In the wake of TikTok leaving and coming back. Apps debating what matters to their leaders. And more so, what matters to their users. More apps are coming…and they’re paving the way for greater ownership and authenticity to be present.

Starting with Bluesky…

Bluesky, developed by Jack Dorsey, has blown up recently and as a potential player in the social app landscape. It offers a decentralized platform where users can engage in conversations without the constraints often found on traditional social media networks. This unique architecture allows for greater user control over their data and the types of interactions they have, which is increasingly appealing in a climate where privacy concerns are looming more than ever.

Brands should take notice of Bluesky for several reasons. The app is attracting a diverse audience that includes tech-savvy individuals, creatives, and early adopters who are keen on exploring new digital frontiers. This demographic is often more engaged and willing to interact with brands in innovative ways, making it an attractive space for marketing and brand-building efforts. More so, Bluesky could lead to a more organic and authentic interaction, providing brands with the opportunity to cultivate genuine relationships with their audience. And influencers can have a new space to grow their brands. Or perhaps a new breed of influencers may bloom.

As Bluesky continues to grow, it may present significant advantages over the original social apps that have us on doom scrolls. It uses a protocol called AT Protocol, allowing users to create and manage their own experiences, such as customizing their feeds. This approach not only empowers users but also fosters a sense of community, as content is often more focused on quality and relevance rather than algorithms that prioritize engagement metrics.

The app’s interface is user-friendly and familiar, making it easy for users transitioning from platforms like Twitter. Content can be shared in various formats, including text, images, and links, promoting diverse interactions. Additionally, Bluesky encourages user feedback and suggestions, which can lead to continuous improvements and features that cater to the community’s needs.

Brands can leverage Bluesky by engaging authentically with users, participating in conversations, and utilizing the platform’s unique features to promote their messages. With its growing user base, brands that establish a presence early on may benefit from increased visibility and loyalty among users who appreciate their innovative approach.

Brands can build a community on Bluesky by adopting a few key tactics right away, that are not too different from other social platforms. The key being adapting to the users who use this platform and not just putting out what you want to put out:

• Engage Authentically: Brands should focus on genuine interactions with users. Respond to comments, participate in discussions, and share user-generated content to foster a sense of belonging.

• Create Valuable Content: Share content that resonates with the community’s interests. This could include informative posts, entertaining media, or thought leadership pieces that encourage conversation.

• Leverage Customization Features: Utilize the platform’s customization options to tailor messaging and content to specific audiences. This personal touch can enhance user engagement and loyalty.

• Encourage Feedback and Participation: Actively solicit user feedback on products and services. This not only improves offerings but also makes users feel valued and heard, which can strengthen community ties.

Brands can measure success on Bluesky through several metrics and strategies:

• Engagement Metrics: Track likes, shares, comments, and replies to gauge how users interact with your content. High engagement levels indicate that your messaging resonates with the audience.

• Follower Growth: Monitor the increase in followers over time. A growing follower base suggests that your brand is gaining traction and interest within the community.

• User Feedback: Pay attention to qualitative feedback from users. Comments, suggestions, and direct interactions can provide insights into customer sentiment and areas for improvement.

• Content Performance: Analyze which types of content generate the most engagement. Understanding what works best allows brands to refine their content strategy for better results in the future.

Brands should be mindful of several common pitfalls when engaging on Bluesky:

• Lack of Authenticity: Users can easily detect inauthentic interactions. Brands should avoid overly promotional content that feels disingenuous and instead focus on building real connections.

• Ignoring Feedback: Failing to engage with user feedback can alienate the audience. Brands should actively listen to their community and adapt their strategies based on user input.

• Neglecting Community Guidelines: Not adhering to Bluesky’s community standards can lead to negative repercussions, including account restrictions. Brands should familiarize themselves with these guidelines to avoid pitfalls.

• Overlooking Content Variety: Sticking to one type of content can become monotonous. Brands should diversify their posts with a mix of formats, including images, videos, and polls to keep the audience engaged.

And guess what – Bluesky is getting its own photo-sharing app. So more is coming…are you ready?

Nowadays more and more people are multitasking while watching TV in their living rooms and bedrooms. The laptop is open, the iPad is flipped up, and the smartphone is more of an experience than a phone. People are tweeting, get glueing, checking in, posting, and more. Why only watch a tv show, a sports game, or an event when you can experience more through the accompanying apps?

