Photo from sxc.hu user bo_1963

So I decided to come up with a wacky title for this week’s links. Nothing to do with dancing, but it rhymed and Monday is Columbus Day. In 5th grade, I drove my social studies teacher crazy by repeating two lines of a Columbus poem. (In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. In 1493, he sailed the deep blue sea.) I’m amazed she didn’t send me to the principal’s office now that I have kids who have done the same to me.

We’ve all done things to drive our teachers, parents and other adults nuts. What about you?

Brain food …

• 3 Tips for Professional E-Book Covers. Yes, we do judge books by the cover — ebooks included.
• How to Read More: A Lover’s Guide. Even book lovers like me fall into a reading slump. You get busy or choose to relax while watching TV. (It’s essentially reading for me because I read captions!)
• 10 Key Points Freelancers Must Know About LinkedIn. Good reminders. LinkedIn has so much going on. This cuts to the chase.
• Mobile Framework Comparison Chart. For my designer buds. Compare all the frameworks and choose the one that best fits your needs. [Link: Deborah Edwards-Onoro]
• Exquisite Tweets. Paste the URL from a single tweet in a conversation to get a one-page thread to share or save. [Link: Dana Chisnell]

And for fun because we’re allowed …

• 10 Coolest Lunch Bags. If you work in office with public fridge, first lunch bag and one other (ick) will stop theft. I like the lunch bag art bags.
• the difference 10 years makes. Cartoon covering TV, mapping, cell phones and more.
• 12 Hilarious Graffitis on Signs. Spoiler alert! Skip the first one if you haven’t seen Marley & Me …
• Size Comparison Of Famous Sci-fi Spaceships. Putting the end to “My ship is bigger” debate.
• Social Media Icons. I rarely follow the egg. Maybe twice out of the 8,000 I follow.

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Image by mattknow

After seeing a few folks with #hashtag after #hashtag in their Twitter bios, I asked what people thought of that. Along the same lines, I tweeted, “‘I follow back’ in a twitter bio does the opposite of what is intended … at least for me. How about you?”

I don’t follow back because this tells me they’re about numbers not quality. OK … OK … I admit following back one person with “I follow back” in his bio because he posts great quotes worth sharing.

What folks say …

“I follow back” comments

AshDHart: “I follow back” generally = I don’t engage I just build up a collection of followers.

rachaelgk: Agreed, and, I DID follow you because of your tweet that you don’t. Haha.

Booklorn: It suggest the person has no discretion/standards in who they follow, so yeah, not a good thing to put in profile.

#hashtag abuse in bio or tweets comments

zerocattle: if it’s funny, great! If it’s clearly spamming, boooo! (to both cases)

mmonsen7: I try to keep my hashtags to 3 or less per tweet. Often, it’s just one. Looks better, I think.

ZBzacbrown: I think it’s sort of a rookie move and an attempt to make their handle associated with the hashes..advertising..

Aside from those who follow everyone back, users rely on a few visual clues to decide whether to follow someone.

Clues Affecting the Twitter Follow Back Decision

1. Avatar picture. Default or original? Person, logo or other image?
2. Bio. Info, length and format. Format refers to whether the person uses a bunch of keywords or #hashtags. (Unless done with a sense of humor.) You only have 165 characters for your bio. Yet, some people use few words that reveal nothing about themselves. “I follow back” usually gets no follow.
3. URL. Some folks are suspicious of those whose URL uses a URL shortener service like bit.ly, tinyurl or is.gd. Most legitimate URLs should be able to fit that you shouldn’t need a shortener. No URL is also no good even if you don’t have a website.
4. Stats. Tweets, follower, following and listed numbers. People look for unbalanced numbers unless you’re Ashton Kutcher or  Oprah. High numbers don’t necessarily mean the person is popular or a good tweeter. With all the automated tools available, it’s not hard to drive up your numbers.
5. Tweets. Is there a variety of tweets? Or do you see all quotes? (OK, I follow some who do nothing but quotes — there are exceptions.) All “Title of article or blog post” followed by same type of link URL? Do you see other Twitter user IDs mentioned like @merylkevans? Some people look like they’re talking to no one like a “whaling wall” (Credit: Robin Dickson) when they never mention anyone. A sign they’re not listening.

