Business Improvement and Social media

As more companies and more industries buy into the benefits of social media and community development, the number of job opportunities available for professionals with community-building skills also continue to grow.

Companies are looking for professionals who can blend their skills to effectively deliver updates to a community, but also have the ability to tap into that community to collect feedback for a company to use for improving its product or delivering its message.

While the job opportunities grow, so to do the number of professionals who include community skills on their resumes and profiles. On LinkedIn alone, the number of people who have added "Community Management" to their skills list is up 46% year-over-year.

But being a quality community manager goes beyond having the knowledge and background to use social media networks. Here are 10 qualities a community manager should possess to improve the chances of success in the position, according to professionals who work within social media and community today.

Learn more / En savoir plus / Mehr erfahren:

http://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?&tag=Digital+Skills

I selected this article from Curatti written by Andy Capaloff because it provides additional insights into common mistakes made in blogging.

It's important to understand what makes a good blogger.

More Blogging Blunders

Many marketers make mistakes when it comes to writing articles. I agree that you need to take a look at the mistakes of others in order to have a good understanding of what works.

Capaloff explains further insights from several interviews with top bloggers at the Summit for Content Marketing, and what to look for when it comes to a great blog post versus a poor one.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Break free from the norms and have your own unique blog style. To be good you have to stand out from the rest. You have to understand what the end goal is.

• Give people a reason to read your articles. Especially since there are thousands of other pieces that are similar to yours.

• Discover your own voice by getting into the way that you talk -- only better. Make it a conversational yet concise format.

Selected by Jan Gordon for Curatti covering Curation, Social Business and Beyond

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Michael Brenner because it provides insights on the affect of digital marketing on consumers.

Understand digital marketing and avoid common mistakes

Dispelling Digital Marketing Myths

Effective marketing is not difficult -- it just takes a specific strategy. I agree that in order to best reach your audience you need to know what works and what does not.

Brenner explains what digital marketing means to your business and how to make it successful.

Here's what caught my attention:

• It's good practice to consistently produce great content. Articles need to be quality, and grab the reader's attention.

• A negative reaction online isn't always a bad thing to happen. Avoid trolls, but engage with those who are your loyal audience.

• Digital marketing encompasses many different mediums from blogs to email, and more. Be sure your content in these places is relevant to your target market.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Alice Elliott because she explains why your blog posts are seeing a decline in comments.

Learn why your articles are not getting as much feedback as they did a few years ago.

Why Blog Comments are on the Decline

It can be difficult for any blogger to see a lack of response after working hard on a blog post. I agree that in order to attract comments you need to evaluate how your blog is being perceived.

Elliott explains the reasons why blogs are not experiencing the same amount of comments that they once did.

Here's what caught my attention:

• First, take a look at your topics and find out whether these are actually what your audience wants to read. Second, is your content a conversational style? If not, it may need to be tweaked.

• Don't avoid a subject that is serious in nature -- you might be losing readers because of it. Write what your subscribers are looking for instead of playing it safe.

• Put both personality and passion into your content. Reveal more about yourself personally, and back up what you say with facts.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Susan Gilbert because it provides information on how to increase engagement on social media.

In order to stay ahead of the competition it's important to effectively reach your target market.

Drive Up Your Social Media Sales

As you grow your audience on social media you will want to build trusted relationships with them. I agree that in order to attract new customers you need to focus on approaching your audience in an authentic way.

Gilbert explains how to best approach your social media marketing in a non-sales way.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Engage on Facebook -- especially in groups. This is still one the top places to build your brand and a community. Once you establish relationships there you can lead them to your Page.

• On Twitter take advantage of trending hashtags and engage in live chats and contests. There is still a viable audience who is interested in what your brand has to offer there.

• Get active with mobile marketing and start posting and engaging. Include SMS text messaging or push notifications as a part of this strategy.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Helen Miller because it shows you how to boost your brand with a stand-out website.

Branding and website development and design are not the same thing.

Promote Your Brand with a Strong Website

You can take your business image to a new level with the right design and content strategies. I agree that it's not just one method that will make this successful.

Miller provides examples and advice on establishing a brand identity that gets seen.

Here's what caught my attention:

• If your website is outdated there are new templates you can try in WordPress. Use a new design to help tell your brand story and establish your brand name.

• Before telling the story of your company find out first what your core values are, the strengths of your skills, what you want to be known for, the personality of your brand, and how you will stand out from the rest in your industry.

• Optimize your LinkedIn profile to make it more professional. Use a custom headline with a clear summary of what you have to offer your prospects.

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This post was sponsored by Template Monster (in case you hadn’t guessed!)

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Tony Zambito because it explains how outdated buyer insights can affect our B2B sales.

You can reach your prospects through a better understanding of why customers make a purchase.

Exploring the B2B Buyer Journey

The digitization of business has changed the buyer landscape significantly. I agree that your customers will respond as you reach them where they are at.

