Asking questions on Facebook is a great way to engage your audience. Whether it’s via your personal or fan page, a little post asking a question is extremely engaging and a great way to receive instant feedback.

Facebook does have a ‘question’ button but in my opinion is still outdated and here’s why.

Below is a post from 102.9 Hot Tomato, the radio station I use to work for.

There is nothing wrong with this post. This is simply inviting the fans to be involved but the issue lies with Facebook’s mobile app.

Now lets compare that same post to the mobile app below.

P.S: The comment under the post is hilarious, my friend stupidly left his Facebook open, little security note for everyone out there haha 

Ok, back to my point. So do you notice the difference? That’s right, there are no bullet points to select.

Ok, so perhaps the bullet points are on the next page? By clicking on the post you then are directed to this page, see below.

Still, no bullet points to answer. The key to social media – besides engagement – is the convenience for the fans. Already in this instance I’ve clicked on the post and yet the question is still not there, it’s only when I click on the ‘a question‘ in bold that I receive the bullet points, see below.

To me, this is a social media fail from Facebook. The ‘ask a question’ feature has been around for sometime yet with all the recent mobile updates Facebook has provided, they have continually ignored this area.

My tip for asking questions when posting on Facebook: Write a short post and ask the fans to either comment, share and like, don’t even bother – at the moment – creating an ‘ask a question’.

Your thinking when posting should always be “how will this look via the mobile app”. Like Facebook announced earlier this year, 68% of their members browse Facebook via the smartphone.

Twitter: @JeffWhite34
Facebook: facebook.com/JeffWhite34
Instagram: JeffWhite34

Usually by tagging someone in your picture it was added in the comments section. Now with the latest update (as shown in the screenshots below) you can tag friends in the exact same way as you do with Facebook.

When Facebook purchased Instagram more then a year ago a lot of fans of Instagram got a little nervous at the possibility of Facebook changing too much of this popular platform.

I must say, with this latest update and the previous updates since the takeover, Facebook has stuck to its word on keeping the platform moving ahead without too much interference, a plus for all the loyal fans out there.

Twitter: @JeffWhite34
Facebook: facebook.com/JeffWhite34
Instagram: JeffWhite34

A few weeks back I decided to find out some information on the use of Facebook. I started a little competition and encouraged people to fill in a quick Q&A.

The questions we asked varied from daily use to how they interacted with brand pages. The sole purpose of the survey was to:

- find out what time of the day they check Facebook
- feedback for my clients actively using their Facebook page
- target best times to post for my clients

It was really interesting to see the level of activity of Facebook from the people surveyed.

Below are the results from the 108 people we surveyed:

The Facebook survey unearthed some interesting results.

The most interesting ones I found where:
- The amount of pages they follow: 10+ at 58%
- Viewing Facebook: 6-10pm at 56%
- Fans would prefer companies deliver their post: with humor + specials at 81%

Fans are certainly reaching out to brands via Facebook, something I was extremely excited to see. Now it’s a matter of brands putting together an effective strategy to turn these fans into buying customers.

Twitter: @JeffWhite34
Facebook: facebook.com/JeffWhite34
Instagram: JeffWhite34

Maximising Facebook posts is a common question asked by my clients and interested users.

There are ways like; promoted posts, sponsored stories, encourage friends, family and fans to ‘share’ and ‘like’, the list goes on. But there is one thing I’ve noticed that possibly could be a daily mistake and something we’re completely missing.

Lets face it, mobile phones are the biggest traffic of Facebook sharing and posts. Facebook recently stated that “68% of our users view and post from a mobile device”*. With this in mind we at White Echo did some testing.

Below is a post from Footjoy, this is how it looked on the mobile device, I’ve circled the link.

Facebook is an extremely visual platform. When you refer to the stats mentioned above for mobile interaction, you need to make the most of every post.

This post above from Footjoy – I feel – could of provided more exposure if they inserted a shorten link at the end of the post along with a big picture, let me explain.

