City Moms Blog

CMBN Team Corner :: A Little About Us

Kelli — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:24:25 +0000

Question #1 :: Describe your personality in one word/phrase.

Question #2 :: What’s your favorite summertime activity with your kids?

Steph ::

1 :: I took the Flag Page Personality Test (which I’d highly recommend) five years ago, and “loves people” was my primary motivator - the “lens” through which every part of my life is filtered.

2 :: We recently joined our local Lifetime Fitness and between the Indoor and Outdoor Pools, great childcare, cafe with WiFi (to be able to work w/o the kids), an amazing fitness center and great group fitness classes, we’ve definitely found a way to beat the Arizona heat!

Lauren ::

1 :: Never too serious, craves deep relationships, and loves adventures.

2 :: Beach. Always the beach.

Kelli ::

1 :: Pleaser (I like to make people happy and strive to meet their expectations) and Type A (I am a ridiculously organized person in most facets, except when it comes to cleaning)!

2 :: Playing in our pool outside and picnics at daddy’s soccer practice.

Jessica ::

1 :: Laid-back, Easygoing and Authentic

2 :: One of our Christmas gifts from my parents was a membership to the Children’s Museum Of Phoenix, so I look forward to getting there on a weekly basis & taking advantage of their fun toddler classes.

“NoFollow” Rules and How to Implement Them…

Kelli — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:55:55 +0000

Ok, so I am sure (or at least hope) you have at least heard of “nofollow” rules when it comes to sponsored posts. Now, in the blogging world it is a tad confusing as to what links need to be tagged with “nofollow” for companies you may or may not have partnered with.

Here are a few general rules that would deem something “nofollow”:

You receive compensation, either monetary or in free products and/or services, in return for blogging about the company, product or service.
A company pays you to include specific links in a particular post or throughout your site.

Here are a few general rules that would deem something “dofollow”:

You have put together a round-up of your favorite baby products for your readers, without compensation of any kind.
You are writing a post about summer activities for kids and you link to several organizations offering summer programming.

What does “nofollow” and “dofollow” mean, exactly?

Anytime you have a post or page published on the world wide web, there is two sides. One side is the pretty side that your readers will see and then the other is a coded page which consists of html strings. There is nothing you need to do special for a “dofollow” link. Simply link the text within your post/page as you normally would. For “nofollow” links however, you need to add special coding to tell Google not to give that particular link any special Google ranking since it was paid for and not organically generated.

Now, before you go pulling your hair out, there is a WordPress plugin that does this for you quite simply. I highly suggest you download the Ultimate NoFollow plugin. It adds a second selection box (below the Open link in new window or tab selection box) in the “Insert/edit link” pop-up box that says: Add rel=”nofollow” to link.

Please let me know if you have any questions about “dofollow” versus “nofollow” or how to properly install the recommended plugin.

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Kelli is the Website and Online Marketing Support Specialist for City Moms Blog Network and the Tri-founder of Chicagoland Moms Blog. She is the Project Manager/Marketing Specialist for START Interaction, a website development and creative studio. Kelli is a Nebraska native, living outside of Chicago. She is married to Garrett and mommy to Dempsey (March 2011) and a Beagle named Rooney (February 2008). She loves getting her fitness on, watching a good movie, meal planning and color-coding her calendar! Colored sticky notes, a great pair of boots and tootsie rolls are on her list of favorite things!

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Growing Your Team…

Joy — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:36:09 +0000

After three years of ups and downs, Scottsdale Moms Blog has finally grown from a hobby into a business. (Insert screams of delight here). The only way this has happened is through women in our community having a passion for local moms and joining us in the effort to see moms connect. As we’ve grown, I’ve noticed that there are five insights that have helped me to build a support team:

1. Know my weaknesses :: One of the most important things that my work on SMB has provided for me is the privilege of learning where I stink. There are many things that I have learned to do for SMB. I’ve done them because they needed to get done. And there are lots (and lots) of things that I just don’t do well. (For instance, I hate systems and spreadsheets and doing the same thing over and over again – it makes me feel like I’m in prison.) I love knowing this about myself. It allows me to focus on things that I’m good at and enjoy. Plus, it allows my friends who have a knack for order, systems, processes and schedules to live in their happy place.