Zambito shows you several ways to gain better insights on your prospects and how to improve your B2B sales.

Here's what caught my attention:

• B2B companies have to come to the realization that they are living within their own digital bubble. This includes over-reliance on activity-based data intelligence.

• Digital transformation is felt mostly in channels and distribution. For example, the way consumers purchase a book is now far different than in the past.

• Cloud-based platforms are now affecting how people take action and make decisions. A new virtual dependence is emerging merging users and buyers into one.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Robin Singh because it explains how to create a knowledge based website.

Your readers are seeking information that they can learn from.

Grow Your Website with a Knowledge Base Approach

You can increase your sales by offering solid information. I agree that it's beneficial to include valuable content on your website.

Singh provides 9 reasons your business should include a knowledge based strategy.

Here's what caught my attention:

• High quality content helps you to support your customers better. This increases the satisfaction rate as you place yourself in their shoes.

• Google will find your website valuable when you publish helpful content. This will increase your search ranking as a result.

• There will be fewer support requests when you offer informative articles on your website. When customers find what they are looking for there is no longer a need to ask for help.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Greg Satell because it provides insights on how industries are affected by innovation and technology.

Understanding the affect of innovation and the Internet of things in business.

How Technology Has Changed Companies

We are experiencing new technological changes like never before in Internet history. I agree that we need to understand this affect for our own business productivity.

Satell explains the various changes in technology, and which industries have been affected.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Agriculture is greatly impacted by innovation. Ecology is now data driven, which directly affects our water systems. This sector is now partnering with big tech companies like IBM.

• Digital connectivity continues to transform physical machines. The age of the computer has evolved instead of gone away.

• Water is the new oil because of technological advances. This means that we can be more efficient commercially and that is good news for politics.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Susan Gilbert because it shows you great tools to help improve your blog, LinkedIn strategy, and lead generation.

Reach more customers and increase your subscribers with these great resources for business.

12 Tools Your Business Can Use to Drive More Sales

With the right tools you can reach more prospects. I agree that in order to build a business online it's important to take advantage of what's available.

Gilbert provides the best tools to help make your business more profitable online.

Here's what caught my attention:

• If you use Gmail for customer communication then you will enjoy adding Clearbit. This tool provides insights on your prospects such as company information and contact details.

• Build better relationships through establishing trust. Crystal gathers personality reports, and delivers professional coaching advice for improved communication.

• Convert more leads into paying customers with SalesLoft. This tool combines your marketing strategy on social media, through email, and offline sales.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Lisa Sicard
 because it provides insights on how to connect with other bloggers in order to improve your reach.

It takes a village to make your blog successful.

How to Forge Great Blogger Relationships

Increasing visitors and subscribers can be a lonely process for bloggers. I agree that you can be successful by meeting other blog owners who can help you.

Sicard explains the best ways to make new connections in order to improve your blogging strategy.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Meeting other bloggers can help you troubleshoot problems such as a bad plugin. They can assist in things that you don't have time for.

• If you see something is not working on someone else's blog let them know. Don't call it out over social media and respect their schedules.

• Network with other bloggers such as in Facebook groups to get things done. There's a lot to learn from others who have been successful in blogging.

Selected by Jan Gordon for Curatti covering Curation, Social Business and Beyond

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One of the keys to any successful business, regardless of its size, is innovation.

In my latest article from Curatti I provide insights into how to build a blog that readers will flock to.

How my Curatti blog became a curation hub.

Generate Content That Gets Read

When it comes to blogging you need to stand out from the crowd with original topics. This means your posts need to be fresh and original, and speak to your audience.

I explain how to effectively reach your readers based on the interests of your readers.

Here's a few main points to consider:

• You’re led either by your own quest for knowledge or by what keeps you up at night. Maybe you just want out of the rat race and are following a passion? If any of these apply to you, be very open to all of the signals you are receiving.

• You either need to build an audience and following organically, over a long period of time, or you have to pay more than ever to reach lots of eyeballs.

• If you have a very clear idea of the product or service you want to sell, have done your competitive analysis and seen an opening for your niche, gear your entire content strategy towards gaining the trust of your target customer base.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Niraj Ranjan because it provides insights into how to create quality and relevant content.

You don't need to be a writing expert in order to create great articles for your blog.

Content Writing Success Steps

Many bloggers waste time by producing content that does not reach their audience. I agree that it is not too late to change your approach.

Ranjan explains how to produce a quality articles that your audience will love.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Content curation is not only about writing articles -- it's also a product of knowing your target audience. This could include branded images, increasing signups, webinars, and improving the topics.

• There are many tools available to help make your content writing easier. You can use these to brainstorm your ideas, editing, better headlines, ect.

• Instead of focusing on writing alone mix up your content with infographics, graphs, and more. Other examples include video tutorials, presentations, or a series of posts.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Shelly Kramer because it provides insights into the power of audio for your content marketing strategy.

