Small Business | Cheryl Waller

41 New Social Media Resources You May Have Missed

October 31, 2010 By Zachary Sniderman Leave a Comment

What’s this? What’s this! Here at Mashable HQ we’re getting into the Halloween spirit, but that hasn’t stopped us from putting together another list of tools and resources from the past week or so.

If you’ve been busy prepping that costume or carving a pumpkin, check out this roundup for any tools you may have missed. Social Media comes loaded with engaged brands, free animation sites and tips for becoming a Foursquare power user. Tech & Mobile reviews ear plugs and Peter Rabbit for the iPad, has tips for modifying your blog and even some zombie iPhone games. Business looks at the future of B2B marketing, ways to reduce your site’s bounce rate, and how to connect with entrepreneurs online.

Looking for even more social media resources? This guide appears every weekend, and you can check out all the lists-gone-by here any time.

Social Media

5 Ways to Get a Job Through YouTube
With a little creativity, honesty, and hard work, YouTube can be more effective (and more interesting) than your plain old C.V.
6 Free Sites for Creating Your Own Comics
Regardless of your talent, you can create your own sharp looking comic strips with these six sites.
How Lawyers May Use Social Media in the Future
There has been a tenuous union between lawyers and social media. We spoke with three social media savvy attorneys to find out what the web holds for the future of the profession.
5 Most Engaged Brands in Social Media
These five brands go above and beyond when it comes to social consumer engagement. Find out how their successes can translate to your social strategy.
HOW TO: Become a Foursquare Power User
We spoke with some of Foursquare’s most accomplished users about how to become a power player on the location network.
6 Free Sites for Creating Your Own Animations
Are you feeling inspired to make your own cartoons, but don’t have a lick of artistic talent? These six sites (of varying complexity) make animating easy.
How the “Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear” Nailed Social Media
How did the mock political rallies from Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert mobilize their fans in just a month? Find out what they’re planning for the upcoming event.
HOW TO: Share Your Vacation With Online Pals –Without Annoying Them
There’s a fine line between sharing your vacation with your associates at home and annoying them with your joy and abandon.
Where Do Americans Stand on Issues at Midterm Elections? [INFOGRAPHIC]
Yahoo has just released a map infographic showing how public opinion varies from region to region across the United States.
5 Free Halloween Music Playlists for Your Monster Bash
Get your Halloween party started with these five music services.
4 Ways to Visualize Voter Sentiment for the Midterm Elections
If you’re keeping a close eye on this year’s election, these four interactive graphics are essential for visualizing the country’s political feelings and conversations.

For more social media news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s social media channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Tech & Mobile

10 Wonderful Wildlife iPhone Photographs
From close-ups of creepy-crawlies to frogs that look good enough to kiss, we’ve got a set of stunning nature iPhone images for your viewing pleasure.
5 Innovative Uses of an API [Mashable Awards]
APIs make it possible for developers to use platforms like Facebook to create amazing apps. Here are five apps that are utilizing social APIs in innovative ways.
5 Fun iPhone Accessories for Kids
We’ve found five fun products that will suit a wide age range of kids, from the toddler borrowing Mom’s iPhone right up to older children with gadgets of their own.
A Ringing Endorsement for Earplugs [REVIEW]
If you go to a lot of shows, you should probably invest in a good pair of earplugs. My suggestion? EarPeace’s nifty reusable pair.
Office for Mac 2011 Delivers the Goods [REVIEW]
Microsoft has released Office for Mac 2011. Are the new features and additions worth the price? Read our hands-on review to find out.
HOW TO: Build an App for Your Small Business
Small to medium-sized businesses looking to build a Facebook, mobile or web app can choose to employ online DIY tools, freelancers, agencies or in-house devs. Learn more about the options.
Top 5 Location-Based Services [Mashable Awards]
We’ve rounded up what we believe to be the best location-based services in a list that includes predictable names and lesser known upstarts. Check out our top five.
HOW TO: Make Your WordPress Blog More Like Tumblr
Learn how to use the free Woo Tumblog WordPress plugin to add microblogging functionality – a la Tumblr – into your existing WordPress site.
“Peter Rabbit” for iPad Delivers Interactive Twist to Classic Tale [VIDEO]
What makes Loud Crow’s version of “Peter Rabbit” so remarkable is the care and ingenuity with which it has adapted the original tale to the touchscreen.
HOW TO: Protect Yourself From Firesheep With a VPN
A popular new bit of malicious code called Firesheep is making the rounds; it allows hackers to access the cookies of any user on a non-password-protected wireless network.
4 Frighteningly Fun Zombie iPhone Games
We’ve fired up the App Store and dug in to find the best zombie-themed casual games available. These are our top picks.
Nominate Your Favorites for a Mashable Award and Win a Laptop [COMMENT CONTEST]
Nominate your favorite person, gadget or company and be entered to win a laptop or a printer!
The Mac App Store: The Good, the Bad & the Unknown
We’ve spoken with a number of Mac developers to get their thoughts on the Mac App Store and what their concerns are for the future.
A Bluetooth Headset for Pros and Skeptics
It takes a leap of faith to go from the world of handsets to the seemingly high-powered world of bluetooth headsets. Read why the M1100 is the perfect start.

For more tech news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s tech channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Business

