Friday, March 7, 2014

There's (Really) an App for That!

I discussed some starting points for branding in my last blog post, but neglected to include the true ease of managing all this beautiful new content that I'm sure you're in the process of creating. So simply put, here's my list of apps that make life a while lot easier... digitally. I can't help with the inlaws... unless you know of an app that I might be missing out on?

Here's a sneak peak into my digital toolbox. I am running an iPhone 5 with iOS 7 installed. I admit, I prefer iPhone, and recommend it for ease of use and stability. It should also be noted that you can get one from yourself, on SHOP.COM.





If you prefer, there is also a broad selection of items avaialable from Google's Android Market, also on SHOP.COM

Here are your preferred Android apps:



Twitter

Facebook Pages

Instagram

LinkedIn

Facebook Page Manager

PhotoRepost

Pinterest

Pic Collage

Google+

LinkedIn Contacts (No Android App)

CamCard Free

BitDroid

HelloSign

SHOP.COM

Here are your preferred iOS apps:


Twitter

Facebook Pages

Instagram

LinkedIn

Facebook Page Manager

PhotoRepost

Pinterest

Pic Stitch

Bitly

HelloSign

SHOP.COM

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Setting Up Your Brand - A Few Step-By-Step Tutorials

So you've taken the plunge, and have set out to conquer the digital world by storm...! Now what?*

For some, this question may plague them, echoing in their head unanswered as they fade off into the "could have been great at blogging"distance.  Never fear, this is post one of an interactive tutorial that will guide you in the messy world of branding yourself online. As you embark on this process it's important to remember: You can't break the internet! Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty.

The coolest thing about the internet is that it's always easy to find someone who has already done what you want to learn. There are thousands of tutorials, how to guides, and examples to learn from.



You might consider downloading Picasa in conjunction with your Google info. It's free, and great for editing any images you might want to prepare for use on your social media mediums.

Also consider that every single one of these mediums can easily be managed from a smartphone. It's also easy to manage your content using push notifications to stay current with followers / fans.

Here's where to start:

Ensure you're on Facebook.
Ensure you're on Twitter.
Ensure you're on Google+ (It's helpful to have a GMail Account).

Set up your Facebook Page.
Set up your Twitter (Do you want more than one?).
Set up your Google+ Page.
Set up your Instagram Account  (Ideally using the app)

*A great resource is my own commercial page: http://blog.earnsocially.com . It is well linked, and you should find it helpful if you want to see optimized social media in action.