What clues do you look for when you decide whether to follow someone on Twitter? If you look for these traits, what do you consider for each?

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Image credit: Web Treats Etc.

With a daughter in her senior year of high school, almost anything regarding college catches my attention. I caught a tweet about saving for college with a hashtag worth following. I sent a link to the Twitter hashtag to my husband so he could check it out.

“I have never followed twitter. Where would I set that up?”

I replied, “Can’t you see the search results without logging in?”

“I have never used twitter. How do I follow?”

[Insert proverbial jaw dropping moment here]

He’s never been into social media beyond the occasional Facebook friending and commenting. No, he’s not a Luddite — far from it. In fact, we met online the pre-Internet way through a bulletin board system (BBS). And his entire career has revolved around working in IT.

I loved his question because it revealed how someone someone new to Twitter thinks about the service. He obviously knew that following people was something you do in Twitter. But he didn’t know that it wasn’t the first thing he should do after signing up. He could, but people would unlikely follow back.

While there’s no right or wrong way to start using Twitter, you can take a few steps to make the most of it. For example, if you start following people before adding an avatar, you’re less likely to see people following you back. Having the default avatar has become an unconscious signal that the user isn’t serious about Twitter, and in some cases, could be a spammer.

Here are the steps I gave him for setting up his Twitter account (access these features in Settings — see image):

1. Make a list of names using his real name. Millions have already claimed Twitter IDs including @PaulEvans, which happens to be his name. Why a real name? It’s a connotation thing. His name is common, so it will take a few tries to find one that isn’t taken and consider the following guidelines:
• Avoid numbers. No one remembers them and spammers like them.
• Avoid punctuation like _ and -. While some favorite tweeters use them, it’s hard to tell what they are.
• Keep it as short as possible. Whatever your name is, it affects how much room others have in tweeting replies with your name.
2. Upload an avatar. A headshot photo of you works great.
   
3. Write bio. It’d take another post to describe an ideal bio. For most part, state who you are and what interests you. What kind of people do you want to connect with? If they do a search to find you, what words do you want them to use?
4. Enter location. I live in Plano, but I use “Plano, Texas, north of Dallas” to ensure people searching for “Texas” and “Dallas” find me. To abbreviate or not to abbreviate your state is a tough one. I opted not to because “Tx” is often “Thanks.”
5. Add a URL. Paul has a dilemma. He doesn’t have his own website. One option is to create an about.me type account that links to his LinkedIn, Facebook and other IDs. Another is to simply include his LinkedIn URL. There will be arguments for and against every option. Just avoid using a URL shortener service.
6. Change the background. Using one of Twitter’s background designs may not win over some folks. You can use a favorite photo or wallpaper. Make sure they don’t distract from the content. Many popular tweeters have plain backgrounds, so it doesn’t have to be fancy. Want to customize a background? Instead, search for “free twitter background” and use an online wizard to create one for starters. The downside is that the service will probably add its URL to your background.
7. Start tweeting. Yes, start tweeting before you start following. Some people won’t follow someone with no tweets as they want an idea of what kind of user you will be. Mix up the tweets by including links to great articles (Include the title, URL and an original comment), quotes, replies to other people’s tweets and tips in your area of expertise.
8. Follow … carefully. Don’t follow like crazy. If your Following number climbs way faster than your Followers,  people get suspicious.

You may have friends and colleagues already in twitter. If so, follow them and interact with them first.

What tips do you have for someone setting up an account in Twitter for the first time? What notes would you add or change in these eight steps?

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2011 Meryl Evans

Here’s my “where I was” September 11 story. Where were you?

