[Libs-Or] Tech-Talk: SOCIAL MEDIA - Instagram: Strategies and Best Practices

Wed Jan 10 08:36:21 PST 2024

Welcome to the latest issue of Tech-Talk!

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Instagram Tips

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/34916cb2-412f-43fa-8294-1f7ecb0e9a3d.png]

[video]<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014pG3M9dbI6F0HRaTJgyiZHc055mhyJISLhQcFLsgcM8BcVnQutuQKVvoRuzw8xP-W1ehJAqsGK_vwEejnJC5eD0K7F-2SqG6jgDOw7f_h3REdDM7xq_6um_b4V04jDSbOsWnXWHrc2BLkjccLewzzSLlkx5tjC8gbTyiBJNfT7_yEd3tnYbA9dcjzJF6rchYMc3CjWf-mng=&c=fvTC9VmdZGYrNtQHmI2zy-AxAEm5nIRevjJ90h31Ku8r1ThaY1xVvw==&ch=98s0jcOb1ti6C3dZDV0VT_9F_IH620j2uDmmCGSyWFmLoH64o6OPxg==>

Photo by Joshua J. Cotten<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014pG3M9dbI6F0HRaTJgyiZHc055mhyJISLhQcFLsgcM8BcVnQutuQKQWnsT0kWNIA7DjKrtwF-EIC2K_MeIIDLQFtcvlG6sdCJhzEJQgVwobdpFWTae5KFpVG99BR0yxezTK7V0nCMCurllAYSMuwVoYhhH0-dKpelAjeRPpd_8fTeHW5VWZJMveDrjHM0CjvaZ5lSrtVd_-ItilF2SYdJaZNPebdtdj4pkpc_PUkU-WIfiZbLdd2baGOHVmguGoa&c=fvTC9VmdZGYrNtQHmI2zy-AxAEm5nIRevjJ90h31Ku8r1ThaY1xVvw==&ch=98s0jcOb1ti6C3dZDV0VT_9F_IH620j2uDmmCGSyWFmLoH64o6OPxg==> on Unsplash<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014pG3M9dbI6F0HRaTJgyiZHc055mhyJISLhQcFLsgcM8BcVnQutuQKVvoRuzw8xP-s6YioeupU0_goITKmwqp28XVYyUsH5c89dJeg5Hc5Kr_hNAynE8N9ifclJh7qGxOa19aUnV8fpy-dKlCLRXHFPIcLj144s-UOxlSKwySOEi3kb4pyCP76MbRMScl7YL2uB2yps33XUid1DcZnmNooIrrtw2cPz0SLnlAUCS-viU1CLLAsx6yRqiwXhXiAPYaBZ0fXfJbS0Fr86OSSWE9zhKxZo-eyTCQlhmjrwjOuSS5aSMYC_fm-VazFVvNPgc6h9LCVQyTfDc=&c=fvTC9VmdZGYrNtQHmI2zy-AxAEm5nIRevjJ90h31Ku8r1ThaY1xVvw==&ch=98s0jcOb1ti6C3dZDV0VT_9F_IH620j2uDmmCGSyWFmLoH64o6OPxg==>

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/e25f6bcf-26a8-4e59-91f2-cc248962042d.png]<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014pG3M9dbI6F0HRaTJgyiZHc055mhyJISLhQcFLsgcM8BcVnQutuQKU7vnSXJT0DXBx24HKmXd9Tjs1yY4groNR6yBMfgaVi1D9kYXSqQXDTA8jzfzcnTcI9B0o5MYoySaBwSEqFIilWR93FMvA9j-K_76TPkON8r&c=fvTC9VmdZGYrNtQHmI2zy-AxAEm5nIRevjJ90h31Ku8r1ThaY1xVvw==&ch=98s0jcOb1ti6C3dZDV0VT_9F_IH620j2uDmmCGSyWFmLoH64o6OPxg==>

Webinars for You

·    January 10: [SOCIAL MEDIA] Instagram 101... A Beginner's Guide to Social Success [3 pm ET for 1 hour]

·    January 24: [ORGANIZE] Desktop Organization - Simplify Your Computer Life [3 pm ET for 1 hour]

·    February 14: [PPT/G-SLIDES] Make Your Presentations Sizzle!  [3 pm ET for 1 hour]

·    February 24: [DESKTOP] Desktop Organization: Simplify Your Computer Life [3 pm ET for 1 hour]