Work from Anywhere: 9 Handy Portable Offices
If your office doubles as a guest room or you work a lot while traveling, check out these portable offices. One of them (probably not the foam one) could make your life easier.
7 Handy iPhone Apps for Managing Employee Time
These apps offer a mobile software update to the traditional punch card for tracking employee time.
4 Ways Bands Can Cash in Online Without a Label
While not all of you will make the proverbial “Big Time,” that doesn’t mean that you can’t reap some monetary benefits for your musical labor.
5 New Ways to Market Your Brand on Facebook
Check out how to use Facebook Questions, Places Pages, New Groups, photos and Likes to market your brand on the world’s largest social network.
Why Social Media Is Perfect for Brand Ambassador Campaigns
Real consumers or employees touting your brand is often more valuable than traditional ads. Here are 5 examples of some of the most successful brand ambassador campaigns.
Top 7 Social Media Services for Small Business [MASHABLE AWARDS]
While every social platform isn’t fit for all businesses, there are quite a few standout services that can be utilized throughout many industries. Here are out top picks.
HOW TO: Connect with Other Entrepreneurs Online
The best way to learn how to run a business is to run a business. But the second-best way is to ask someone else who runs a business. Check out these sites for advice.
HOW TO: Optimize Your Social Media Marketing Strategy
The old “Marketing 101″ model of Awareness, Interest, Desire and Action (AIDA) still have a place in the social media world. Here’s how to apply the basics to your new strategies.
12 Video Tutorials for Improving Product Photos
If your company sells items online, product photographs can be a key factor in how well they sell. These 12 tutorials will help improve your presentation.
5 Tips for Startup Success from the CEO of Meetup
Scott Heiferman, the co-founder and CEO of Meetup, gives his advice on how to found a successful startup.
Yelp Co-Founder on Recovering From Legal Controversy [INTERVIEW]
CEO Jeremy Stoppleman recently spoke with Mashable about recovering from legal controversy, growing an evolving company and the future of local search.
What the Future Holds for B2B Social Media Marketing
We spoke with big players in the B2B world to get their thoughts on the future of social media marketing for B2B companies.
4 Ways to Improve Ad Performance on Facebook
Facebook advertising is still new, and strategies are changing all the time. Here are a few insider tricks that can take your Facebook ad performance to the next level.
YouTube’s Burgeoning Promoted Videos Business
YouTube’s Promoted Videos program hit a major milestone this month, hitting half a billion views
8 Ways to Reduce Your Site’s Bounce Rate
Users are bypassing home pages to find content through many entry points thanks to social and search. Find out how to optimize your site and keep them on your landing pages.
3 Steps for Creating and Protecting Your Business Name
Follow these three steps to ensure the name you choose for your business is yours to use for years and even decades to come.

For more business news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s business channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

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Follow Mashable Social Media on Twitter
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Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

Filed Under: Facebook, search engine optimization, Social Networking Tagged With: Blogging, business, Channels, Facebook, features, Features Week In Review, Gadgets, List, Lists, mashable, mashable awards, Mobile 2.0, search engine optimization, SEO, small business, social good, social media, Social Networking, tech, technology, trend twitter, Twitter, Web Apps, Web Design, Web Development, YouTube

32 New Social Media Resources You May Have Missed

October 10, 2010 By Zachary Sniderman Leave a Comment

The Mashable Awards have officially kicked off and so far the response has been great. In support, we’ve rolled out a series of stories looking at each awards category in more detail.

Those three awards posts were joined by a bunch of tools and resources from the past week or so. With so much activity here at Mashable, we understand if you missed a couple of them. Social Media rounded up the best businesses and social media campaigns and delivered an interview with AOL Co-founder Steve Case. Tech & Mobile looked at net neutrality, blog design trends and integrated development environments. Finally, Business gave some tips for aspiring digital marketers, building online communities and nailing that elevator pitch.

Looking for even more social media resources? This guide appears every weekend, and you can check out all the lists-gone-by here any time.

Social Media

HOW TO: Help Your Child Set Up a Blog
Blogging can be a great way for children to learn writing, research, and technology skills. Here are some guidelines for parents looking to help their kids learn safely.
5 Inspiring Celebrity Videos Tell Gay Teens “It Gets Better”
These five celebrity videos join a chorus of voices in social media, YouTube (YouTube), blogs and other places dedicated to preventing suicide and discrimination.
Top 5 Enterprises Using Social Media
Lots of businesses, big and small, have Facebook and Twitter pages, but which ones are using social media to the greatest effect? These 5 companies got creative, and their efforts paid off.
How the Web Is Changing Fashion Marketing in 2010
From location-based services to content creation, let’s take a look at how the Internet has affected the fashion sector thus far in 2010.
5 YouTube Projects That Are Making a Difference
YouTube isn’t just for wasting time any more. Here are five ways people are leveraging the power of sharing video for social good.
HOW TO: Tell White Lies Online
The Internet inherently turns us into unabashed Bill Clintons, probably because we feel like our online jottings are both impermanent and impersonal.
7 Questions With AOL Co-Founder Steve Case
We caught up with AOL co-founder Steve Case to find out what he had to say about the birth of social media, AOL’s recent acquisitions, angel investments, and the future of the Internet.
5 Game-Changing Social Media Marketing Campaigns [Mashable Awards]
Every so often, you come across a marketing campaign so outrageous, it might just change everything. In light of the upcoming Mashable Awards, we’ve highlighted our favs from this year.

For more social media news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s social media channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Tech & Mobile

5 Hotly Anticipated Social Gaming Experiences
The trend is “social” this time around, so if you’re looking for innovative new ways to play games with your friends, check out this list of five titles we’re excited about.
15 Creative USB Drives for Storing Your Data in Style
Think data storage can’t be exciting? Check out these 15 creative USB drives.
5 Futuristic Concept Phone Designs
What will the next 30 years in mobile tech bring? Check out these futuristic concept designs and let us know what features you’d like to see in the next generation of smartphones.
5 Hot Design Trends for Aspiring Bloggers
Before you give up and start scrawling your musings on notebook paper to distribute as a makeshift ‘zine, take a look at what’s hot in blog design.
5 Experiences that Redefined Online Gaming in 2010 [Mashable Awards]
Need to satisfy an itching trigger finger or build the next virtual empire? As part of the upcoming Mashable Awards, we’ve highlighted 5 big trends in the online gaming world.
Why the Social Web is the Guardian of Net Neutrality
Even if the government allows Internet providers to control access to content, social media has trained users to demand and innovate around an open web. Here’s why.
13 Branded Mobile Apps That Got It Right
Branded apps can be a great way to market your company while providing utility to users. Take a lesson from these 13 mobile marketing success stories.
5 Marvelous Mobile Apps for Music Discovery [Mashable Awards]
When you’re spending about 65% of your time crammed into someone’s armpit on the subway, it’s all about the mobile music apps that will get you through. Here are our top picks.
HOW TO: Customize Your Background for the New Twitter
Has the new Twitter layout made a mess of your perfect profile background? Check out these resources and tips for redesigning.
A Beginner’s Guide to Integrated Development Environments
If you’re new to programming (or new to programming in a particular language) you might be looking for an IDE. Here’s a concise but thorough look at many of the options out there.
5 Free Ways to Improve Your Typing Skills Online
Think of the time you could save if you upped your typing speed even by a few words per minute. To help you out, we’ve picked some free web-based services (and games!) that will improve your technique.
10 Captivating Time-Lapse Design Videos
Watch as these 10 designs – from logos to websites to magazines – go from drawing board to finished product in mere minutes, thanks to time-lapse technology.
9 Free Resources for Learning Photoshop
Learn how to lasso, dodge, burn, paint, filter or do whatever else you need to in order to accomplish your desired photo editing task in Photoshop.
The Reinvention of Print, One App at a Time
ScrollMotion has created 11,000 digital interactive content experiences for the iPhone and iPad, and it’s helping to revolutionize the publishing industry. You’ve probably never heard of it, until now.
5 Tools for Keeping Track of Your Passwords
These tools and services not only keep your passwords secure, but also make them accessible and usable from multiple computers or web browsers.