2. Recognize the awesomeness in my team :: One of my favorite things to say to my team members is “Yes! Go for it!” When someone on the team has a new idea and wants to do/try something a new way, I get so excited for the change. (I love and lean into change.) If I’m not sure about a new idea, I prefer to take the “let’s discuss it” track so that I can learn more about my team member and help to piggyback off their idea to form something that fits within my goals and the direction of SMB. When I let my team take the lead where they initiate, I’m able to learn more about their strengths and get the opportunity to watch them make our community great.

I confess that every now and then my pride can creep up and I can feel threatened or embarrassed by a suggestion from a team member. (Why didn’t I think of that? Oh, you didn’t like how I did that…) But, I quickly kill that attitude because it can be lethal to me and my team. When I focus on their strengths and embrace our differences, then we are much stronger together than if I was just sitting around trying to be awesome all by myself.

3. Set personal goals :: I like to reevaluate my goals regularly. Each new season with children presents opportunities for me to reset and decide what I’d like to do/learn/accomplish through my work with SMB. Right now, my personal goals look like this: 1. Write more 2. Find opportunities for public speaking 3. Help my family become debt free.

By having personal goals, it helps me to know where I want to focus my energy and where I need help. When I know where I need help, then I can do a better job of looking to my team to fill in the gaps.

So for instance, because “become debt free” is a goal, it means that the blog needs to make actual money and not just be a place where I get free stuff.

4. Ask my team what their personal goals are and help them achieve them :: This might seem obvious, but sometimes I get so excited about all the fun things we have going on for SMB that I forget to ask my team how things are going for them and what their goals are. As I gain a greater understanding of my team (through understanding their personal goals and objectives), I’m able to take away jobs that they don’t enjoy doing and plug them into the work where they can excel. This, has got to be the most rewarding part of being a site owner – seeing my friends do amazing things!

5. Understand why I’m doing this in the first place :: My goals for SMB have slightly changed over time. It started as a way to help moms connect locally. Now that we are doing that, I’d like to get better at it. So, we’ve brought in people who are better than me in administration, editing, event planning and keeping track of sponsorship logistics.

I also have a Big New Goal of providing part time jobs for moms who want to work from home. SMB currently has five women we are paying (very modestly). I hope to get our site income to the place where all the women on our team are providing a significant source of income for their families while impacting our community and increasing their professional skills – all while maintaining the title of Stay at Home Mom, if they so choose.

I close with a little bit of wisdom from Ecclesiastes:

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

Go Team!

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Joy is the Co-Founder of Scottsdale Moms Blog and absolutely loves living in Scottsdale with her hubby Kevin, their daughter Reagan (born August 2009), son Elliot (born May 2011), and son David (born December 2013). She is a lover of nature, a research analyst on all things related to life, a home manager, a crafty art-eest, Chief Marketing Officer for Cactus CrossFit, mommy, daughter and friend.

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Hosting Your Own Moms Blog Twitter Party

Krystal — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:32:17 +0000

Twitter is one of those strange social mediums were you either “get it” or you don’t, and can be a little scary to tackle. Unlike Facebook, Twitter is more like having a real-time conversation rather than updating your followers with what you’re up to, and a Twitter Party helps get that conversation going.

It’s important to say that before trying to host your own Twitter Party is that you need to understand the basics of how Twitter works, otherwise, you’re going to get lost and tangled in the tweets fast!

So, here are a few questions to help you decide if you’re ready to take that next step in Twitterverse. Do you know how to follow someone? Do you know how to retweet or reply to a tweet? Do you know what a hashtag is? Do you know how to use HootSuite or TweetDeck?