View Webinars and Register Here<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014pG3M9dbI6F0HRaTJgyiZHc055mhyJISLhQcFLsgcM8BcVnQutuQKe8UDbx94WZJJeZc-eknbVGVnJv0MvDD2RPz_UoKY8jTcnWlsmPPqwPoWGWFwz5lpuw0NlQ_zeJpCXz2BIIe2Fs7dvt4zn46AgHeu59NKQ1T&c=fvTC9VmdZGYrNtQHmI2zy-AxAEm5nIRevjJ90h31Ku8r1ThaY1xVvw==&ch=98s0jcOb1ti6C3dZDV0VT_9F_IH620j2uDmmCGSyWFmLoH64o6OPxg==>

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Instagram on Desktops

Good news! A big thanks goes out to one of our readers in Ada Community Library, ID who brought to our attention that you can now post to Instagram from your computer (as opposed to posting only from a phone).

When Instagram was launched in 2010, it was designed to be only a mobile platform encouraging users to post pictures on-the-spot. However, as "Insta" has grown from just casual users to a major marketing influence, you can now use a desktop or laptop to post, comment, share, and more.

TIP: If, when you go to Instagram.com on your computer, you don't see the ability to add a post, delete your browser's cache (see Tech-Talk article<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014pG3M9dbI6F0HRaTJgyiZHc055mhyJISLhQcFLsgcM8BcVnQutuQKQz7YqcdhLfF4TCpFXHKsIymZuN6QyQyJa00YOY64UIylX7tqddOl7SbKw1WQEfVeVXR3x4CSTctIS0ByHYrQM1ESRbFmBHRv-lIgZ7aw8ideVqxotRAZ6tA3HTgG_4f5hCfIrmEIM_fba2tVApR0j0=&c=fvTC9VmdZGYrNtQHmI2zy-AxAEm5nIRevjJ90h31Ku8r1ThaY1xVvw==&ch=98s0jcOb1ti6C3dZDV0VT_9F_IH620j2uDmmCGSyWFmLoH64o6OPxg==> here) and delete the IG (Instagram) cookie (see how here<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014pG3M9dbI6F0HRaTJgyiZHc055mhyJISLhQcFLsgcM8BcVnQutuQKRScQ37B8rghFokv1HKiz6LzmkqwmH0DsF6z9BUmQYmjbj55ZoihiOE-NPgCbbFCP9rjFBPxXSRjmMvGF5oBkJRitOgjwHbt1JPujPgF5_8bkEkap5_EQ5eewMKcb79jX6DGhZJM4_jb-JbS72IW0SoXESeiMlDoHQ==&c=fvTC9VmdZGYrNtQHmI2zy-AxAEm5nIRevjJ90h31Ku8r1ThaY1xVvw==&ch=98s0jcOb1ti6C3dZDV0VT_9F_IH620j2uDmmCGSyWFmLoH64o6OPxg==> in Tech-Talk). Then you'll have all the capabilities to post from a computer!

SOCIAL MEDIA - Instagram Part II - Strategies and Best Practices

Intermediate

[webinar]

If you're a casual social media user, you may post for fun to share your everyday experiences, vacation highlights or like me, "proud grandma" moments. However, if you own a business, or are in charge of social media for your organization, some strategies can help to get your post noticed more, engage your followers and build your brand.

We've outlined some tips and guidelines for using Instagram … any social media actually!

Start with Your Profile

Sure, people may like your posts, comment and follow, but when they click to your bio page, what do they see?

·    If you haven't already created your username (or "handle"), make sure it is your business name, or something easy that people can identify you. (Example: @seattlepubliclibrary or @oprahsbookclub). You can use up to 30 characters with letters, numbers, underscores and periods. If the username idea you want is already being used, try adding underscores or periods in the middle of it.

·    Use a clear and recognizable profile picture such as a logo or a high-quality photo representing yourself or your brand.

·    Write a concise and engaging bio that clearly describes who you are or shows off your brand's personality. Use keywords to make it easier to find. Include bolding, emojis and special characters to make it fun.

·    Include a link to your website or a specific landing page.

[profile example]

Create a Content Calendar ... Post Consistently

·    Plan your content in advance using a content calendar. Start with time-sensitive posts (like event announcements) and fill in the holes with additional content. Stories or IG Live are great ways to showcase "on the fly" content.