For more tech news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s tech channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Business

10 Tips for Aspiring Digital Marketers
If you’re looking for a career in digital marketing, clean up your resume and check out these tips from five industry insiders.
How to Take an Indie Film to Market with Social Media [VIDEO]
Oren Jacob — the CTO of Pixar and Executive Producer at Ensemble Pictures — spoke about his innovative use of social media to promote his documentary film “Ready, Set, Bag!”
5 Tips for Utilizing Skype for Business
We could write a book-length guide on using Skype, but here are just five of our favorite tips for getting the most out of Skype for small business.
4 Digital Alternatives to the Traditional Resume
Video resumes, VisualCVs, social resumes, and LinkedIn profiles offer far more value than traditional paper. Here’s how to use them effectively.
10 Excellent Examples of Guerrilla Marketing Campaigns [VIDEOS]
Consumers have grown immune to big budget advertising, but marketers that expend a bit of time and effort – rather than piles of money – can generate effective results with inexpensive, small-scale stunts.
How 7 Startups Are Building Their Online Communities
Community management may not be a science, but a few themes resonate: make users happy, listen, and incorporate community feedback into product development.
8 Quick Tips for Developing a Facebook Marketing Strategy
Here’s a look at what brands are up against when it comes to marketing on the largest social network.
HOW TO: Nail Your Elevator Pitch
Nailing down a short pitch on why your business venture is worthy of investment will come in handy, even if you never actually end up in an elevator with the venture capitalist of your dreams.
The Tangled Web of Lawsuits in Mobile [INFOGRAPHIC]
Who’s suing whom in the mobile industry? It can be a tough question to answer, even if you’re closely following all the lawsuits that have been thrown around.

For more business news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s business channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

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More About: business, facebook, Features Week In Review, List, Lists, Mobile 2.0, small business, social media, tech, technology, trend, twitter

For more Social Media coverage:

Follow Mashable Social Media on Twitter
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Subscribe to the Social Media channel
Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

Filed Under: Facebook, search engine optimization, Social Networking Tagged With: Blogging, business, Channels, Facebook, features, Features Week In Review, foursquare, Gadgets, List, Lists, mashable, Mobile 2.0, search engine optimization, SEO, small business, social good, social media, Social Networking, tech, technology, Trend, Twitter, Web Apps, Web Design, Web Development, YouTube

29 Essential Social Media Resources You May Have Missed

September 26, 2010 By Zachary Sniderman Leave a Comment

We hope that you’ve enjoyed UN Week and kept up with some of the great events that Mashable, along with the 92Y and the United Nations Foundation, have presented at the UN Week Digital Media Lounge.

With all the excitement around the MDGs, social good, and bringing change to the world, we understand if you’ve missed one or two of the great resources we’ve published in the past week or so. That’s why we’ve rounded them up in one convenient spot for you below.

Looking for ways to support a cause through your social network? Check out our Social Media section where you’ll also find Fall travel deals and an in depth analysis of how politics are heating up on the social web. Tech & Mobile has some web design trends and good tips for creating a killer mobile search campaign. Finally, our Business section has some tips on building your international network online, and ways for SMBs to leverage Facebook Places.

Looking for even more social media resources? This guide appears every weekend, and you can check out all the lists-gone-by here any time.

Social Media

Social Good: Charity and Technology in the Online Universe [INFOGRAPHIC]
How has social media giving changed over the last few years? How does it compare with traditional non-profit campaigns? Check out our infographic for some perspective.
Fashion Week Takes Over Twitter [INFOGRAPHS]
During New York Fashion Week, brands, marketers and media turned to Twitter to generate real-time coverage and buzz among followers of the event.
5 Ways to Celebrate “Talk Like a Pirate Day” Online in 2010
Arrr! Ye Mashable readers know today be Talk Like a Pirate Day 2010, but were ye landlubbers aware that there be more ways t’ celebrate online than there are bottles o’ rum in Jack Sparrow’s locker?
How Social Media Helped 174 Million People Get the Message About Malaria
This is the story of how Ray Chambers, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Malaria, worked with Ashton Kutcher to fight Malaria using social media.
How Social Media has Changed the Game for Documentary Filmmaking
Making a documentary used to be all about film festivals and hard-won funding. But social media has opened up a wealth of opportunities for those with a camera and a cause.
5 Easy Ways to Support a Cause Through Your Social Network
Ads in your social stream would be forgiven, even encouraged, if they benefit a good cause. Here are 5 ways you can raise money for charity by advertising on your social networks.
HOW TO: Gracefully Promote Yourself Online
If you want to earn eyeballs, buzz or cash dolla bills for something you’ve dreamed up, using social media is pretty much a must.
Social Media: The New Battleground for Politics
It’s a brave new world for digital politics, and both parties are gearing up with some impressive social media strategies for the fall elections.
3 Small Cause Campaigns That Won Big With Social Media
Non-profit organizations are leading the way when it comes to creatively harnessing the power of social media, but what about the little guys? These 3 success stories will inspire you.
HOW TO: Find the Best Fall Travel Deals on the Social Web
Looking to get away on the cheap this season? We’ve found a slew of ways for you to save money on every leg of your trip, from take off to lights out.
Interview: Facebook’s Role in Social Good [VIDEO]
Facebook’s Associate Manager of Public Policy Adam Connor spoke about the role that the social network plays in enabling charitable work around the world.