Shows like Glee and Fringe have multiple hashtags through each episode so people can follow the conversation and join along on Twitter. Other shows, like HBO’s True Blood, have accompanying apps which go deeper into each episode. Then there are apps like Shazam, Get Glue, and Zeebox which bring even more to your fingertips through the app experience for multiple shows and movies.

Shazam: This app is known for “naming that tune,” but now it does even more. Brands and shows can integrate the app into programs and ads to create a call to action for the audience. And now it can also display information about the cast, buzz, gossip, links for trivia, and facts. Look out for the CTA on the corner of your screen – and see what’s in store from your favorite brands, shows, and more.

Get Glue: Like foursquare, fans have an opportunity to “check in” but this time it’s in TV shows. Fans can then reap rewards, chat with fellow fans, and receive “recognition” for their status. It’s basically a fun interactive way to be a part of your favorite shows and movies while watching. With over 2M users, this app demonstrates that brands shouldn’t pass this one by…it has potential to reach viewers where they are interacting during the show and/or viewing experience.

Zeebox: Funny name, great app – it’s like all the viewing apps in one experience. In short it’s an app that pertains to what you want to watch and what your friends are watching. It allows audience members to dig a little deeper into their shows through “zeetags” which appear during certain scenes and allow you to click for more info and insights into what’s happening. And of course it is also integrated with your social channels through both Facebook and Twitter and can even allow viewing parties with friends.

Why it matters? Brands have an opportunity to reach their target audience when they are most engaged with viewing and apps. Brands have the ability to optimize their ads with call to actions, partner with shows, sports games, and live events. For example, the Super Bowl had hashtags in every commercial — although this is a quick and simple CTA and click for engagement, it is a step closer. Brands who know how to move faster and take advantage are shows like I mentioned above. Will your brand be a leader in the second screen experience? Don’t be left behind – give your consumers rewards for engaging with your branded content when they want it and where they already are engaged.

NOTE: This Post was originally written for Social Media Club and my original post can be found here.

Further Reading:

• http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2012/09/17/shazam-expands-into-second-screen-for-all-tv-shows
• http://mashable.com/2012/09/17/fall-tv-goes-social-nbc-shows/
• http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/15/showbiz/tv/second-screen-tv-our-mobile-society/index.html
• http://www.fastcocreate.com/1679561/the-race-for-the-second-screen-5-apps-that-are-shaping-social-tv

Remember going to a cocktail networking event, getting a few business cards, inputting them into your contacts when you got home, and emailing them to stay in touch? The traditional networking is not so traditional anymore…nowadays there’s so much more you can do before, during and after with the use of social media. Here are some my tips, especially for those just getting into the “game”…

a) Before

1. Check out the Attendee List and see who you definitely want to talk to during the event.

2. Look up their Twitter handles and introduce yourself beforehand. Be friendly and express your excitement in meeting them (without being stalker-ish of course).

3. Find out the networking event hashtag for Twitter so you can Tweet when you checkin on Foursquare or Gowalla and what’s happening at the event when you get there. Being prepared is key.

4. Have business cards (even if you don’t have a job). Moo cards are my personal fave.

5. Have your social networks up-to-date because more than likely people are looking you up (if not before, then after).

b) During

1. Check in on Foursquare.

2. Use hashable to introduce and keep in touch with people you’ve met.

3. Tweet about awesome things happening during the event. Did someone give a good talk? Tweet about it! Give them praise and mention them in the Tweet. And don’t forget the hashtag for the event!

4. See when friends or people you want to meet get there via Foursquare checkins.

5.  Don’t be shy, it’s a networking event for a reason.

6. Like a single person, be approachable and easy to talk to. Don’t just eat food the whole time…tacky.

7. When asked what you do, don’t ramble on for five million years. Have a 20-30 second awesome blurb in your head to share when needed.

8. Don’t ask them for a job, or a favor, the second you meet them. Get to know the person first. No one wants to be hounded the second they meet you.

9. Beware of being a jerk networker. When talking to someone…be there. Don’t look around for someone better to talk to. Be short, sweet, polite, and move on with grace.

10 . Enjoy yourself, make friends, and remember networking should be fun and casual. Enjoy yourself!

c) After

1.Definitely recommend connecting on LinkedIn and on Twitter. Facebook is for those you feel you are actually friends with (in my opinion).

2. Depending on the “sphere” the people work in, rather than emailing the person to stay in touch, you might consider a note on LinkedIn or a friendly Tweet.