·    Consider using scheduling tools to plan and automate your posts like Buffer (which is free), SocialPilot, or Later (there are many other paid options).

·    Schedule posts at optimal times based on your audience's activity. Every business has its own personalized best time to post, depending on the niche and location of its target audience. Below are guidelines from SocialPilot.

[post schedule]

Create High-Quality Content

[post example]
·    Ensure a mix of content types, including Photos, Stories, and Reels (short videos).

·    Don't overdo it on the special effects. Simple images with captivating captions are powerful.

·    Use a consistent style, color palette, and theme to make your profile visually cohesive.

·    Design your content in the right size for each type of post.

·    Take advantage of tools that make it easy to create eye-catching posts like Canva.com.

Content Ideas

Vary the way you share your media taking advantage of post types: Images, Reels (up to 90-second videos), Stories (posts that last for 24 hours), Carousel (multiple pictures and/or videos).

[type of post]

Get creative! Here are some ideas for posts:

·    Educational Content - Share informative and "how-to" posts that add value to your audience.

·    Product/Program Teasers - Drive anticipation through photo or video teasers.

·    Get to Know - Introduce staff to your followers to build relationships.

·    Event Announcements - Invite followers to upcoming programs and events.

·    Share an Interview - Create a video Reel or Story with some Q&A questions. Interview employees, special guests, customers…

·    Announce a Challenge - Engage readers by asking for their participation.

·    Go Live - Use the live video approach for special announcements, instructional or how-to videos, or kicking off a special event. Take followers "behind the scenes" of your organization.

[post type]
·    Special Hours - Make Followers aware of changes in your organization's schedule.

·    Seasonal Posts - Take advantage of seasonal, holidays or "special" days. Use the Sprout Social Hashtag holiday guide<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014pG3M9dbI6F0HRaTJgyiZHc055mhyJISLhQcFLsgcM8BcVnQutuQKVvoRuzw8xP--IxJkOZwFvXaw0hUKU2BM8eqDv3DroYeBYW7EW38rS_8FNvpPvN58qpXNx5W_nwuCL8dGjogS-5UMB2Kp1e-Cyvq_id_utPPkrnoxyOXQf4ExR45KXcCsBv8r_XqK2sY&c=fvTC9VmdZGYrNtQHmI2zy-AxAEm5nIRevjJ90h31Ku8r1ThaY1xVvw==&ch=98s0jcOb1ti6C3dZDV0VT_9F_IH620j2uDmmCGSyWFmLoH64o6OPxg==> to find fun ideas like "Random Acts of Kindness Day," "National Pizza Day" or "World Storytelling Day."

·    Re-Post - Share items in your feed posted by Followers.

Use Hashtags

Research and find relevant Hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts. Adding them not only makes your content come up in search results for keywords you've used but can also help fuel the Instagram algorithm and get you in front of people that are not following you yet. (TIP: Not familiar with hashtags? Go to the Tech-Talk database; search for "hashtags". You'll find two great articles, Part I and II.)

·    Research popular words and relevance on sites like Hashtags.org.

·    Add between 3-5 hashtags on a single post. However, avoid overusing them and make sure they are relevant to your content.

·    Create your own branded hashtag to encourage users to add to their posts to add community engagement. Examples include REI: #OptOUtside, LuluLemon: #TheSweatLife, Target: #TargetRun

[hashtags]

Engage Your Audience

Social media is a two-way street! Don't post and forget about it - you need to continue building a relationship with your audience. It's always impressive to see an organization respond in the comments area to user questions and interactions. They feel seen and heard (especially if there's a concern).

[type of post]
·    Respond promptly to comments and direct messages.

·    Post a picture and ask for creative captions.

·    Run contests and giveaways to encourage user participation and expand your reach.

·    Use Instagram's features like polls to encourage interaction.

·    Initiate conversations by asking questions and encouraging feedback.

·    Collaborate with followers, influencers, and other businesses in your niche.

Remember, the key to success on Instagram is a combination of quality content, engagement, and a thoughtful strategy tailored to your specific audience and goals.

[webinar]
Upcoming Tech-Talk Webinar!

If you're new to Instagram and want a LIVE tour of this platform, register for this upcoming beginner-friendly Tech-Talk webinar on January 10th. We will show you the interface, the different ways to post, and more!

