Monah Mahmoud

After announcing it back in September, and rolling out an initial test with selected users last month, Twitter is now bringing it's new 'Sparkle' button to all users, which will enable everyone to easily opt out of the algorithm-defined feed and see the most recent tweets from those they follow first. As demonstrated here, the new button will be present in the top right of the app, where the tweet compose button used to be. When you tap on it, your timeline will switch to show the latest tweets, as opposed to those the algorithm defines as the most likely to be of interest. Tap it again, and you'll go back to "Top tweets" - the algorithm-determined feed. The option will begin rolling out to iOS users from today, with Android and web to follow soon. Twitter's algorithm has long been a cause of frustration for users, with some arguing from its initial implementation back in 2016 that an algorithm ranking of tweets runs totally in counter to wh

2018 has flown by, and we're now fast approaching the new year. In this post, I wanted to give you all a simple breakdown on how you can get ready for 2019 with six steps that you can take to strengthen your social media strategy.  It's important to update and upgrade your strategy in alignment with the latest trends and shifts. Hopefully these notes will help you stay on track, and in line with the evolving digital landscape. 1. Review How You Current Use Social Media The first step in strengthening your social media strategy, at any point, is to review how you’re currently using social media. Really take a step back here - remove yourself and get an outsiders perspective. You can ask yourself the following questions: Which social media networks are you currently on? Are they still relevant to your brand goals? Which social media networks are driving the most relevant traffic or conversions for you? Which social media networks are a time suck? As hard as

Are you thinking of adding Snapchat into your 2019 social media marketing strategy? The formerly ephemeral content app hasn't had the best 2018, going by the headlines, but there is still a lot for marketers to like about the app, particularly given its popularity with younger users. And the platform is evolving - more recently, Snap has started to add significant improvements for advertisers and marketers, making it an even more appealing proposition. It's not for everyone, not all businesses will benefit from marketing via Snap. But there are many who will, and given the performance results some brands are seeing, it may well be worth a look. If Snapchat is on your radar, then this infographicfrom Make a Video Hub is worth a look - it outlines a range of key platform stats to help you focus your Snap ad efforts.

Instagram has added a new option that will enable users to restrict the audience for their Instagram Stories content. Now, if you want to share your Instagram Stories in a more private group, you can, which could encourage users to more freely - and regularly - share quick updates. As shown above, the new option enables users to create lists of specific groups of friends, which will then appear as sharing options when you go to send your Stories (you can see the 'Close Friends' group icon at the bottom of the final frame). This means you no longer have to share all your Stories with everyone, which, as noted, could open up the option for more use. As per Instagram: " Only you can see your close friends list and no one can request to be added, so you can feel comfortable adjusting it at any time. When you share to Stories, you’ll see the option to share with just the people on your close  friends  list. If someone has added you to their list, you will see