Despite the very popular belief, If none of the thousands following you on Twitter never (@)mention you nor retweet your content, you may as well have zero followers. It’s not just about follower number, folks! That said, Twitter retweets are the ideal way to tell if your audience on the micro-blogging platform not only reads your tweets, but also likes it enough to share it with their followers.

Just as a Facebook “like” or a Pinterest re-pin denotes a level of viewer interest, Twitter retweets represent the same. So to have someone merely follow you on the social network is nice, but to have your content retweeted is sublime.

Just think, many of the great spiritual leaders had several followers starting out, but it was the spreading of their unique message that helped establish their authority. Fast forward some thousands of years later and now the sharing of a message or deed is shared to millions via retweets. And for some, the more retweets you have, not just followers, the greater the perceived authority on a topic.

So how do you get more Twitter retweets? Well…there is an art to it. In fact, in an upcoming webinar I’ll soon be sharing how to better craft your tweets to get not only retweets but also more clicks on those links you provide.

In the meantime, the infograph below shows five suggested tricks or ways to get more retweets. But in my opinion, there’s one obvious way missing. And that is, if you want to receive more Twitter retweets then began retweeting. Retweet people like you want to be retweeted is my motto and it works!

That said, reader, what motivates YOU to retweet someone’s tweet? Share in the comments below what compels you hit that retweet button and share someone else’s words or thoughts with your following.

Image: nowsourcing.com

The post 5 Ways To Increase Twitter Retweets appeared first on Sheer Social.

Been blogging a while? You’ve got great content (in your opinion), consistent posts, and a passion for the subject. But despite doing seemingly everything right, the needle on your analytics scale has not moved. Why? How do the other bloggers manage to get so much blog traffic and you get so little?

Well, fellow blogger, if you’re comparing your blog to others you may need to look beyond what you see online. Many successful bloggers would have you believe they began with just a computer, an empty page, and a desire to write, but no audience. Then thanks to their awesome content marketing strategy their site began to attract loads of traffic in just a few months.

Not to say that couldn’t happen, but some noted successful bloggers had an audience before they began social media marketing. They were marketers, authors, or an authority in some industry where they amassed a following and/or a strong email list. Social Media Examiner’s Michael Stelzner is one such example.

A successful businessman, Stelzner gained much attention authoring white papers for major companies. And thanks to the connections he made before starting his social media business in 2009, he was able to leverage those relationships to create content and generate major blog traffic for Social Media Examiner.

HOW CAN YOU INCREASE YOUR BLOG TRAFFIC?

You aren’t Stelzner, nor seemingly do you have his contacts. So what can you do right now to gain blog traffic? You can take a page from Stelzner social media playbook and start BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS ONLINE AND OFF!

Blogger Friends Don’t Let Friends Blog Alone! One of the mistakes newbie bloggers make is trying to go it alone. Developing mutually beneficial relationships with fellow bloggers that involve sharing backlinks and content is a winning strategy. This is especially true when you connect with bloggers or site owners that have a responsive audience and more traffic than you.

When you write a post they share it on their site with a link leading back to you then you return the favor. It’s the next level of guest blogging because all involved are providing USEFUL CONTENT, not just crap! Need an example?

Notice how Facebook expert, Mari Smith, and SM Examiner, Mike Stelzner, always cross promote each others’ quality content. They share audiences and drive traffic to each other’s sites. It’s a win win!

So where can you find blog friends or buddies that will partner and create an alliance, or tribe with you? Literally, look right under your nose!

1. Seek blog traffic partners that are in your niche. Remember you want people that share the same interest as you or at least blog about a related topic.

2. Engage and get their ATTENTION, before requesting or suggesting becoming blogger buddies.  Start commenting on related blogs, mentioning them or their authors on Twitter, Retweet them, sharing their content on Facebook, etc.

3. Show and prove. Remember your aiming for a MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL relationship. Offer your potential blogger buddies something of value that makes partnering with you appealing. Make sure your content is as GOOD as theirs and worthy of sharing with their audience.

Know too, you may have more success reaching out to bloggers that aren’t uber-successfull yet, but are on the rise. Why? Really successful bloggers may not see the value of joining your “tribe” or partnering; they’re already receiving tons of blog traffic. So aim to reach out to those with slightly better traffic than yours.

4. Join blogger communities, forums, and networks like Blog Engage, Blogher, or Black Blogger Network. Sites like these were created for bloggers to share content, gain traffic, and make online friends.