If you’ve answered yes, to all these questions, then you’re ready to host your own Twitter Party! If you answered no, then make sure learning about Twitter is the next item on your “to do” list.

Why Do I Want to Host a Twitter Party?

The biggest reason for hosting a Twitter Party is to gain more followers and capture the attention of brands and PR.

Although many of your Facebook fans and RSS subscribers use Twitter, they may not know that you’re active on Twitter. Announcing a Twitter Party is a great way to subtly make them aware that you’re there and providing valuable up-to-the-minute information for moms in more than one location.

So, How Do I Getting Started?

If you haven’t participated in a Twitter Party before, I highly encourage you to do so before trying to host your own so you can see how one is run and what it’s like for the participants. SITS girls, Social Fabric, and other larger mommy brands will often announce Twitter parties on a semi-regular basis.

Choose a time. Pick a date and time that works best for your region. Twitter parties are often hosted during the daytime (usually between 12-2 CST) so that sponsors are able to participate; however, if you’re looking to reach mostly moms, after bedtime hours works best (8-10pm CST).
Work with brands! In order to encourage people to participate in your party, you’ll want to work with some local sponsors to help capture your followers’ attention. Since most Twitter parties last between 30-60 minutes, think about doing a random drawing throughout to encourage participation and engagement. Usually 4-5 products/giveaways works perfectly.
Promote! Promote! About a week leading up to the event, start to promote your party. Remember, Twitter is very “in the moment,” so promoting the event too soon won’t be effective to the audience your trying to capture.
Ask for an RSVP. Find some way of encouraging your followers to “rsvp” to your Twitter Party using a site like Linking. Similar to a real party, people want to know who’s going to be there! Have your contributors who can attend RSVP, and it will let others know they won’t be the only one at the party.
Come Up With A Schedule. This is probably the most important thing you could do prior to your party. You’ll want to make an itinerary (minute by minute) of what you’re planning to say and do. I highly, highly encourage you to schedule your tweets ahead of time using HootSuite or TweetDeck. This will allow you the freedom to interact with those who are participating rather than trying to remember all the questions and details you had meant to say. You can view a sample schedule here.
It’s Party Time! When it’s time for your party to start, make sure to stay active in the conversation! Respond when followers give great ideas. Ask questions. Thank them for coming and participating. Using HootSuite, TweetDeck, or TweetGride are great ways to follow the conversation using your hashtag.

Any other pointers?

Yes! If you plan to do more than one Twitter Party, try to come up with a theme for each one so that followers know what the conversation of the Party will be about. Try topics like “Things to do in ______” or “Seeking Mom Advice.” Then have your questions circle around the theme; and hopefully your sponsors will be relevant too – Makes it easier to slip in the advertising I’m sure you promised them if they’d participate!
Come up with a clever hashtag for your party; one that you can use each time! For example #DMBMoms or #DMBMomParty; something that can easily be attached the end of all your tweets.
Lastly, remember your audience! Typically those “attending” a Twitter Party will be bloggers or those who just love social media. Encourage the mom bloggers who follow you on Facebook to attend so that they’ll encourage their Twitter followers to attend.
And remember, even if your attendance isn’t huge; your hashtag and their answers are being seen by thousands of followers who follow those in attendance!

For more questions regarding hosting a Twitter Party, feel free to contact Krystal Hurst (Dallas Moms Blog) at Krystal@dallasmomsblog.org.

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From a teaching career in Richardson to managing a letterpress studio in the Design District, Krystal finally found her calling with the “simple” life of motherhood. She’s been married for 8 years to her best friend and husband, Tim. She enjoys spending time with her son, Mark (born March 2011), and Zachary (born January 2013). Her passions are eating cheaply, traveling often, and photographing every minute of it! You can learn more about Krystal’s achievements and mishaps in motherhood on her blog The T-Shirt Mama.

