn't anything entirely new.

My (long-winded) point is that I don't think we are are any closer to working in an integrated manner yet and even though we know the IDEA is what makes or breaks things, we're still not creating that many great ones.

The revolution is...erm...

Social media was earmarked as the evolution that would break the walls down, but perhaps it has created even more?

So, while I love this example of my bank taking things up a notch, I don't think it is an example of a revolution.

It's a one off...but a pretty damn good one.

• Have you spotted any other examples of brand activity that you are impressed with?
• Will we see more solutions like this?
• Who will instigate them? 
• And, are you making note of the brand lessons going on around you everyday?

I'd love you to share your thoughts.

Adam

What the launch of Facebook Places really means...

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Facebook showed us two things last night with the launch of Facebook Places:

1. They are attempting to get as slick as Apple or Google when it comes to new product / service launches

2. Most importantly, they are aiming to make geo-location part of the mainstream (and, I personally think they will)

I don't want to go on about the Apple-like launch anatomy too much, but its worth taking a peek at some of the key characteristics:



Apples and Faces...

• Over-extended 'build up to announcement' buzz - we all knew what was being announced yesterday so Facebook used a tactic we are seeing more and more of which is to exploit the 'conjecture' window, as once something is official, it loses a great deal of momentum
• Top drawer production - OK, the video explaining Facebook Places is a bit cheesy (view here) but the quality of production is obvious, giving it an incredibly premium feel

Geo-location going mainstream

Again, a lot of opinion will be put forth about Facebook Places over the next few days, but I think the simple take-outs are:

• A previously disengaged group - Facebook users - will be tempted to try out location-based services (it is too easy for them not to)
• It will help services like Foursquare hugely - education is often the biggest challenge for new platforms, and now Facebook will provide a free education to potentially 500 million people, who are likely to want to go a step further and try out the native version(s)
• The 'Foursquare will die' predictions will ring loudly for a while - Facebook (and Google) have tried on several occasions to broaden their service offering to varying degrees of success. I wouldn't automatically assume Facebook will boss this area, in fact, I really think Facebook will struggle (for a while) to be an all encompassing platform...but one day maybe...

Update:

Privacy concerns will be a major talking point too - personally I think this issue will be the one that runs in mainstream media but not the real issue for marketers - people will adjust, they always do

There are hundreds of other talking points but I think we should keep the take-outs from this development as tight as we can.

More people will try geo-location technology, some may actually grow to see the usefulness of it, but let's not waste to much time pontificating - what will be, will be.

Adam