• Can Pre-Paid Legal Services Help Freelancers? You may have seen ads for Pre-Paid Legal or know someone who told you about it. It turned me off especially because of its MLM setup. But take away the marketing and it’s a good service.
• Book Blogger Directory. A keeper for authors. Remember, don’t just email ‘em all asking to review your book. Target blogs that match your book’s ideal reader. [Link: Chapter and Voice]
• How to Focus in the Age of Distraction. Great mindmap. But I had a hard time focusing and trying to stick with one branch. I kept jumping over. =)
• Where to hang out at Google+ Hangouts. I haven’t joined one yet. Have you? What was your experience?
• Two great Twitter tools. Twitblock: Scans your followers for potential spammers following you. DoesFollow: Quick way to find out if someone is following you without sending a DM or scanning that person’s long list of followers.

For fun because we’re allowed…

• Pencil pictures. Very cool.
• Brandversations: When competitors invade each other’s logos. Love the artwork.
• 8 Retro Imaginary Advertisements for Modern. More beautiful artwork that combines old time advertising styles with modern day gadgets. Think old Coca-Cola ads meet Macbook.

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2011 Meryl Evans

Ah, it’s Labor Day weekend. I’m keeping this short so I can unplug. and I hope you do, too.

Brain food…

• Google + tips for freelancers. A couple of tips that you might not consider.
• 5 Time-Saving Tools to Add to Your Twitter Tool Belt. Ooh, a few interesting ones.
• The Monster Collection of Moleskin Tips, Tricks and Hacks. I never could make it a habit to use something like this, but I know a lot of people who love it — so here you go.
• Best Procrastination Tip Ever. Trying this by doing it as early in the day as possible and feel proud to move on with rest of my day.
• SEO Guide to Creating Viral Linkbait and Infographics. Mega-guide with valuable information.
• Bookboon. Download free ebooks including textbooks, business books and travel guides.

And for fun because we’re allowed…

• Creative Sign-Offs. Most of the time, I use “Best.”
• 15 Funniest LOLcats Ever. Cookie cat looks like Shrek‘s Puss in Boots when he does that pitiful look.
• 10 Products Discovered by Accident. Whoa! Play-Doh was supposed to clean wallpaper?
• How to Revise Your Work (& Awesome Editing Symbols You Should Know). Ha! I like “That’s a good idea, I’m stealing that!”
• How old is your globe? Looks like the family’s black globe is from 1949. It says “Copyright” on it, but no year.

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2011 Meryl Evans

Long ago, far away (OK, about an hour from where I write this) … in a softball game, I  failed to catch a ball thrown to me at first base. This disappointed my coach because he depended on me to catch a reasonable throw every time. He forgave those occasional wild throws out of my reach. But not this one.

Photo from flickr user Keith Allison

As soon as the team got all three outs and came off the field into the dugout, I went to the coach. The look on his face confirmed my suspicions that he’d be disappointed in me. I apologized and told him I’d hit a home run to make up for it.

That was some promise for 12-year-old me. I excelled in softball, but I didn’t hit homers in every game or every other game. I felt bad about my mistake and wanted to make up for it.

And I did.

The Proof’s in the Pizza

People can recover from business mistakes. They happen and most of us rational folks accept that. It’s how we handle the mistakes that impress or depress customers. Amy Ravit Korin ordered pizza from Dominos online without talking to anyone. You’d think placing an order online would cut errors since you don’t have anyone speaking or listening in the equation. It’s all in writing (typing).

Not only did the pizza arrive over an hour late, but also it wasn’t the pizza she ordered. Korin tweeted a pizza her mind about the experienced in Twitter. Ramon DeLeon, the owner, caught her tweet and responded that he would make it up to her. First, he sent the correct pizza.

The next morning, he apologized in a video that also included the store manager. Despite its mistake, Domino’s gained respect and lots of video embeds for owing up to its mistake.  DeLeon also provide Domino’s pizza for over 350 people at a social media gathering in which Korin was involved in unbeknownst to him. (Talk about fate!)