For more social media news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s social media channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Tech & Mobile

5 Tips for Aspiring Web App Developers
So, you’re not content with just using the social web; you want to be part of building it, too. Here are five tips for aspiring web app developers.
5 Important New Trends in Location
The geolocation space is only getting hotter. Check out these 5 emerging trends you should keep up with if you’re looking to maintain your social media edge.
8 Tips for a Killer Mobile Search Campaign
When people search the web from their mobile devices, they’re looking for immediate and local results. Here are some key factors in a successful mobile search campaign.
Top 5 Web Font Design Trends to Follow
Big things are happening in the world of web typography. If you want to stay ahead of the curve (and keep your websites looking beautiful), keep tabs on these 5 trends.
HOW TO: Communicate Needs & Expectations to Web Designers
Hiring a designer is simple. But what you get from that designer depends on how well you communicate what you want, need, and expect. That part’s not so easy.
How Universities Can Win Big with Location-Based Apps
Businesses have already jumped headlong into the location game, but universities stand to win big by incorporating location networks into their marketing and engagement strategies.
How Your License Plate Could Be Your New Username [INVITES]
BUMP.com allows users to connect online and offline via unique identifiers, including license plates, mobile phones and online profiles.
5 Ways HTML5 Is Changing Mobile Advertising
Multiple operating systems, thousands of apps, and a disparate mobile web experience has made a mess of mobile advertising. HTML5 has the potential to change everything.
8 of the Best Premium WordPress Themes
Free WordPress themes abound, but sometimes you need to spend a little for professional style and optimized elegance. You might call these 8 themes the Cadillacs of blog design.
10 Dead Simple Gmail Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts
Looking to boost your Gmail productivity without all those newfangled browser extensions? These 10 easy tweaks will make you a Gmail power user right out of the gate.

For more tech news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s tech channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Business

How SMBs Can Start Using Facebook Places Now
Here are a few pointers for how SMBs can leverage Facebook Places and other marketing tools starting today.
Why Small Businesses Should Care About Mobile Payments
Studies show that mobile transactions are increasing exponentially. Will your business be ready when this trend hits the mainstream?
10 Inspiring Non-Traditional Workspaces [PICS]
More companies are realizing that they can help inspire their staff with a fun workspace. Check out our gallery of 10 unusual offices from all around the world.
HOW TO: Build Your International Business Network Online
No private jet? The web makes it possible to build and maintain a strong international business network. Check out these 7 great tips.
How Non-Profits Can Rally Support for Online Contests
Entering cause contests is a great way for non-profits to win funding and rally support, and social media can get you to the finish line. Here are some great engagement tips.
How Businesses Are Unleashing Their Employees’ Social Media Potential
Daily work is changing, and companies that empower their employees to creatively solve problems with tech are ahead of the curve. Check out these success stories.
5 Beautiful Tumblr Themes for Small Businesses
There are hundreds of great themes that you can use with Tumblr to give your blog its own unique look. Here are five clean and professional favs for small business users.
Life After Microsoft: 15 Startups Founded By Ex-Employees
Ex-Microsoft employees have created a bevy of impressive new companies over the software giant’s 35 year history. Here are 15 we found most interesting.

For more business news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s business channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

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Filed Under: Facebook, search engine optimization, Social Networking Tagged With: Blogging, business, Business Lists, Channels, Facebook, features, Features Week In Review, foursquare, Gadgets, List, Lists, Mobile 2.0, Mobile Lists, search engine optimization, SEO, small business, social media, Social Media Lists, Social Networking, tech, technology, Trend, Twitter, Web Apps, Web Design, Web Development, YouTube

29 Essential Social Media Resources You May Have Missed

September 19, 2010 By Zachary Sniderman Leave a Comment

We’re back with a cause-themed weekend roundup in anticipation of the Mashable Social Good Summit this Monday, September 20.

Below you’ll find a section dedicated to our recent slew of Social Good resources including apps, trends, and several surveys of modern fundraising. We’ve also got all the classics in our Social Media section with resources on how Digg can survive, details on fashion week, and the future of social media journalism. Tech & Mobile has iPad apps for Twitter power users, and some guides on Internet Explorer 9. Finally, Business reveals details on popular startups, how to pick a great office location, and how to hire a designer.

Looking for even more social media resources? This guide appears every weekend, and you can check out all the lists-gone-by here any time.

Social Good

Our social good posts are brought to you this week by the Mashable Social Good Summit, being held Monday, September 20 at the 92Y in New York City. Tickets on sale now at [link to ticket page]. The entire event will also be livestreamed, check it out!.

Mashable & 92Y Social Good Summit:
Date: Monday, September 20, 2010
Time: 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. ET
Location: 92nd Street Y, New York City
Tickets: On sale through Eventbrite

Register for Social Good Summit Mashable tickets in New York, United States on Eventbrite

10 Ways to Start a Fund for Social Good Online
These 10 tools can help you raise funds for anything from a local charity to a nationwide social good campaign, all through the power of the social web.
5 Trends Shaping the Future of Social Good
Social media has radically altered the way non-profits and lone activists can effect change in the world. We spoke to the experts about their predictions for the future.
5 iPhone Apps to Help Fight Poverty
Busy lives make it hard to contribute sometimes, but these 5 apps make it easy to tap out some social good in your spare time.
How Social Good Has Revolutionized Philanthropy
Social good is more than just taking donations. It’s completely re-shaped the way we think about the non-profit space. We spoke to some leading cause campaigners to understand the shift.
Why Social Media Is a Game-Changer for Causes
Social media has conquered many obstacles for philanthropy. This editorial from the CEO of the non-profit (RED) looks at some of the ways it has helped contribute to the common good.
How the Web Can be Harnessed for Social Good
The UN’s Millennial Development Goals were laid out before the rise of social media, but our online networks can help us reach them. Here are some examples.