We inserted a similar post to Footjoy for our client Mercedes-Benz Melbourne earlier today, see below [this is what it looks like on the desktop]

Then we deleted and along with the same link – shorten so we could track the click through – we inserted the URL after the post but inserted an image [this is what it looks like on the desktop]

With that now posted we went straight to the mobile app to view the post, see below

As you can see it dramatically improves the look, feel and is eye catching for the fans scrolling through their news feed.

In comparison, the previous post – without image – was up for 1 hour with no Likes. As soon as we posted this the page received a ‘like’ straight away.

Facebook already this year have added that they are constantly implementing new changes to their mobile app to allow it to be more user friendly including easy access to ‘liking’ pages.

With this in mind it’s important to keep up to date with the changes so you can maximise every post.

This slight adjustment will enable you to give every post every opportunity to spread without investing in promoted and sponsored stories.

The same can also be implemented for YouTube. Instead of adding just the link, capture a screenshot of part of the video or add a picture relating to the clip, insert picture along with a short message and of course the YouTube link.

So when considering what to post always have in the back of your mind “what will this look like on the mobile app?”

I hope this helps, good luck.

Twitter: @JeffWhite34
Facebook: facebook.com/JeffWhite34
Instagram: JeffWhite34

*source: Facebook newsroom

A new app was launched by EA just recently and I LOVE IT.

It’s called Vue, this app is awesome and this is why I love social media.

In reading an article via Flipboard I noticed that someone had written a blog only 2 hours ago regarding Vue.

It was also surprising to read that the app was only available in Canada and Australia, I had to download it.

This app allows you to bring all your pictures posted to Facebook and Instagram to life in a short video.

The cool thing about it – that got my extremely excited – is you can login to Spotify, pick a song from your current playlist and add it as the soundtrack for the video.

I created my first video based on all the pictures I’ve uploaded from my mobile camera to Facebook.

Watch this video below and then go download the app, you won’t be disappointed.

Twitter: @JeffWhite34
Facebook: facebook.com/JeffWhite34
Instagram: JeffWhite34

A feature long been used on personal pages, Facebook introduced this new – long awaited feature – last week for pages.

In short, when someone comments under a post you as the admin user for the brand page can reply to that individual comment.

At this stage it’s only available online not via the smartphone.

This simple addition adds enormous conversation for the brands to people engaging on the page.

It allows the conversation to continue through the one comment without being lost in the trial of other conversations under the post.

Already White Echo clients are seeing the benefits of this little feature with attending to needs of customers directly.

The use if this feature needs to be used regularly by page admins. It’s a wonderful opportunity to deliver direct and instant engagement. It offers the brand a perfect opportunity that should be utilised to its full potential.

Now the feature is available it’s a responsibility of page owners to now use it, engage and continue to build brand relationships through this exciting new addition.

Twitter: @JeffWhite34
Facebook: facebook.com/JeffWhite34
Instagram: JeffWhite34

Let me say it loud and clear; What you say on social media is ‘black and white’.

I’ve made mistakes via social media, it’s what inspired me to learn more about this exciting industry.

When I first created my Twitter account – @JeffWhite34 – back in March 2009 I had no idea what to say. Then with a constant flow of tweets from Melbourne Demons fans I wrote what I thought was just between that person and me but only to find out it was public.

Whether I’m writing this blog, whether I’m writing to a friend or business via Facebook or if I’m replying to someone who has commented on my Instagram picture, it’s all ‘Black and White’.

What do I mean by this? Well it’s ‘black and white’ on the Internet. The ‘black and white’ theory is like writing pen to paper, it’s clear and hard to erase.

When watching the news last night I shook my head again at the use of social media.

With a new contract on the line, a former NRL Canberra Raiders player ripped up his new contract with the Brisbane Broncos via Instagram.

In a trial of comments under a picture he posted via the platform, the offer was quickly withdrawn from the Brisbane Broncos.

A 2 million contract now torn up because this player didn’t use common sense when using social media.

We all know the power of social media. I believe there still needs to be a consistent flow of education on the use of all platforms not only for professional athletes but also during the workforce.