5. Use your social profiles goes without saying, but I’ll “say” it anyway. Whether representing your blog or yourself engage with those that have blog buddy potential. Again, use the search tools on these profiles to really target those in your specific niche.

BONUS TIP: Read what Problogger’s Darren Rowse learned while going inside a “secret” blogging alliance. Click HERE!

The post How’d They Get So Much Blog Traffic? appeared first on Sheer Social.

Never judge a book by its cover, no matter how big it may be! That’s especially true for basketball Shaquille O’Neal, excuse me that’s Dr. Shaquille O’Neal to me and you. Many sports fans know Shaq as a fabulous basketball player and entertainer, but few know of his plays off the court in the arena of technology.

A self proclaimed, “geek,” like myself, Shaq undoubtedly is one of the few celebs that publicly took to social media early in the game and really connected with his diverse fan base. Who remember his funny videos using Tout, those great tweetable moments from his Twitter profile, and his PRE IPO GOOGLE INVESTMENT!

Did I just hear the needle scratch on the record?

Yes, basketball Shaquille is also technology investor Shaquille too that played well in the “pre-game” of Google search! And now he’s looking to “partner” as he calls it with some new tech start ups to help them get their product or service off the ground. Watch below this great interview with social media game changer, Brian Solis, as Shaq explains his love of technology and his search for new tech company investments.

photo credit: espy.go.com

The post Basketball Shaquille O’Neal Is Google, Tech Investor? appeared first on Sheer Social.

When our television viewing habits become aligned with our online habits we–meaning social media marketers–call it, “SocialTV”.  The “social” denotes not only the various platforms of social media, but also the social interaction that takes place on these platforms during tv shows and events.  And on Thursday nights, this phenomenon takes place beautifully on Twitter during ABC’s “Scandal.”

When the initial tweets and Facebook status updates begin, you’ll see thousands of viewers first checked-in to the show. If you follow this blog, you know check-ins are done generally via “second screens” (mobile or tablet) into a place, space, or event.  But they can also be done on computers through SocialTV applications like Foursquare-esque, Get-Glue, Miso, and Philo to check into tv shows and televised events.

Social Media has made #Scandal unstoppable. I don’t think any primetime show has a fanbase that is as invested or active as this show.

— Queen Chrissy (@iAmChrissyRene) March 22, 2013

    With these apps you don’t have to go anywhere at all to check-in to your favorite tv show and start chatting with fellow fans or casual viewers. You do, however, have to be diligent with some if you want to be awarded stickers or badges. And people don’t mind when it comes to supporting their favorite show!  According to USAToday.com GetGlue already has 4 million users and 75 major networks partnering with it. Some networks are even developing their own SocialTV applications, while others are sticking to their established social profiles to engage with fans, which bring us back to “Scandal”.

What We Can Learn From #Scandal’s SocialTV Strategy?

Every entertainment producer whether tv, film, and even web, by now should now how important social media marketing is to a show’s success.  Twitter is a great tool.  Why? Despite its character limit,  it’s ideal for online discussions and gauging audience feedback quickly.  In fact, it’s become such a useful tool, that Neilsen and Twitter have established a unique socialTV rating.

Series writer and show runner, Shonda Rhimes, obviously understands not only the uniqueness of her show, but also its audience. The very controversial nature of the sexy show evokes conversations–conversations we would’ve had on the phone (and still do), during lunch, or gathered around a cubicle several years ago.  So as a show writer/producer, Rhimes seemingly knows you gotta give audiences something that compels them to want to share an opinion or emotion via twitter or other social platform concerning your show.

Plug it in & tweet away lol RT @collegiate84: I know damn well I should’ve had this phone charged for #Scandal. — Statuesque by Design (@Forever_Tasha) March 22, 2013

The writing on “Scandal” is brilliant and Twitter fans appreciate a tweet-able line.  “Is your vagina a-political?” I guarantee is a Twitter favorite and on a t-shirt  or on  some lingerie right now. If it’s not, just wait for it. It’s coming!

“Is your vagina apolitical?”HA!@scandalabc

— jacque reid (@jacquereid) March 22, 2013

And since networks don’t own Twitter, Facebook, and other similar platforms conversations can flow freely without much policing. Yes, that means even the haters and the ignorant can voice their opinion too. But the beauty of having a loyal internet audience is that real fans often run off the trolls. So online communities often police themselves. That’s what online #Gladiators do!