Social Media

5 Indie Films that Couldn’t Be Made Without Social Media
Just because you made a movie doesn’t mean anyone will see it – unless of course it hits the social web.
The Future of Social Media in Journalism
As news gathering and news consumption both become more social, we’ll see “social media journalism” simply become “journalism.” Here’s a look at the trends leading to this assimilation.
5 Winning Social Media Campaigns to Learn From
We looked through some successful campaigns from the past year to figure out what they did right, and what lessons they can provide.
Top 10 Twitter Tips for Bands, By Bands
We talked to a ton of bands — from up-and-comers to established acts — about how they use Twitter to keep fans engaged, make new ones, and have a boatload of fun in the process.
21 Creative Blogger Bio Pages
Your “about me” page is an opportunity to tell the world who you are and what you do, so make it great! A little stumped? We’ve rounded up 21 creative examples for inspiration.
Outsourcing Our Love Lives: How Online Dating Works [VIDEO]
Can algorithms truly measure compatibility? We sat down with experts at two popular dating sites and a professional matchmaker to figure out what it means to find love in the digital age.
What Digg Must Do to Survive
Digg has had a rough couple of years made worse by the rocky launch of its 4th iteration. Serious changes are in order if it hopes to stay relevant.
The Colors of the Web’s Superbrands [INFOGRAPHIC]
What colors do the web’s most powerful brands use to distinguish themselves from others? The folks from COLOURlovers decided to find out.
How Social Media Has Changed Fashion Week
Over the last five years, the once private, invite-only industry event has been transformed into live a global spectacle for consumers, thanks largely to social media.
Auto-Tune the News Creators on Living the Viral Dream [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO]
Mashable caught up with two of the four Gregorys to chat about their recent success.
10 Ways Touring Bands Can Leverage Location Apps
Hitting the road with your band can be hectic and expensive, but a location-based network of fellow musicians and locals can help you make the right choices in any city.
The New Twitter: The Web is Back
If the web is dead, nobody told Twitter.

For more social media news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s social media channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Tech & Mobile

10 iPad Apps for Twitter Power Users
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect iPad Twitter app, check out these feature-rich options.
15 Mobile Translation Apps for the International Businessperson
Don’t have time to learn another language before your next business trip? Get by with these 15 apps.
How Brazil is Blazing a Trail for Electronic Democracy
While the U.S. government has been wary of implementing e-democracy, Brazil has been experimenting with online budgeting and wiki-legislation for some time.
25 iPhone Apps for the Mobile Fashionista
Looking for some great apps to help organize your wardrobe, inspire your style, or get shopping advice? We’ve separated the dynamos from the duds for this “Best Of” list.
Why Designers and Developers Should Care About Internet Explorer 9
The newly released Internet Explorer 9 shows a lot of promise. Here are a few reasons the browser stands to gain relevance again.
Internet Explorer 9 Beta 1 Walkthrough [VIDEO]
Microsoft released Internet Explorer 9 beta 1. This is the software giant’s best effort in years at reclaiming mindshare from developers, designers and users.
Flash vs. HTML5: Adobe Weighs In
We had the chance to talk to Paul Gubbay, Adobe’s VP of design and web engineering, about HTML5, Flash, the emerging mobile landscape, and how Adobe fits into this new world.

For more tech news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s tech channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Business

career advice aspiring digital copywriters

5 Tips for Aspiring Digital Copywriters
Want to be a digital copywriter? We’ve quizzed a select handful of top copywriters, creative directors and content executives for some behind-the-scenes tips.
5 Popular Startups and How They Got Funding
Ever wonder how those little tech ideas turn into Internet powerhouses? A lot of it has to do with getting funding at the right time. Check out these VC success stories.
HOW TO: Choose the Best Workspace for Your Business
Choosing a space that’s right for your company can be as daunting as a blind date. We asked three entrepreneurs with drastically different office strategies for their advice.
HOW TO: Hire a Designer or Developer
Here are four tips that will help you hire the best tech creatives and ensure you’re getting what you paid for.

For more business news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s business channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Image courtesy of iStockphoto, CagriOner

More About: business, facebook, Features Week In Review, List, Lists, Mobile 2.0, small business, social good, social media, tech, technology, trend, trending, twitter, youtube

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Filed Under: Facebook, search engine optimization, Social Networking Tagged With: Blogging, business, Business Lists, Channels, Facebook, features, Features Week In Review, foursquare, Gadgets, List, Lists, Mobile 2.0, Mobile Lists, search engine optimization, SEO, small business, social good, social media, Social Media Lists, Social Networking, tech, technology, Trend, trending, Twitter, Web Apps, Web Design, Web Development, YouTube

25 Essential Social Media Resources You May Have Missed

September 5, 2010 By Zachary Sniderman Leave a Comment

Normally, we assume you’ve missed a few posts here and there because you’ve been outside enjoying the last days of summer. But given the impending Hurricane and crippling heatwave, we sincerely hope you’ve been inside this past week. So what’s your excuse?

If you still have catching up to do, we’re back with another list of resources from the past week or so.

Our Social Media section can help you gear up for Fantasy Football season, Watch the US Open, or break down the news with some insightful infographics. Tech and Mobile offers a guide on making your own ringtones, using Gmail’s priority inbox, and a slew of iPhone tips and tricks. Business comes packed with SEO tips, response plans to social media attacks, and advice on incorporating your startup.

Looking for even more social media resources? This guide appears every weekend, and you can check out all the lists-gone-by here any time.

Social Media

Top 10 Fantasy Football Sites to Help You Win
Here are 10 websites that might give you the winning edge over your fantasy football competition.
10 Incredibly Inspirational Moments on YouTube [VIDEOS]
YouTube isn’t just for kittens, cute kids, and confabulating celebrities. It’s also home to some of the most inspiring historical moments ever captured on camera.
7 Services That Will Suggest Things You Like
Unlimited choice (especially on the web) is not always a good thing. These 7 sites use can help narrow down the agonizing list of possibilities in a variety of areas.
5 Fun FarmVille Accessories
80 million virtual farmers can’t be wrong! Show off your social gaming addiction with these 5 hilarious accessories.
HOW TO: Follow the US Open with Social Media
We’ve collected some easy, free and totally legal ways to watch and follow the US Open on the web and via social media.
10 of the Web’s Most Insightful News Infographics
A picture is worth a thousand words. But if you include an entire database, make it interactive, and add filtering options, the word-to-picture exchange rate is even better.
How Social Data Built a Better Health Care App
It’s not often that the U.S. government uses social media or open source data to solve a problem, but the NIH’s recent project “Pillbox” is an exception with a lot of potential.
HOW TO: Score the Best Fashion Deals on the Social Web
Just because the economy is still depressed doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to be. Check out all these great discount fashion destinations on the social web.
Social Media Grammar: The “Checkin” Conundrum
So you want to write about Foursquare, but is it “check in,” “checkin,” or “check-in?” We have the answers, which are sure to please even the sternest grammarian.