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Sister Site Top 5 :: Q2 2013

Lauren — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:14:00 +0000

5 Annoying Things Moms do to Other Moms

This post is simply hilarious. We are all most-likely guilty of at least a few of the noted offenses. The author doesn’t seem to be attacking a specific group of moms but rather acknowledges the mistakes we all make along the journey of motherhood. The tone of this post is very similar to satirical posts on motherhood that you might find in the Huffington Post or Babble.

Kay’s Story: A Birthmom’s Journey

If the 30 heartfelt comments aren’t enough to convince you of the beauty and emotion wrapped up in this post, just take the time to read this incredibly moving posts that touched thousands through QCMB. This post was timely (National Adoption Month), locally focused, and full of authentic vulnerability that many readers could relate to and connect with. It gave a voice to those moms that are far too often forgotten in the world of moms blogs. The birth moms.

Spring Fashion…Target Style

Is there anything more fun that going shopping with your girlfriends? That’s exactly what the author of this posts invites us to do. The photos in this post seal the deal and make it completely possible for the reader to shut the computer, head to Target, and bring home all the displayed outfits and be completely ready for spring. This is a great example of how interesting photos can enhance a simple post and bring tremendous value to the reader.

Don’t Be The Pesky Friend

This post is full of truths that many moms might be afraid too express to their loved ones. This is the kind of “ah-ha” post that moms read and feel instantly inclined to share with their networks. I love that the author reminds us that the Austin Moms Blog team supports these hospital visitor rules. Readers might have felt similar annoyances but never had the confidence to enforce these unspoken rules.

5 Surprising Foods Your Little One Just May Love

What mom doesn’t love an honest article about trying to get kids to eat healthy food? The element of surprise, as mentioned in the title, effortlessly draws readers to click through and find out more. It should not surprise you that so many posts on our “Top 5″ are list posts. List posts are common favorites as they are easy to digest and the descriptive, enticing title are persuasive and effective. Great lists will continually add value to your content and blog overall.

Are you maximizing your giveaways?

Ashley — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:24:17 +0000

As we all know, giveaways can be a really fun way to engage with and reward your audience. Of course, it’s definitely important to be selective with what brands/products you choose to work with (i.e. you should always think about whether the giveaway is aligned to your mission and would better moms’ lives), and it’s also important to make sure that your site doesn’t become over-saturated with giveaways because at the end of the day, content is king. All of that said, giveaways are part of blogging, especially within sponsored content, so when you do run them you want to be sure that you maximize their potential … both to grow your readership AND help your partners achieve their goals. If they don’t see a return in working with you, they are unlikely to do so again.

We always use Rafflecopter, which by now is pretty much (from what I understand) the “accepted” way of running giveaways. Within Rafflecopter, you can set up very easy entry options such as “liking” a Facebook page. But did you know that you can ALSO create any custom entry you want through the “invent your own option” function? The options are truly limitless. A few tips on how we’ve built our readership through being strategic with this…

We always make subscribing by email “mandatory” (I put mandatory in quotes because technically with Rafflecopter an entrant can say they did something and the software has no way to check), which has built our subscriber base (good for traffic)
We have created several entry options of our own through the “invent your own option” function such as following us on Pinterest, following us on Instagram and leaving a comment on the NOMB Facebook page (when people comment on your page, their friends see it and can easily find our Facebook page)
We also ask people to do things like head over to the business’ Facebook page, tell them that NOMB sent them and leave a comment about what they’d choose. This is helpful because it 1) shows up in the entrant’s news feed so people find out about the giveaway 2) shows the business that they are getting concrete traffic from us and 3) gets people “talking” about you
We ask giveaway entrants to share the Facebook post where they saw the giveaway. Remember that “share it to win it” contests are against Facebook’s Terms of Service, but asking someone to share the post as an entry is NOT against the terms, as the actual entry takes place within the Rafflecopter widget
If the business is on Twitter, we always ask entrants to follow the business, us and tweet about the giveaway – again, this serves the purpose of getting your entrants talking about the business in a concrete way that the business can see, which is what they want by working with you
We usually try to promote our giveaways on Instagram too by posting a picture of whatever we’re giving away. Although people can’t yet click through to the giveaway, it’s still an effective marketing tool since it catches people’s attention, they can tag other users to show them, etc

Just remember that giveaways are a fantastic way to get people talk about both your site AND the business, so get creative with how you market the giveaway and also how you ask people to engage with it. More buzz is always good for everyone!