3. Don’t forget about them the day after. Like any relationship, networking and building those relationships takes time. Keep tweeting and stay in touch with those individuals.

4.  Not wanting to connect with everyone you met? Remember, it’s a small world. You never know when you might run into them again.

5. Check out the hashtag and see what other people have said. See who you missed and connect with them online and express your disappointment that you missed them and hope to connect on or offline soon. Can’t hurt!

In short, new media networking is not replacing traditional networking but is complementary to it. It helps stay in better touch and to build relationships further rather than just randomly emailing once in a blue moon for a favor. Instead you can see what content they share via their blogs, Twitter, LinkedIn and more. You can engage with them, and perhaps meet them for a coffee after the fact. In the end, talking in person is irreplaceable…new media is just another way to stay in touch and build relationships. Don’t be scared of it, embrace it!

And if you want to know more regarding personal branding tools, how to avoid social media mistakes, and more, check out the rest of my blog!

Are you like me? Are you on your Facebook, Twitter, email, and more, and still trying to do your work efficiently and productively? Tough, right? Digital media is both the angel and devil on your shoulder at times. But it does not mean you can’t throw that lasso around it and control your time rather than it sucking time away from you. How? Below are my ideas on how to stop wasting time, and have more time to breathe, work, and kick some butt in productivity.

1. Set aside time limits: If you constantly check your Facebook page, Twitter Feed, personal email, and more — it might be time for you to put some “dietary restrictions” on your online habit. For example, check your social stuff on the way to work (if you use public transportation), or the first few minutes while you drink your coffee and settle in, during lunch time, and/or before/after work. If social media is part of your job, avoid checking your personal stuff constantly, and focus on the brand you are working for. Keep the two separate if needed. For example, do you have a personal Twitteraccount and one for your brand? Use Hootsuite for one, and the Twitter page for the other or whatever suits your fancy for Twitter platforms. That way you aren’t constantly looking at your own when you should be working.

2. Anti-Social: Is #1 too hard? No self-restraint? You keep bingeing on Facebook? Have no fear, “there’s an app for that!” Anti-Social is an app that allows you to shut off your social life online while you do some work. You will not be able to go on Facebookor Twitter (or whatever else you specify) for the time you have chosen to shut them down. One glitch in the matrix, it is only available for Mac users. So for all of you who reach for the Facebook when you shouldn’t, this app may be just the ticket.

3. Turn your alerts off on your smartphone: Did you think you could sneak in a look on your Twitter feed on your phone and I wouldn’t notice? Tsk tsk! Instead of having your phone alert you every time you have a mention on Twitter or if someone posted on your Facebook wall, shut off these alerts while you’re at work. Too hard? Start easier. Put your phone on silent so you are less likely to notice when it buzzes or an alert comes through. It may be hard to go “cold turkey,” so start out light and figure out the right balance for your cravings.

4. Make Twitter lists & Limit News Feed: When you do go on Twitter or Facebook do you feel like you are spending so much time trying to catch up on all that has happened while you were away? Make Twitter lists so you can pay attention to what you want to hear about, and cut through the clutter faster. Seeing too many people on your Facebook news feed that you normally don’t pay attention to? Block them from showing up on your news feed, so you have the people and brands you actually care to hear from and see what’s the latest and greatest is on their end.

5. Consolidate: Too many social media platforms to check? Do you subscribe to all the “new and shiny” ones that come out? Consolidate! Lucky for us, there are great tools like Hootsuite, Seesmic, and Tweetdeck that allow you to listen and comment in one place for your social media desires. Want to post your status, do it all at once from one place to all your pages. Simple, easy, and efficient. Gotta love it.

6. Google Reader: Too many articles, blog posts, and news to keep up with? UseGoogle Reader to have it sitting and waiting for you in one place. Organize your RSS feeds so you can decide what you feel like keeping up with. Read it on the go, at home, or wherever. Why waste the time going to each website when it can come to you, all consolidated and easy to access, just for you?

Now that you know how to be more productive without sacrificing your social media and Internet addictions, ready, set, work! And when having issues with your “diet” just remember to be honest with yourself and set goals. Are you on Facebook for fun or business? Be respectful and mindful of your time. Do you feel better when you are productive and kick butt at work or waste your time checking your friends status updates? Be honest. Set Goals. And be productive.

Note: this post was originally written for oneforty, which was acquired by Hubspot.