For more social media news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s social media channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Tech & Mobile

HOW TO: Make Free iPhone Ringtones
You don’t need to spend extra money to turn your favorite song into an iPhone ringtone. You can do it right in iTunes. Here’s how.
6 Job Search Tips for Aspiring Programmers
6 job search tips from the people who hire programmers about how you can land your dream job.
8 Free BlackBerry Games Worth Downloading
Need a break from the e-mail influx? Sneak away and grab one of these free and fun BlackBerry games.
Gmail Priority Inbox: 5 Tips for Better Productivity
We’ve identified a few more complex tips for those of you looking to maximize productivity and use some of the less obvious features of Priority Inbox.
10 Useful iPhone Shortcuts, Tips and Tricks
We’ve put the iPhone 4 through its paces and come up with some handy tips and tricks that will help you get more out of your Apple-flavored mobile.
Why the Apple A4 is the iPod Touch’s Killer Feature
The most significant addition to Apple’s new iPod is the inclusion of the same chip capably powering the iPhone 4 and the iPad — the Apple A4.
HOW TO: Get Started with HTML5 Boilerplate
HTML5 Boilerplate is one of the most interesting new projects aimed at giving designers and developers a template for integrating HTML5 into their sites.
15 Essential Back to School Podcasts
If you need some help getting back into “learning mode,” these podcasts will open your ears to a wealth of insight on science, history, economics, literature, math and more.
HOW TO: Track Hurricane Earl Online
Want to know how Earl will affect your Labor Day weekend plans? Check out these resources for tracking the hurricane.

For more tech news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s tech channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Business

HOW TO: Respond when Social Media Attacks Your Brand
Here are three examples of companies that received negative attention on social media and how you can learn from their mistakes or successes.
How CEOs Will Use Social Media in the Future
Whether they use it for recruiting, scouting, public engagement or social CRM, CEOs will need to have a firm grasp on social media if they want to stay ahead of the curve.
3 Winning Alternatives to Online Sweepstakes
Many brands aren’t aware that running an actual sweepstakes promotion has many legal ramifications. These 3 alternatives can be just as engaging, but without the complications.
HOW TO: Incorporate Your Startup at the Right Time
Once you’ve decided that incorporation is right for your business, what’s the best time to do it? There are a number of paperwork and tax-related factors to consider.
4 Tips for Writing SEO-Friendly Blog Posts
Search rank can be a powerful way to drive readers and customers to your site. Check out this advice on how to make your business blog more Google-friendly.
A World Without E-mail: One Man’s Vision of a Social Workplace
Luis Suarez has a dream: no more e-mail. He discusses working remotely from a paradise island and the benefits of keeping all his business correspondence social.
8 Funding Contests to Kick Start Your Big Idea
Does your startup need an investment to get off the ground? These competitions might prove a good source of VC … if you can win.

For more business news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s business channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Reviews: Facebook, Foursquare, Gmail, Google, Mashable, Twitter, YouTube, iPhone

More About: business, facebook, Features Week In Review, List, Lists, Mobile 2.0, small business, social media, tech, technology, trend, trending, twitter, youtube

For more Social Media coverage:

Follow Mashable Social Media on Twitter
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Subscribe to the Social Media channel
Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

Filed Under: Facebook, search engine optimization, Social Networking Tagged With: Blogging, business, Business Lists, Channels, Facebook, features, Features Week In Review, Gadgets, List, Lists, mashable, Mobile 2.0, Mobile Lists, search engine optimization, SEO, small business, social media, Social Media Lists, Social Networking, tech, technology, Trend, trending, Twitter, Web Design, Web Development, YouTube

3 Winning Alternatives to Online Sweepstakes

August 30, 2010 By Meaghan Edelstein Leave a Comment

Meaghan Edelstein has gained national media attention through her blog, I Kicked Cancer’s Ass, which she started to document her battle with end stage cancer. She is an attorney, the founder of the non-profit organization Spirit Jump, and works for the Real Time Marketing Group.

For some time now, companies have been utilizing online promotions as a means to increase brand excitement and build a strong following. While there are many different types of promotions, sweepstakes appear to be more and more popular. What many brands fail to realize, however, is that sweepstakes can be considered illegal gaming. Unless they consult an attorney experienced in that area of law, the ramifications of running this type of promotion can be complex.

So what exactly are sweepstakes? Sweepstakes are contests that have all three of the following elements: something of value is given away, it is awarded by chance, and entrants must provide consideration for their entry.

If any one of these elements is eliminated, the promotion is not a sweepstake. For example, “Free entry” and “No purchase necessary” have proven practical as a means to eliminate consideration. However, one can avoid the complications of sweepstakes altogether by running different types of promotions.

Here are some ways to engage consumers utilizing social networks in lieu of sweepstakes. Each way removes the second element — chance — which makes the promotion no longer a sweepstake because winners are chosen based on something other than random drawings.

1. Polls, Brand Trivia and Sharing

Polls, brand trivia and promotions that encourage sharing can be great alternatives to sweepstakes. These options can offer a variety of incentives for participating; anything from actual prizes to sheer bragging rights. Because awards are based on skill and not chance, these types of promotions are not considered sweepstakes. Contests such as these generally focus on engagement, fun and healthy competition.

The new A&E television show The Glades created a Facebook Page four weeks ago and has been running a sharing promotion, Top Fans, for the past three weeks. To date, they have over 45,000 “Likes.” This sharing promotion encourages fans of the show to invite their friends to also Like The Glades, and those with the most referrals win bragging rights and are featured on The Glades Facebook Page.

But, sharing promotions aren’t enough. The Glades posts unique content on its social media platforms, including never-before-seen footage, teasers and other interesting insider information. The idea is to provide content people will feel excited about sharing.