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Ashley is the National Sponsor Account Coordinator for City Moms Blog Network and Co-Founder of New Orleans Moms Blog. She works full-time for a non-profit focused on urban education reform, often referring to blogging as her naptime and nighttime job. Ashley and her husband are both originally from New Orleans and are enjoying raising a family in their beloved hometown. When she’s not busy chasing her very active toddler, Thatcher, you can find her cheering for the Saints, hanging out on a Mardi Gras parade route, enjoying sauvignon blanc with friends or trying a new restaurant with her husband. She loves sushi, crawfish and cold beer, writing with sharpies and a clean inbox.

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Tips for Planning a Family-Friendly Event

Ashley — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:31:01 +0000

As y’all probably know, New Orleans Moms Blog tackled (I say tackled because it really became a HUGE project) hosting a family friendly Easter event earlier this month. Do I recommend this approach? Absolutely! Why? Well…

A lot of readers work. Those moms don’t necessarily want to leave their kids one more time, even if it’s for a fun day or night out. A family friendly event allows them to partake in something fun WITH their kids.
And a lot of readers don’t work. For these families, we often hear that securing or affording childcare is a real stretch. A family friendly event is enticing because everyone can come, and there’s no struggle/battle to find childcare.
This shows dads that blogging isn’t really weird or creepy and that there’s good reason to be on the internet at night (added bonus!)

What advice do I have to give?

Don’t assume (like we did) that it will be just you and your team there. First we sold one ticket. Then two. And before we knew it over one hundred. So um, our plan to just play around in a field with our kids and a few eggs quickly became a massive event. No idea why we didn’t anticipate this (we like to think we’re humble and no one cares about what we say or do!), but pick a target attendance number and work towards it. And for the love of plastic egg assembly, CAP IT at whatever number you choose.
Create a clear workplan with division of labor from the beginning. I know this sounds obvious, but again, we thought it would be small. And then it wasn’t. And then it was a few of us doing the bulk of the work. Which in a lot of ways was great (you learn by doing).
It’s pretty easy to solicit sponsors, especially if you start at least 6 weeks in advance. But, I highly recommend thinking about exactly WHO you want and what they will be responsible for. Local companies (surprise, surprise – that’s what makes us special, right?) are way more eager, enthusiastic and helpful. While it was “neat” to have Winn Dixie on board, their representatives were indifferent to being there, left trash (!!!) and didn’t bring water as promised. Point being – try to spread the love local to businesses who will appreciate the exposure.
You don’t have to center a family event around a holiday – you could really host a “family picnic,” and I am pretty sure people will come because families crave family friendly events, especially if there are fun giveaways involved!

Sister Site Top 5 :: Q1 2013

Lauren — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:21:03 +0000

Make Up Lesson at 30 (And Giveaway)

Quad City Moms Blog

Just the sheer amount of planning and time that went in to this post are enough to make it extraordinary. The visual, detailed instructions make it extremely useful to readers and the quality is begging to be shared (Pinterest anyone?). Not to mention this great post is coupled with a sponsored giveaway, which means that was probably one very happy sponsor.

Forgiving Ourselves as Parents

Dallas Moms Blog

Krystal really opens up and gets vulnerable in the sharing of one of her scariest life moments. The vulnerability she is revealing begs readers to connect and engage in this post through comments. I love that she goes a step further and applies the lesson that she learned to all of our callings as parents: forgiving ourselves.