Attract a larger audience with audio content.

Why Your Business Needs Audio Content

Both podcasts and live audio through Facebook are on the rise. I agree that you need to include this medium in order to take your marketing to the next level.

Kramer explains the impact of audio content on your business marketing reach.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Creating audio content is just the beginning. You also need to know how to execute a good marketing strategy to get the word out.

• Consumers who get their content on the go are the most popular target market for audio. You should include this in at least 10 percent of your marketing budget.

• It's very cost effective to use audio over video. This does not mean, however; that you should slack on the quality of the broadcast.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Mandeep Singh because it shows you how to improve your website rank with organic SEO techniques.

There are three phases to search engine optimization that can help improve your website visibility.

3 Pillars to SEO Success

You can improve your ranking in search with the right methods in place. I agree that authority and trust are built upon original content with organic methods.

Singh provides 3 ways you can use to improve your SEO strategy.

Here's what caught my attention:

• The three main methods of search include web crawling, indexing, and results from keyword matching. The most relevant information will be picked up first.

• Google updates its algorithm about 500 to 600 times a year. It occasionally performs a major update that can dramatically affect search results.

• Write content that is easy and useful for your readers in order to avoid being penalized. This will also improve your results in search.

Selected by Jan Gordon for Curatti covering Curation, Social Business and Beyond

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Andy Capaloff because it provides insight into how to create great content with your unique voice.

Generate personalized articles that your audience will love.

How to Craft Unique Content

When it comes to blogging you need to stand out from the crowd. I agree that in order to attract readers your posts need to be fresh and original.

Capaloff shows how to effectively create your own unique voice in your writing.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Capture the essence of who you are in your articles. This is how to become an authentic blogger with a unique voice.

• Become a second level communicator by writing about something that has been covered yet offers a different perspective. This way your content is adding value for your readers.

• There are many different writing styles out there -- find one that works best for you. This could be a friendly approach, a teaching perspective, a storyteller, ect.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by John Jantsch because it explains how to improve your marketing strategy by answering 4 questions.

Developing a marketing strategy for your business can be a challenge -- you need to know where to start and what to focus on.

Answer These 4 Marketing Questions

Many advertisers find themselves getting stuck when it comes to developing a successful marketing strategy. I agree that in order to attain your goals you need to first understand where to begin.

Jantsch provides four ways your business can discover the best plan.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Find out what your personal "why" is. As yourself how you are going to change the world and which things you want to make right. This helps you to see which gaps you are filling.

• To develop a brand story you need to understand your audience, personality, who the hero is, and what your journey will be.

• Make deliverables and expectations clear to your audience so they know what to look forward to. Remove any ambiguity in order to foster an enjoyable working relationship.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Eleonora Zolotaryova because it shows you how to boost your website with 11 SEO techniques.

An effective SEO strategy is not a one-size fits all approach.

Promote Your Website with These 11 SEO Steps

You can take your visibility in search to a new level with the right strategies. I agree that it's not just one algorithm that will make this successful.

Zolotaryova provides 11 strategies you can use to improve your SEO marketing and website.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Conduct a thorough analysis of the competition first then focus on your website's position in SERP as well as the structure and backlinks. Take a look also at the demand and SERPs data.

• If you would like your website to appear at the top of the search results then you need to review the expanded structure. Every group of keywords should have its own optimized landing page.

• Poor website ranking can result from a lack of inner Page Rank for landing pages. Landing pages must have cross-linking between them in order to be seen.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Andy Capaloff because it provides insights into common mistakes made in blogging.

We learn by seeing what other content curators have done.

Content Marketing Blunder Lessons

Many marketers make mistakes when it comes to publishing blog articles. I agree that you need to take a look at the mistakes of others in order to have a good understanding of what works.

Capaloff explains what to look for when it comes to a great blog post versus a poor one.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Poor spelling and grammar can be a turnoff for readers. You shouldn't write your posts too quickly -- take the time to edit them before they are published.

• Stay away from writing too much text and go with a conversational style instead. This will encourage people to want to read your articles.

• Don't make the reader work hard to understand your blog posts. You don't need to set out to prove brilliance.

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I selected this article from Curatti written by Shane Barker because it provides information on how to increase engagement on social media.

It's important to have a community that is interested in your brand content.

Drive Up Your Social Media Conversations

As you grow your audience online you will want to build lasting relationships with them. I agree that in order to encourage engagement you need to review your current strategy and make adjustments.

Barker explains how to post content that people will want to respond to.

Here's what caught my attention:

• Include humor in your tweets and posts. People want to be entertained, not just informed. Include images and relatable captions.

• You will improve your chances of being seen if you include great images. There are free online programs that can help you achieve this.

• Publish more video content -- these tend to get more reactions and feedback. Do this in between your images in a balanced way.

Selected by Jan Gordon for Curatti covering Curation, Social Business and Beyond

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