Brian E. Boyd Sr.'s Blog, page 8

Guide to Social Media for Non-profits

As of January 2014, 74% of adults online use a social network. There are billions of people using social media every single day. These people are looking for entertainment, information, and many of them want to make a difference. They want to find non-profit organizations they can volunteer their time or donate their money. That’s the reason why Media Connect Partners offers social media to promote non-profit organizations. Social media for non-profits isn’t always easy to navigate though. It can feel like we are in a room full of people and don’t know what to do or say to get noticed. Luckily, at Media Connect Partners, we are experts in marketing non-profits on social networks.

Social Media for Non-Profits Tips and Tricks

Facebook and Twitter are the most popular options for social media marketing. They provide opportunities for people to share, comment and like posts, which can lead to more exposure. That exposure can lead to volunteers and donations, so let’s get started.

Include Location on Facebook

Facebook allows non-profit organizations to enter an address for pages. This address is important because people can use the check-in feature to let their friends know they are at a non-profit organization doing great things. It can also lead to reviews! People love reading positive reviews about a company or organization, especially one they are interested in investing in someday.

This location page feature is also good because people can save the page. That makes it easier for Facebook users to find their favorite non-profit organization’s page, see posts in their feed, and share the page or posts with friends.

Change Tweets in Two Ways

For Twitter, we like the ability to show all of the replies we make to people who mention Media Connect Partners. Many people don’t know this trick, so give it a try. Simply place a period in front of @username. It looks like this, “.@username We’re so glad you’ve decided to volunteer your time!” When the period is used, all followers see the tweet, as opposed to just the mentioned person.

We all know tweets can only be 140 characters, but did you know that users who try to use up all the characters in their tweets end up with fewer retweets? Retweets are important because it’s a way for Twitter users to share tweets with their followers. Sometimes, those people want to add a comment, but if they don’t have enough free characters to use they decide not to retweet. Keep tweets around 100 characters to allow people to retweet with a comment.

Ask People to Like and Comment

Speaking of comments, they are important because it shows people are engaged with posts and it can increase reach. To increase the number of comments and likes, simply ask people to comment or like posts. It’s amazing what a little request can do!

Post Photos of Great Work

Non-profit organizations often have a lot of pictures from events, campaigns or just to increase awareness. Those pictures should be uploaded to social media. People love photos, and they are more likely to share, comment and like them, which increases their exposure and brings awareness to your organization.

There’s much more that can be done with non-profit social media marketing. Media Connect Partners will help come up with the right strategy.

References:

http://www.pewinternet.org/fact-sheets/social-networking-fact-sheet/

http://danzarrella.com/infographic-the-science-of-instagram.html#

What to look for when selecting a Christian Online Advertising Agency

If you are searching to expand the presence of your business or church online, then hiring a Christian online advertising agency may be the perfect solution. By hiring a Christian online advertising agency, you are hiring a team that has a firm understanding of your brand.

 

The primary goal, when hiring a Christian online advertising agency is to find someone who has the ability to portray your business or church in the best way possible. Some questions you may want to consider during the selection process would be:

 

-     Are they able to communicate in the way that your audience understands and agrees with?

-     Are they going to be able to treat your brand as if it’s their own?

-     Do they understand your brand and your goals?

 

If you can answer ‘yes’to all of those questions, then you may have found the ideal agency to manage your online advertising!

 

Media Connect Partners is a Christian online advertising agency offering a variety of services guaranteed to fit the needs of each and every client. Contact us today to learn more about how our Christian online advertising agency can help your business or church achieve its goals.

Connecting Christians Through Pinterest

One of my church’s values is, “We do life together.” This means that as growing Christians, we believe that by connecting together in ministry and through small groups, we are helping each other in our walk with Christ. Each semester there is an opportunity to sign up for a connect group or Bible study, only these groups can have any theme, any leader, any person, any interest—basically anything you want it to be. If you want to lead a group where you meet weekly to play golf, go for it! The overall goal is to just “do life together” with a new group of people from the church. This semester I am leading one that is Pinterest focused. Okay, Pinterest AND God focused! Here’s how I’m doing it. 