Perspective of a Mardi Gras Virgin- Pre & Post Festivities

New Orleans Moms Blog

This post is a great combination of humor, personal testimony , and useful local information. I have to admit, all of NOMB’s posts on Mardi Gras had me ready to up and relocate to NOLA just to experience this fun season of festivities. This post is a celebration of one of their city’s most famous features, and can give insight to a newcomer going through the same progression of emotions.

Your Best Year Ever- A Marriage Challenge

Burlington VT Moms Blog

I’m always so impressed by blog posts that came together with thoughtful planning, research, and homework. The author of this post got quotes from family, friends, and co-workers. This appropriately timed (near Valentines Day) post is not only endearingly sweet, but really offers good, applicable advice for a stronger marriage.

Things to do in Scottsdale for Springbreak

Scottsdale Moms Blog

This timely post is not only educating Scottsdale residents on what to do during springbreak in their city, but it also caters to the influx of tourist the city will see and provides them with a rich resource for planning their stay. The post does not need to be wordy as it clearly and efficiently directs readers where to go to find what they are looking for. Each link directs readers to another post inside Scottsdale Moms Blog, making sure they not only get tons of traffic from this carefully thought out post, but that readers will surely remember this amazing site that had so much to offer them.

CMBN Team Corner :: Our Favorite Apps

Kelli — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:15:29 +0000

There are times for a mom when there is no greater helping hand than a smartphone and a good app. We asked our City Moms Blog Network team share their favorite apps (and their kids’ favorites, too!)

Lauren ::

1 – I don’t utilize the convenience of apps nearly enough. I mostly just use (and love) social media apps like Instagram and Pinterest. The only ones that I can think of that I regularly use are Pink Pad and The Weather App. Looks like I’m in the market for some other suggestions!

2 – My 2 year olds’ favorite apps are I Hear Ewe, Shapes & Colors (by Fisher-Price), and the PBS Kids app. I believe they are all free. Maybe that’s why I don’t use apps much: because I refuse to pay for them!

Kelli ::

1 – My favorite apps are: RedStamp (Steph has me addicted); PicFrame; ArtKive; Instagram

2 – Bubble Guppies; Fisher Price Let’s Count and Animal Sounds; Dr. Seuss Band

Ashley ::

1 – Instagram – I love photography so the visual aspect really appeals to me. I’m actually somewhat of an Instagram snob and can’t stand blurry pictures. Also, I can watch the Nickelback Instagram Parody three times in a row because it’s so darn true!

2 – We have tried really, really, really hard not to resort to technology more than we need to, mostly because I don’t want to fight with my toddler over my phone and less because I disagree with it (Lord knows we watch plenty of “zoo animals” (aka Madagascar) in our house!). We only have one app on either of our phones, and it’s Elmo Calls (Thatcher is 2). I actually ignore all of the blog posts/articles on apps for kids…I’m selfish and want to keep the phone to myself!

Steph ::

1 – My new favorite app is the Red Stamp app. It allows me to email, text, tweet, Facebook, Instagram and paper mail personalized photo cards, notes, invitations + announcements right from your iPhone. Let’s just say it was a post-Christmas thank you life-saver.

2 – My girls (3.5 and 1.5) change their favorite app preferences on a weekly (maybe even daily) basis. However, right now some of their favorites are the apps from Duck Duck Moose, specifically Wheels on the Bus.

Jessica ::

1 – Timehop – a fun daily app that pulls up your social media posts/photos from up to seven years ago. Great for doing comparison photos over the years with your kids. Diptic – great photo app to create collages & add captions. AroundMe – I use this almost daily to find the nearest gas station, grocery store, Starbucks, etc.

2 – My daughter (2.5) loves the PBS Kids app, Magnetic ABC and all the Duck Duck Moose, Peekaboo and TabTales apps.

How to Baby/Child Proof Your iPhone ::

Has your child ever accidentally deleted an existing app, made a call to China or send a random text message while playing with your phone? Have no fear, there is a way to prevent this from happening.