Remember that what you say now might be insignificant but keep in mind what it might look like if common sense is not used for future references.

Many organisations across the globe are now viewing social media for potential employment. Whether the platforms are used well or inappropriately, companies view this as a way of finding out the true nature of the person they’re prepared to possibly employ.

It’s a shame that people have to suffer from possible life changing opportunities due to poor use of social media. In this instance with the NRL player were was the guidance from the players manager? Was the manager just focussed on the dollars and cents and ignoring the role of protecting his player? Education is a must.

Twitter: @JeffWhite34
Facebook: facebook.com/JeffWhite34
Instagram: JeffWhite34

P.S: Please don’t comment on the correction of my spelling and grammer haha

A few months ago during a little break between back to back meetings I found myself sitting on the side of road, laptop out and trying to see if the desired Twitter handle was available for the clients I’d just meet.

Twitter handles – like mine @JeffWhite34 – are as important as your mobile number. When visiting the States recently, it was all about ‘what’s your Twitter handle, I’ll tweet you’ being the first question asked before finding out my cell number.

That instant communication you have with Twitter – without providing that all important personal mobile number – gives you an instant connection to the rest of the world.

So I’m sitting there in my car searching online with twitter.com/ filling in the rest to see if the clients business name is available.

From this day, this road side inconvenience I created Find My Handle.

Find My Handle [iTunes link] is really cool and easy to use application. Once you open the app you’re prompted to type in a desired Twitter name. If that handle is free, you simply click on the name and sign up to Twitter on the next page, it’s that easy.

You now don’t have to search online or even start filling in all your contact details to see if the desired handle is free.

Background behind the logo design. Well the background to this is pretty straight forward. Once you’ve create your Twitter account you’re automatically provided with this egg like avatar – minus the @ symbol – before you add in a desired profile picture. The @ symbol in the middle of the egg for Find My Handle was added to symbolise the connection for your Twitter name, like @FindMyHandle

In the next update of the app we’ll be introducing some more exciting features that allows the user to sign up with their preferred handle with ease and enjoy the wonderful social platform that is twitter.

So go and download my app from the App Store, Find My Handle.

Please note: at this stage it’s only available for the iPhone.

Twitter: @JeffWhite34
Facebook: facebook.com/JeffWhite34
Instagram: JeffWhite34
YouTube: JeffWhite34

Find My Handle:

Twitter: @FindMyHandle
Website: findmyhandle.com

I don’t get AFL teams having a separate Twitter account for live tweets on their games #separatingfans

— Jeff White (@JeffWhite34) March 1, 2013

It was Friday night and I was about to sit down to watch the Western Bulldogs vs Hawthorn Hawks NAB round 2 clash.

I started reading through the Twitter feeds in pre-game lead up and noticed that the Western Bulldogs were promoting a separate Twitter feed providing live tweets of the game.

Now, why. Why run a different Twitter feed? Apart from injury updates and training during the week, that 2 hours on the weekend for the game is THE most important time of the week for Western Bulldogs fans.

Now lets take a step back. Why do sporting organisations create a separate Twitter account to deliver live tweets of games in the first place? Well in short, its so they don’t overload the Twitter feed to people who are following them.

Well correct me if I’m wrong, but if you’re following, you’re either a fan or have similar interests therefore a few tweets here and there for a max of 3 hours on the weekend can be managed. And last I looked, there was still an ‘unfollow’ button available on Twitter.

I see no point what so ever in creating and running another Twitter account for game days and here are my reasons.

Sporting organisations spend many hours on strategy, promotion, brand awareness and not to mention dollars and cents to promote their Twitter handle.

Whether its via flyers, e-marketing, website promotions, competitions, links on websites and blogs, the players involved in the club, all this support is provided in promoting that 1 x Twitter handle. It confusing to me as to why then come the most important 2 hours of the week that main handle is replaced with a so-called ‘live tweets’ handle.

This is my mind is a complete separation for fans, period. So what, you’re now going to start promoting not 1 but 2 Twitter accounts during the week? It makes no sense.