Vice President of Advertising and Consumer Marketing Lori Peterzell speaks to their recent sharing promotion: “The Glades Top Fan promotion has been a powerful tool to organically increase our Likes on Facebook. We have run successful sweepstakes contests, but wanted to offer something different. Human beings are naturally competitive and our Top Fan promotion offers fun and healthy competition. We have found sharing promotions create strong emotional connections — being proud of their relationship with The Glades and sharing that with their friends. Bragging rights that one is the ultimate fan have proven to be just as worthy as prizes.”

2. Voting

Contests that require people to vote for winners are not considered sweepstakes because winners are not chosen at random. Instead, the majority vote decides who is victorious. Voting has become increasingly popular and brands use this type of contest in various ways.

Over the past several months, many well-known companies have executed successful voting contests. Levi’s used voting to find the future face of its company. MTV asked fans to vote for who would be the first ever Twitter Jockey, and Pepsi and Kohl’s are using voting to decide what cause should receive financial awards. The buzz that has erupted around these campaigns is enormous. This might be in part because voting allows fans to be more connected and feel important and valued.

3. Uploading Content Promotions

This type of contest removes the element of chance. Asking people to submit great content, whether videos, essays or photos, and awarding prizes based on submissions is a win-win for the brand and participants. The brand gets amazing content and a view into what customers are thinking, while participants are able to connect on a deeper level with brands they love.

The Radio Flyer company has manufactured little red wagons since 1917. Many of us have fond memories of being pulled around in these wagons as kids. This emotional connection has led the brand to a promotion that encourages fans to upload photos and help create the “World’s Largest Wagon Mosaic.”

Rather than offer a grand prize to one random winner, the mosaic offers weekly and monthly incentives to encourage participation. Each week, one photo is selected to be featured on their homepage and the individual who submitted the winning photo receives a commemorative mini classic wagon. At the end of each month, all submissions are entered to win a full size Classic Red Wagon. Rather than choosing winners at random, they are selected by a panel of judges.

Melissa Akers, Marketing Manager for Radio Flyer says, “We have, for many years, seen how our friends and consumers have proudly uploaded images of themselves and their families interacting and enjoying Radio Flyer products via sites such as Flickr, Ofoto and Google Images. It was therefore our desire to thank these loyal supporters while also working with them to reach the next generation of Radio Flyer fans … The mosaic provides a place for all fans of the brand to upload their photos together and be a part of something bigger.”

Conclusion

There is no limit to the variety of concepts that can be used to create non-sweepstakes promotions. With social media, brand managers are only limited by the scope of their imagination. Regardless of the approach, the key is to take advantage of the strengths your brand has to offer. You don’t need the complications of sweepstakes to run a competitive promotion.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to serve as legal advice. The laws around sweepstakes and contests vary from state to state. We strongly encourage you consult a qualified attorney if you have any questions about running sweepstakes on the Internet.

More Business Resources from Mashable:

- HOW TO: Legally Structure Your Startup
- 10 Tips For Corporate Blogging
- 5 Lessons to Learn from Web Startups
- 5 Online Tools for Answering Your Small Business Questions
- 5 Tips for Managing Your Company’s Brand on the Web
- How Lawyers Are Using Social Media for Real Results

Image courtesy of iStockphoto, KLH49

More About: brands, business, Contests, engagement, MARKETING, polls, prizes, small business, social media, sweepstakes, voting

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Filed Under: Facebook, search engine optimization, Social Networking Tagged With: Blogging, brands, business, Contests, contributor, engagement, Facebook, features, Marketing, mashable, polls, prizes, search engine optimization, SEO, small business, social media, Social Networking, sweepstakes, voting

27 Essential Social Media Resources You May Have Missed

August 29, 2010 By Zachary Sniderman Leave a Comment

A new Digg, a new school year, and a new weekly roundup of essential resources. In case you were too busy buying pencils and calculators for yourself or a young ‘un, we’ve pulled together our top posts from the past week or so.

Check out our updates on Digg, or our infographic on the state of the Geosocial Universe in Social Media. Tech’s your thing? We’ve got your back to school apps, how to figure out those pesky QR codes, or how to “unsend” e-mails in Gmail. Finally, our business section brings you tips on creating logos, alternatives to Foursquare and a peak inside the Edelman offices.

Looking for even more social media resources? You can find this guide every weekend, where you can check out all of the lists-gone-by.

Social Media

7 Cool Chrome Extensions for Twitter
These feature-rich Chrome extensions can make Twitter’s homepage as powerful as any desktop app.
20 Cool Twitter Accounts for Daily Fun and Inspiration [PICS]
In addition to real-time news, Twitter is great for daily doses of inspiration, education, entertainment, and most of all, fun.
The State of the GeoSocial Universe [INFOGRAPHIC]
Wondering what the big picture looks like when it comes to location features and social networks? This should put it all into perspective.
New Digg Is Live: What It Means For Digg and For You
After more than a month of testing its new alpha version to invite-only users, Digg’s redesigned site is live for everyone.
A Brief History of Digg
Just a few months shy of its sixth birthday, social news site Digg has launched its highly anticipated overhaul/redesign. Here we take a look back at site’s developments over the years.
Facebook Privacy: 6 Years of Controversy [INFOGRAPHIC]
The release of Facebook Places raised serious privacy concerns for users of the social network. Check out this infographic that traces the history of Facebook’s privacy snafus.
Mayor Wars: A Battle For Foursquare Supremacy [VIDEO]
One of the more hotly contested mayorships in New York City is that of the Chipotle restaurant on St. Marks Place, where two Foursquare developers have been battling for the title.