Customer Service All A-Twitter

When I’ve complained in Twitter and received a response from the company, I’d follow up with a positive tweet about the company. Do a search for #customerservice and you’ll see complaints, compliments and job listings. Here are a few minus the job listings.

PatrickCSanders: Just had the absolute worst #customerservice experience @vapiano_usa on 18th&M NW #DC. Absent-minded chefs/mgmt, & food that never showed!

HeyyyGuyyy: Horrible #customerservice by @BestBuy_Deals during Hurricane Irene – Picture #BestBuy #Irene

I checked on the company accounts of the two negative tweets. No acknowledgment. Another user started a conversation with @PatrickCSanders about experiences with Vapaino.

People will talk about you and your company without you. While we can’t control anything online, we can listen and acknowledge. It can mean the difference between negative publicity and earning customer advocates.

What mistake did you experience that you complained about online? Did the company respond? Have you turned a problem into a positive experience? What happened?

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2011 Meryl Evans

I’ve been reluctant about guest posts because they rarely offer value and most of them write 10 versions of the same article to post everywhere. Not Matt Polsky. Matt did something different. He addressed me by name and his email included specifics about my blog. He also suggested a topic that worked for readers like you. That’s the way to reach a blogger. Take it, Matt.

Photo from sxc.hu user Thoursie

Businesses should take care in monitoring their brand name. From the first day and throughout the life of the company, managers need to use monitoring apps and searches to watch what is being said about their company. Not only does this apply to large businesses with many employees, but to small businesses and one-person businesses as well.

Ignoring customer comments and views devastate a business’ brand and negatively affect your personal image. Because one-person business owners have a tendency to use both their name and their business’ name simultaneously, online reputation management grows more important. To protect your name and business’ name, use the following online reputation management techniques.

Use Basic Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO used to be the go-to for all online reputation management needs. Although it isn’t the only technique to use, it remains important. Following SEO guidelines  allows business owners to make sure that their names appear high in the search engine results and prevent poor press from being easily seen on these same search pages.

Great content and keywords contribute to SEO. After Google’s Panda update, content has become king, the better the content and the more people share it, the better it is for you. A great spot to start for content creation is a blog. Starting a blog is not hard and you can provide your customers with relevant information and show off your expertise.

Businesses researching their competitors look for who is linking to them and what anchor text they are using. However, for someone such as a writer, this would not be a time efficient option since you would have millions of competitors to research. Now if you are a niche writer who write about a certain topic that has fewer  competitors, the research may be worth it.

Dominate Social Media

For individuals who run their businesses under a different title, they need to have an account on numerous social media sites for not only their own personal name, but also for their businesses name. Each of your accounts on these sites, both personal and professional, need to convey the same image that you are a professional providing quality products or services.

While your professional social media sites may be more focused on your products or services, your personal sites need to indicate that you are a professional business owner. This consistency makes it easier for potential customers to find you trustworthy, which will make them more inclined to give you their business. Other reasons why you need to be using social networking sites include:

• Gain feedback from customers.
• Engage followers in a positive avenue.
• Manage and correct any negative press received.
• Grow ranking factor for search engines.

Remember when working on social networking sites, it is important to keep them frequently updated. A neglected account can be worse than no account at all and lead to negative press. If you receive negative comments, respond immediately and rectify the situation, or at least show you are working to resolve it to make both parties happy. Remember negative comments aren’t the only ones that merit a response. If customers compliment, thank them and work toward turning them into brand advocates.

The rise of social media has made brand management a priority for everyone, even college students seeking employment. Politicians have ruined their careers over tweets, while Facebook photos have costs professionals their jobs. It takes years to build your reputation and merely a bad tweet, comment or photo to ruin it.

About the Guest Blogger

Matt Polsky is the Senior Content and Reputation Manager for VA Mortgage Center.com. Managing VA Mortgage Center reviews, and sharing insights learned from the nation’s leading provider of VA home loans.

How do you manage your reputation? What do you monitor? How do you respond to comments about you or your business?

Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2011 Meryl Evans