Yes, ok, biggest complaint could be ‘too many tweets’. Well my suggestion is this; tweet important parts of the game, don’t tweet a standard tackle or a point kicked or even the ball going out of bounds. Deliver quality over quantity.

Twitter is an amazing way for fans to keep up to date on live scores whilst not being at the game. It’s the perfect feed – number 1 social media platform for live tweets in my opinion – to keep fans up to date.

Posting live feeds out on Facebook would be a nightmare. Keep Facebook visual – if possible – and post quarter time, half time, 3/4 quarter time and Full time scores, maximum.

With Twitter, here are my suggestions:

- always and I mean always put a . in front of a players Twitter handle. Don’t use the players Twitter handle at start of a tweet because only fans following both accounts will see that tweet
- short score update + time in quarter
- use the same hashtag in every tweet whether its your own clubs regular hashtag or the game itself
- little tweets on certain plays like goals, marks, exciting plays. Yes, tweet a run down tackle but what I was saying earlier is don’t tweet a stock standard tackle, boring.

An example of a boring Tweet [no offence to Melbourne being my former club, but I see this as a wasted Tweet]

Nice mark by Hogan at the top of the 50. Kicks to couch who scores a point.

— Melbourne FC (@melbournefc) March 3, 2013

Melbourne did provide some good tweets for their match vs Port Adelaide today, just feedback here guys.
- important positional changes
- if at the game, tweet pictures of fans, players before and after the game. Visual content vital
- add in the oppositions Twitter handle every now and then
- when mentioning players, try and use their twitter handle as much as possible. Players love the love so to speak.

Here is a good tweet from the Chicago Bulls Twitter handle on a live game:

Timeout @brooklynnets after Nate Robinson hits his second three pointer of the evening. #Bulls lead 48-39 with 1:15 in the 2nd qt. #BKNvsCHI

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 3, 2013

Feedback for Bulls here would be to add in Nate Robinson’s Twitter handle. I must add though, if the player does have a handle that isn’t actually their name or near enough, then don’t confuse the audience and just post the players name like what the Bulls have done above.

Another thing the clubs should invest in is time on education. Hold a free online information session that allows you to teach the fans how they can use their twitter to follow the live tweets, how to engage and how to assist with RT’s and @ replies during the game. This I feel could only be beneficial for both fans and the club.

One technique I have in place to follow my beloved Chicago Bulls is ‘turning on notifications’. This allows me – if I can’t sit down and watch the live game on NBA league pass – is to receive regular alerts – like a text message pop up on my phone – of the live scores, see below.

The way to set this up – something that clubs can teach their fans – is shown below in my snapguide post [click on image below to see the slideshow]

Remember, you can’t please everyone. If they don’t like the live tweets, then that’s their issue. The role of the sporting club is to provide instant information on the club, games, important events and of course the players.

Don’t separate this fan engagement by creating another channel like a live game tweet handle. Tweet quality not quantity. Teach the fans how they can engage and show them what you do so they get a better understanding.

I know if I was following a sporting club and didn’t see their post about a live game tweet handle and was relying on the main account for live scores only to realise there were no posts, I would be pissed.

One of the most important things with social media is consistency. Delivering two separate accounts in my mind is not delivering consistency.

Twitter: @JeffWhite34
Facebook: facebook.com/JeffWhite34
Instagram: JeffWhite34
YouTube: JeffWhite34

We’ve known for a while that Facebook’s strategy moving forward is to improve their mobile app.

Since late last year when the roll out for sponsored stories was improved for mobile apps, we’ve noticed a significant increase in our clients engagement for their page, all mobile driven.

Now with this little update – the ‘like’ button to the right – is now offers more exposure for the brands page. This simple addition will now drive even more traffic for the brands page and with the increased improvements rolling out for the Facebook app, look for more exciting updates in the future.

Twitter: @JeffWhite34
Facebook: facebook.com/JeffWhite34
Instagram: JeffWhite34
YouTube: JeffWhite34