Rhimes also understands you don’t wait until your show is on the air to get active in social media. As a producer, especially an up-and-comer or  unknown, you’re now expected to have a presence on at least one social profile.  Allowing people to get to know YOU not just your work is important in making a much needed human connection with audiences.  People connect to other people THROUGH social profiles, not the profiles themselves.

“Scandal” producers also strongly persuade cast members and writers to live tweet during the broadcast of the show. Fans get so excited to receive acknowledgment from stars and celebs that often they become super fans of the individuals not just the show.  And when that famed or noted individual doesn’t show up, the fans notice. Who doesn’t like to be missed? And did you know that  the real Olivia Pope, Judy Smith, who is also an exec producer, tweets about the show?  How cool is that!

@iamchrissyrene that’s because the cast/crew interacts with their fans #Scandal

— Sharra Euwing (@CrzyBeautyShar) March 22, 2013

Of course, setting some ground rules on what show info can be shared is crucial. But the point of having that interaction online with fans is that it leads to heightened marketability offline too. What the network won’t do as often, individuals can.

Where the network may promote of upcoming interviews, magazine features, and show related events, the actors give it a more personable perspective via behind-the-scene photo, video, or just funny tweets and updates. And those go viral more than those from the network or business themselves. Again, it’s that personal connection.

And that human touch on a digital platform is what keeps fans watching and engaged across various platforms. Keep in mind, audience can also watch “Scandal”  via mobile phone and tablet thanks to ABC’s second screen apps. That’s a whole other audience that show related content could be created for by using what we call, transmedia storytelling!  I’ll get to that in another blog later.

And here’s where the power of asking comes in.  As indy artist turned Twitter celeb, Amanda Palmer, can attest, when you’ve made a genuine connection with your audience, you can ask for your message to be spread via RT, share, repost, etc and it will be.  You can ask for almost anything, but don’t abuse nor misuse the social influence.  Fans can love you today, and hate you minutes later via the same social platform.

And when fans REALLY love a show they’ll take to creating their own show related content–avatars, cover photos, Pinterest and Instagram images, and videos about it.  And as fellow content producers, you should let them and not overly worry about copyright this and that. Give fans some room to be creative with your content.  Such promotion comes free and can be used to further market your show and engage with fans. It’s a win-win if handled correctly. Check this Scandal fan made video and others on this woman’s channel:

So while you’re busy watching “Scandal” on TV, witness the beauty of a well planned social media strategy come together online! Even Olivia Pope, herself, couldn’t do it better! If you’re a fan of “Scandal” then #Gladiator suit up and comment below on how socialTV plays a role in your enjoyment of the show.

The post Why SocialTV Has Become Such A “Scandal” appeared first on Sheer Social.

Recently Sheer Social co-hosted the “Inviting Mobile Marketing To The Party” webinar with RDZ Media Group‘s Stephen Jackson. Jackson’s New York business specializes in mobile marketing. The focus of the online event was to stress the importance of using a social and mobile approach to promoting events. Why? Because mobile social media is not merely a trend, it’s now how we do social networking. It’s how we get information, and how we share content in the moment and on-the-go.

We’re moving away from traditional computers to smartphones, in case you hadn’t noticed! Indeed, social is going mobile FAST! In fact, it’s already gone thanks to the growth spurt in smartphone ownership. Mobile social media is now the norm, even the standard thanks to popular social sites creating mobile applications. And when promoting and organizing events, it’s definitely an aspect you should not overlook.

Mobile marketing is the new frontier in this digital age and as event planners, party promoters, and publicist, YOU need to abreast of the growing trend. You’re invitees aren’t just using computers anymore to RSVP! As stressed in the “Inviting Mobile Marketing To The Party” webinar, people are using mobile social media to discover, search, and talk about your event.

If you missed the webinar, you missed a lot of GREAT information, but all is not lost! The slides presented during the webinar are available below. In them you will find:

• Stats verifying how fast social is going mobile
• 10 reasons why utilizing a social mobile approach is so helpful when it comes to events
• Useful tips on using social media marketing to better promote your event, and
• Mobile marketing tips that can be used to promote and enhance the overall experience of your event attendees.

After viewing the slides, share in the comments below just how you’ve used social or mobile marketing to promote your event and increase attendance. If you’ve never used social media nor mobile, then share how you think it could help with your next shindig.

The post Mobile Social Media and Events appeared first on Sheer Social.