As a social media specialist, it was a no-brainer to start a Facebook Group. It’s easier to talk to the group without making them get swamped in emails. Make sure to make it a “secret” group to ensure a safe place for your members to discuss things if they want. Not everyone in your group is going to be as open to talk, but perhaps online is easier for them.
You have to be organized. Beforehand, I created a bookmark sized schedule of the weekly themes as a handout for those who signed up. This also became the cover photo for our Facebook group so that it was never out of sight.
It’s Pinterest themed, so of course I created secret boards for everyone to pin their weekly pin experiment to. This is a great way to prevent any doubled recipes (but no big deal if there are) and for you as the host to plan ahead by making sure you have everything the group needs.
Facebook, Pinterest and now Instagram. Throughout this whole experience, I am using three social media platforms. Each week, I post a collage on Instagram showcasing our work. It shows how proud we are of our creations, it is something my church can use for its content, and is easily accessible to the group.
Start the night with prayer requests, open-ended discussion, and a brief devotional. Or not. It’s up to you, no pressure if you’re not good with that sort of thing. But, be brave and show emotion. You never know someone’s story until you open up about your own and make it “normal” to talk about everyday struggles. It’s okay to have a serious moment at your fun-themed church group.

Doing life together is about making friends with other Christians and connecting based on that one thing that you all have in common. For my group and I, that’s Pinterest. If that is what gets us started on a journey of being there and praying for each other, then we are doing something right.

All in all, if you’re a Pinterest lover like me and are tired of just pinning things and never trying them, perhaps a small group at your church is the way to go. After all, you don’t want to end up like this:

 

This post was written by Ginger Marks. Ginger is a Social Media Specialist with Media Connect Partners.

Help with Social Media Strategy

Businesses often need professionals to help with social media strategy. At Media Connect Partners, we live and breathe social media and are experts in social media strategy and execution. We will help you craft the perfect social media message to connect with people who might be interested in your products and services.

With Social Media outlets such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest, your business message is always visible to new and current clients alike. If your business isn’t currently receiving help with social media strategy, you are probably missing out on a great way to promote your organization through the vast outreach that social media outlets employ.

If you don’t know where to start, you may need help with social media strategy planning. Have no fear, Media Connect Partners is your social media strategy ace in the hole! Our team of experts will ensure you are on the right path to success.

Why market your Christian based business on Facebook?

Christian Facebook Advertising

At Media Connect Partners we understand your businesses values and we understand Christian advertising on Facebook. Facebook has 1.3 billion users worldwide and with the ability to target your ads by demographics and other filters you can apply to show your ads to; Facebook Advertising is a great way to grow your Christian based business.

Media Connect Partners is the agency of choice for Facebook Advertising for Christian businesses. Since 2007, Media Connect Partners has helped faith based organizations grow their businesses through very targeted Facebook ads. MCP targets Christian Facebook users who share your company’s faith based goals and objectives and who are proud to purchase products and services from like minded Christians.

Media Connect Partners ultimate goal of growing your Christian based business through Christian Facebook Advertising is what we derive the most satisfaction from. Let’s have our Faith based team meet yours to learn more on how MCP can help grow your organization through very targeted and relevant Christian Facebook Advertising opportunities.

15 Things All Social Media Specialists Do

If you work in the social media field, you’re sure to relate. Here are 15 things that happen to all people who are lucky to choose social media as their career:

1. Hear the Skype ringtone wherever you go.

Is someone Skyping me?

*runs to computer from bathroom*

 

2. Your phone never.stops.vibrating

Your audience doesn’t seem to understand why you won’t answer their questions at 1am.

 

3. Spotting typos is an obsession.

There, their, they’re…get it right. 

 

4. An expert at character count. 

500 characters down to 140? No problem. 

 

5. Think in hashtags

#itsawayoflife

 

6. Critique everyone’s social media presence like nobody’s business. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s a free one: hire us, don’t hire us, just please, shorten your links!!

 

7. Explain until you’re blue in the face that you aren’t “on Facebook all day”, even though you kind of are.

It’s called “research,” right?

 

8. You have the ability to work from home, which turns your “Casual Friday” into a “No Pants Friday”.

Only my top half has to look professional, right?

 

9. Your personal social media accounts are bare.

Instagram, when will you allow us to use multiple accounts at the same time??

 

10. Write. Write. Write. Write.

And rewrite.

 

11. Unable to explain to your parents what you do for a living.

“Yeah mom, it’s kind of like building websites…”

 

12. Praying everyday for no typos.

Google it. Then Google it again to make sure.

 

13. You love your clients so much, that trolling becomes personal.

Going once, going twice, BANNED!

 

14. You habitually log on to client pages on the weekends. 

I just want to see how my posts are doing. That’s all.

 

15. Understand that even with everything, there’s no better job for you.

I love my crazy, quirky, social media career.

 

This post was written by Sarah Boyd. Sarah is a Social Media Specialist with Media Connect Partners.