First off, you must be using i06.

Go to Settings.
Hit General.
Scroll down, and hit Accessibility.
Scroll down, and hit Guided Access, which is located under the Learning heading.
Turn Guided Access on by swiping the button from “Off” to “On.” Set your four-digit passcode, and then choose whether to Enable Screen Sleep.
When your child is ready to play, open the desired app.
Push the home button three times. This will open a dialogue box asking if you would like to use Guided Access.
Now choose from these options
- Begin immediately by tapping Start in the upper right corner. This will have disabled the home button only.
- Draw circles on your screen with your finger to determine which areas you would like restricted.
- Tap Options at the bottom of the screen. You can now choose to completely disable Touch and/or Motion
Now, when your child is done with the app, push the home button three times and enter in your four-digit passcode, then you will have disabled Guided Access.

The New and Improved Facebook News Feed

Kelli — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:38:44 +0000

Facebook is making MORE changes, but this time they provide a great opportunity for Business Pages and brands alike.

Looks like the people over at Facebook listened to the complaints made by many Page owners who were concerned their content wasn’t being seen by the very people who “like” their Page. And those complaints made by Facebook users who weren’t seeing the content they wanted to appear on their News Feeds.

The enhancements to the News Feed will provide users control over what they see and also provides Business Page owners the opportunity to have their content seen in a bold way.

So what is NEW about the News Feed?

Mobile Friendly Design :: If you haven’t noticed, viewing Facebook on your desktop versus your smart phone is a totally different experience. Well good news is the design will now be consistent across all platforms.

Multiple Feeds :: Users will now have the option to separate feeds into categories such as: Most Recent, All Friends, Photos, Music, Following, etc.

Front and Center Images :: One of the biggest changes will be to the layout and design of the News Feed. Images will take center stage and drive the design of the new interface.

Next question is how it impacts Page Owners?

Following Feed :: This will enable users to view all posts made by Pages they follow in a dedicated feed. Posts will also be available in chronological order. Now, your content won’t be missed by your followers. Hooray!

Pictures, Featured Images and Videos :: With the Pinterest and Instagram craze, it doesn’t surprise me that Facebook learned a few lessons on how people “view” content on the web. Pictures, featured images and videos will now be more important than ever, and bigger. Make sure to select compelling images that will capture your follower’s attention and drive them to your blogs. Having a visually appealing profile photo and cover image will be essential as well.

Before we break out in a happy dance, there are a few items that remain unknown.

Default News Feed :: This will remain the same, meaning your content as a Page owner will be intermixed with all the other “noise” on Facebook. There is still a chance your posts will get lost in the mix on the default news feed page.

Following Feed Use :: Whether Facebook users will actually utilize the new feed options is still unknown. It will be important to “educate” your followers about the changes and inform them how they can access your Facebook content through the Following Feed.

Ok, now what do we do?

Profile and Cover Images :: Do they visualize who you are and what you do? For a new page “liker” the photo displayed will actually be your Page’s cover image in the “likers” news feed. The purpose is to provide more context about a page in a visual way, so making sure your cover image is eye-catching and relevant is more important than ever. If you are interested in brainstorming or recruiting a little design help, please contact me and I’d be happy to help!

Featured Blog Post Images :: Are you using compelling images that visually explain the topic of your posts? Using original images is now uber-important (as if it wasn’t before). Branding these original images with your logo and blog URL is a must! If not using original images, be sure your photos are giving readers insight into what your post is about and that they fit your brand.

Spread Awareness :: If you weren’t a Page owner, would you care about the Following Feed? Chances are you probably would just think Facebook changed yet again. Tell your followers how to best access your content, by pointing out the Following Feed feature.

Here is also a little video on the New Facebook News Feed you should check-out!

While on the topic of Facebook and as you are reviewing your Page’s to gear up for the new changes, here are 5 tips for enhancing your Facebook Graph Search Rankings.