Register Here<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014pG3M9dbI6F0HRaTJgyiZHc055mhyJISLhQcFLsgcM8BcVnQutuQKYxtP1S84sprRpLVtVFMElIgYsiL1fukVirnpumVqjdoyxx7L14_pP_qfGy7bQGrZvF_XWy9OCoz72BZoyIBhnNxeFu72EVmb1ngbPF9y7_5ZQ4ahYxiefParE6qgSvfuHgt8Wvxc1S2R-uEWXtT-xS7QOHlXInrTuAzTWmGjmOIOB06Vx5M0Fs=&c=fvTC9VmdZGYrNtQHmI2zy-AxAEm5nIRevjJ90h31Ku8r1ThaY1xVvw==&ch=98s0jcOb1ti6C3dZDV0VT_9F_IH620j2uDmmCGSyWFmLoH64o6OPxg==>

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/f8f1ecc8-4884-4c21-8ed0-cf647e6db944.png]

Communication: Self

What do we value?

No one really knows where the quiz below actually comes from, but it has been circulating on the internet since the year 2000. Why? Because it's good!

Whoever created it (and no it was not Charles Schulz, creator of Peanuts ... according to the Charles Schulz Museum), the quiz offers insight into a philosophy that is worth considering.

*** QUIZ ***

You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them. Just read it straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish ... Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money ... or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most.

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/61bbb5ff-2964-4418-9832-313ed04a52aa.png]

NOTE: Charles M. Schulz Museum<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014pG3M9dbI6F0HRaTJgyiZHc055mhyJISLhQcFLsgcM8BcVnQutuQKVvoRuzw8xP-WlExVnwxqJpHRylSZmFY08q_o0E9w2-N9rIQ9fdXpNNaQPAPDYMLEeRWbz2G2AF6N-o8rQplvqOF8ikgGswmOw==&c=fvTC9VmdZGYrNtQHmI2zy-AxAEm5nIRevjJ90h31Ku8r1ThaY1xVvw==&ch=98s0jcOb1ti6C3dZDV0VT_9F_IH620j2uDmmCGSyWFmLoH64o6OPxg==> produced the following response to the question, "Is this the philosophy of Charles Schulz?"

"We get this request about once a month. Though this saying/quiz is often attributed to Charles Schulz, he in fact made no such statement.

The "Don't worry about the world coming to an end today . . . It's already tomorrow in Australia" quotation that sometimes appears at the end of the quiz evidently did come from the pen of Charles Schulz, an adaptation taken from a Peanuts strip originally published on 13 June 1980."

This added statement may have been the reason people started to think the quiz itself was from Charles Schulz.

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/b13a7a6a-7445-4d8e-b741-4b475385ef5b.png]<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014pG3M9dbI6F0HRaTJgyiZHc055mhyJISLhQcFLsgcM8BcVnQutuQKZkzX4ncyljuGOzAdBECXgpH0dOTE3vWqAMqUGNTpOljlHwkuIGh-TSpJJEb2Iv7PVysPShVrEpcJfNGZNBcJf5pY7HN87SmfC6JXn1eGE0v&c=fvTC9VmdZGYrNtQHmI2zy-AxAEm5nIRevjJ90h31Ku8r1ThaY1xVvw==&ch=98s0jcOb1ti6C3dZDV0VT_9F_IH620j2uDmmCGSyWFmLoH64o6OPxg==>
[Ask a question]<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0014pG3M9dbI6F0HRaTJgyiZHc055mhyJISLhQcFLsgcM8BcVnQutuQKeX94tArHkKuLDnGES2cYCze66lkLQZkXaBF0f7eIkXP1MxBJRtYLaEZ-B20f8hJwp2N16Kf105aTdC8XS_k3zEt7Xt59kow_w-evKiVSw8ets6Yfozr42U=&c=fvTC9VmdZGYrNtQHmI2zy-AxAEm5nIRevjJ90h31Ku8r1ThaY1xVvw==&ch=98s0jcOb1ti6C3dZDV0VT_9F_IH620j2uDmmCGSyWFmLoH64o6OPxg==>

Copyright 1996-2023 Shared Results International. Published weekly. Distribution is limited by license. For information on how to include additional recipients, contact support at tech-talk.com<mailto:support at tech-talk.com> 585-615-7795.

Cheers,
Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
Continuing Education Resources: https://libguides.osl.state.or.us/conted

State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
971-375-3491 | darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov> | www.oregon.gov/library<http://www.oregon.gov/library>
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