Wiki in the House of Worship

Unless you live under a rock or don’t have Internet you know what Wikipedia is. The 10-year-old website has ballooned in size since its creation. In fact while you are reading this, Wikipedia and its affiliates have grown at a rate of over 10 edits/second by editors from all over the world. Currently, the English Wikipedia includes 4,607,845 articles and it increases every day with over 800 new articles being published.  There have been over 700,000,000+ edits in its English articles alone. Articles cover every topic from ancient manuscripts to the history of the GEICO Gecko. All this begs the question, why are Christian ministries not fully utilizing this amazing website?

Gone are the days where people scoffed at Wikipedia. The current Alexa Internet ratings put Wikipedia as the 6th most visited website in the world just behind heavy hitters like Facebook, Google, and YouTube. Unfortunately many ministries don’t realize the power of Wikipedia and instead spend precious resources on tricked out websites that seldom get high levels of traffic in an effort to reach out to potential parishioners.   

Wikipedia is a great platform to introduce your ministry, non-profit work or church, all in an unbiased way. The potential for a well-written Wiki page is high. Many people visit a Wiki page first when they are looking for quick information. The layout of a Wikipedia page is easy to understand and can link to a variety of other resources. If you want to step up your ministries digital game, Wikipedia is a great and inexpensive starting place.

 

This post was written by Chandler Elmore. Chandler is a Social Media Specialist with Media Connect Partners.

 

Media Connect Partners and Empowered21 Global Congress 2015

TULSA, Okla. – Media Connect Partners, LLC (MCP) will be a media partner for the Empowered21 Global Congress to be held in Jerusalem May 20-25, 2015. MCP will provide social media strategy and services as well as live streaming capabilities for the congress.

“We are thrilled to have Media Connect Partners as a media partner for the Global Congress in 2015,” said Empowered21 Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator Jeremy Burton. “They will be an excellent resource as we seek to reach out to a new generation and impart the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.”

“Media Connect Partners is honored to join Empowered21 as they invite believers from around the world to celebrate the Holy Spirit during Pentecost,” said the company’s CEO Brian Boyd. “We look forward to seeing the implications that the Global Congress holds for the Spirit-empowered movement around the world.”

As graduates of Oral Roberts University, the founders of MCP share a passion for the work accomplished by the Global Congress, “We want to help achieve Empowered21’s mission of igniting a passion for the Gospel and reaching the lost,” said Boyd. “We feel MCP can build an online community that reaches across cultural barriers, touches the hearts of all those who visit and delivers measurable results in terms of event attendance.”

“Throughout the Bible we see examples of Jesus meeting people where they lived – cities, the lakeshore, hillsides.” Boyd said. “Today people congregate by the millions on social media and our team is excited to use these mediums to interact with believers on every continent.”

For more information on Media Connect Partners, visit mediaconnectpartners.com or email info@mediaconnectpartners.com.

The upcoming Jerusalem 2015 Global Congress will be a pivotal event that will begin with a grand opening celebration in the Jerusalem Arena on Wednesday, May 20, 2015. The next day will feature general sessions and focused tracks including: prayer and intercession, the effective evangelist, Spirit-empowered discipleship, next gen values and ministry, business leadership God’s way, scholars gathering and paper presentation, prophecy and the end times, compassion, media, technology and communications, exploring the land of Pentecost, signs, wonders and healing, leading, planting and prospering the church today, effective worship and praise, Israel and the church today and the book of Acts today.

On Friday, May 22, an outdoor worship event will be held in Manger Square in Bethlehem. This will be a time of praise, prayer and preaching focused on the coming of Jesus in Bethlehem.

There will be a special service on Saturday, May 23, at the Jordan River at the spot where it is believed that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. This part of the river also narrowly divides the nations of Israel and Jordan. Christians will gather on both sides of the river to pray and worship God together in unity.

Also, on this day and other points in the week, conference attendees will spread out to bless the land in an outreach called “Hope in the Holy Land.” Attendees will work on a variety of service projects including: blood drives, cleaning neighborhoods, feeding the poor and serving at community centers to show love and appreciation to the Holy Land.

Sunday, May 24, attendees will spend the entire day in continuous worship and prayer at several points around the city of Jerusalem including the King of Kings Community.

The Global Congress will end Sunday night in a grand Pentecost celebration at the Jerusalem Arena. Believers from around the world will unite to ask for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit to reach the ends of the Earth. This event is the celebration of Shavuot, occurring the same day as Pentecost Sunday on the western calendar.

The Empowered21 Global Congress, May 20-25, 2015, is a call to all believers from around the world to celebrate Pentecost in the land of Pentecost. Individuals can register online at www.jerusalem2015.com. Groups will get an 11th person free for every 10 people registered. Church groups of 25 or more can get special rates by emailing E21@sareltours.com.

About Media Connect Partners

Boyd’s company is a full-service social media firm specializing in delivering cutting-edge social media strategies and execution plans. The company’s clients include Joel Osteen Ministries, Charisma Media, Hachette Publishing and more. The agency was founded in New York City in 2007 by Brian and Fran Boyd. Today, Media Connect Partners (MCP) is headquartered out of Pompano Beach, FL with offices around the world. For more information on Media Connect Partners, visit http://mediaconnectpartners.com or email info@mediaconnectpartners.com.

About Empowered21

Empowered21 aims to help shape the future of the global Spirit-empowered movement throughout the world by focusing on crucial issues facing the movement and connecting generations for intergenerational blessing and impartation. Their vision is that every person on Earth would have an authentic encounter with Jesus Christ through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit by Pentecost 2033. Get more information at www.empowered21.com. Registration is open for the Empowered21 Global Congress to be held May 20-25, 2015 in Jerusalem. Empowered21’s Global Congress Partner includes Charisma Media and their Modern English Version (MEV) Bible. For more information about the MEV Bible, visit http://modernenglishversion.com/. Empowered21 is a Kingdom initiative served by Oral Roberts University, www.oru.edu.

Faith Based Movie Marketing Agency

Media Connect Partners is a full-service, faith-based movie marketing agency. We help businesses/churches/ministries spread the Word of God depicted in their movies through faith based movie marketing. With the use of powerful tools such as, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram we provide measurable results to Christian and faith-based clients and ministries.

Media Connect Partners is your go to faith-based movie marketing agency. MCP is extremely well versed in engaging families who have high held Christian religious beliefs and who are interested in films that are in line with their religious principles. We also pique the interest of all faith-based movie goers who are seeking story lines that contain a deeper and a more spiritually uplifting message of faith based principles through quality film making.

MCP has worked with many Christian and faith-based organizations to provide the best social media results. Our faith based team are experts in promoting God through films by spreading faith to a wide audience of people who love Jesus and want to spread the Gospel. We’re dedicated to reflecting Christian values through faith-based movie marketing to capture a wide audience of faith based movie goers.

If you would like more information on Media Connect Partners and our faith-based movie marketing services, please contact us today.

 

The Six Stages of Social Media Change

We’ve all been there. You’re sitting at work with your morning coffee (or in my case – morning triple espresso), and you decide to start the day by logging into your social media platform of choice. You happily enter the URL into your address bar (and since you visit it so often, usually only typing the first letter will do), but when you arrive, you instantly realize something’s just not right.

Facebook, what have you done to my profile? Twitter, why am I seeing tweets from random users? Snapchat, what are these “stories?”

I know how you feel. The following are six stages we go through after discovering changes on social media platforms:

1. Shock

“What IS THIS?”

“WHY would they change something that everyone loves?”

“WHO decided this? I cannot believe it.” 

2. Denial.

“There is no way that they are keeping these changes to the profile layout.”

“This must be some kind of sample testing – they can’t actually remove Facebook messaging from Facebook.”

“Twitter would never agree to timeline algorithms, time sensitivity is Twitter’s THING!”

3. Anger.

“Why ME? Why do they make changes without asking anyone.”

“I’M DELETING MY ACCOUNT. I’m done with _______!”

“Oh, you want my feedback? I’LL GIVE YOU FEEDBACK!”

“Whom do I address hate mail to?”

4. Bargaining.

“Maybe I can start an online petition and rally the troops to undo these changes.”

“I promise I’ll take down all of my negative comments in the feedback section. Just please, bring back the old Facebook.”

“I’ll never threaten to delete my account again. Twitter, please, just, remove these changes.”

5. Reflection, sadness.

“What’s the point of even using social media anymore… *sighs*”

“I remember how great _______ used to be… before all of these new changes.”

“I wish I wouldn’t have taken the old version for granted, I can’t believe it’s gone.”

6. Acceptance.

“It’s going to be OK.”

“If these are changes are permanent – I have to learn to deal with it.”

“Maybe I’ll love the new Messenger app.”

And then brace yourself – because within a few months, you’ll get to experience more changes all over again! But take a deep breath; we’ll get through this together.

It’s the ever-advancing world of social media, so whether we like it or not, things will continue evolving and changing.

 

This post was written by Jackie Silva. Jackie is a Social Media Specialist with Media Connect Partners.