For more social media news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s social media channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Tech & Mobile

HOW TO: Change the Google Logo to Your Favorite Google Doodle
Wish you could have those whimsical Doodles on your Google homepage every day of the year? You can, with this clever Greasemonkey script for Firefox and Chrome users.
10 Classic PC Games That Found New Life on the iPhone
Check out 10 of the greatest, most influential, straight-up classic computer games ever made, all available on – and completely remastered for Apple’s handset.
HOW TO: Undo “Send” in Gmail
Gmail now lets you “undo” a sent e-mail within 30 seconds after you send it. Here’s how to do it.
HOW TO: Create and Deploy Your Own QR Codes
For anyone new to QR codes, click through our gallery for a super basic, step-by-step guide on how to create and deploy your own scannable messages.
The Unwritten Rules of Texting [VIDEO]
We asked New Yorkers on the street what some of the unwritten rules of texting are and what their texting habits are like. Watch their opinions here.
10 iPhone Apps to Get You Back to School
Did you know that 14-17 year-old girls in the U.S. send an average of 100 texts each day? Check out this infographic for more interesting SMS stats and facts.
Stop Being Rude and Put Away Your Phone, the Digi-World Can Wait
Constantly perusing your phone is freaking rude — a clear signal that your reception is more important than anything going on in the here and now.
6 New Mac Apps for Designers and Developers
As the end of summer approaches, we wanted to highlight six more Mac apps that have been released in the last few month for developers or designers.
Life After Google: 15 Startups Founded by Ex-Employees
In the process of accumulating more than 10,000 employees worldwide, Google also accumulated a lot of former employees. Many “Xooglers” have gone on to create their own startups worthy of buzz.
Why Smartphone Adoption May Not Be as Big as You Think
With all the talk about apps and the mobile web, you’d expect smartphone adoption to be rising faster than it is. Check out these interesting worldwide smartphone usage trends.
Net Neutrality: 7 Worst Case Scenarios
If net neutrality is upheld or abandoned, what’s the worst that could happen? We spoke to experts on both sides of the issue to find out what’s at stake.
How Non-Profits are Exploring Augmented Reality Tech
Augmented reality shows real promise in the fields of education and the arts, but cost and complexity are often prohibitive for cash-strapped non-profits.

For more tech news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s tech channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Business

10 Tips For Aspiring Community Managers
Though there’s no silver bullet to being a successful community manager, we’ve gathered some tips from community builders on what it takes to land a job.
Beyond Foursquare: 5 Location-Based Apps for Your Small Business
Foursquare is blowing up with brands like Starbucks and Jimmy Choo, but smaller businesses can find a niche with smaller location-based services.
4 Things to Consider When Creating a Business Logo
Whether you’re going to hire a pro or put those college art electives to good use, take a moment to heed some expert advice about what makes a biz logo “sticky.”
Cubicle Spy: At Work with Steve Rubel of Edelman [PICS]
Though he might be a self-declared minimalist, Rubel’s workspace contains an interesting variety of toys, gadgets and military paraphenalia.
Top 5 Ways Big Brands are Using Foursquare
Brand engagement on Foursquare is not about linking users back to your site, but creating a new location-based product that has value for fans and followers.
5 Lightweight CMS Alternatives for Small Businesses
These five lightweight alternatives might not have as many options and features as a traditional CMS, but they are built with an emphasis on making web pages easy to create and update.
HOW TO: Handle an Employee’s Controversial Online Behavior
You can’t control everything your employees say on social networks, but it’s important to have a plan in place in case of controversy. Here are some specific tips.
HOW TO: Get the Most Out of Your Business Facebook Page
Want more people to “Like” your business Fan Page? Here are some practical tips to keep the Facebook conversation going, and hopefully drive sales.

For more business news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s business channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

[img credit: Flowtown]

Reviews: Chrome, Digg, Facebook, Firefox, Foursquare, Gmail, Google, Mashable, Twitter, social media

More About: business, facebook, Features Week In Review, List, Lists, Mobile 2.0, small business, social media, tech, technology, trend, trending, twitter, youtube

For more Social Media coverage:

Follow Mashable Social Media on Twitter
Become a Fan on Facebook
Subscribe to the Social Media channel
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Filed Under: Facebook, search engine optimization, Social Networking Tagged With: Blogging, business, Business Lists, Facebook, features, Features Week In Review, List, Lists, Mobile 2.0, Mobile Lists, search engine optimization, SEO, small business, social media, Social Media Lists, Social Networking, tech, technology, Trend, trending, Twitter, YouTube

26 Essential Social Media Resources You May Have Missed

August 22, 2010 By Zachary Sniderman Leave a Comment

It’s been a busy week here at Mashable HQ with the launch of Facebook Places. This round-up of resources from the past week or so comes jam-packed with tips and analysis, including a field guide to using (or disabling) Facebook’s new tool.

As always, there are some interesting entries across all of our coverage areas. In Social Media, check out five of the biggest emerging trends, some geeky web comics, and seven services for reserving your favorite username across the web.

Tech and Mobile offers 10 essential e-books for designers, some keyboard shortcuts for your iPhone, and an infographic on the rise of text messaging.

Business closes the round-up with a list of corporate blogs to learn from and great tips for aspiring copywriters and art directors.

Looking for even more social media resources? You can find this guide every weekend, where you can check out all of the lists-gone-by.

Social Media

5 Huge Trends in Social Media Right Now
Social media is no longer just about status updates. It’s connected to our location, shopping habits, entertainment preferences, and nearly everything we do.
The WikiLeaks Debate: Journalists Weigh In
For better or worse, WikiLeaks has had important ramifications for journalism. We spoke to four pros for their opinions on the age of Internet whistle blowing.
A Closer Look at the Privacy Features of Facebook Places [PICS]
In addition to talk of what the arrival of Facebook Places means for startups like Foursquare, the aftermath of last night’s launch has given rise to a number of questions about privacy.
A Field Guide to Using Facebook Places
If you’re ready to start playing, here’s what you’ll need to know about Places.
HOW TO/NOT TO: Ask Someone Out Online
We’ve reached that point, folks: the zenith of awkwardness whereby the cables of communication are so plentiful that we are wound in a web of our own making.
5 Useful Facebook Trend and Search Services
Want to know what people are saying on Facebook right now? Search the open data of the world’s largest social network with these 5 handy web apps.
7 Services to Find and Reserve Your Name Across the Web
If you choose a different username for every site you’re on, it can be hard to create a consistent identity across the web. These 7 services can help streamline the process.
5 Trends Affecting How We Connect Through Social Media
Social media is constantly evolving, and the conventions we use to interact and connect change all the time. Here’s a look at where we’re headed.
The Future of Public Relations and Social Media
We interviewed 14 PR pros on the future of public relations and how they see social media changing the industry.
Why Location-Based Social Media Needs to Get “Passive” Aggressive
Dropping whatever you’re doing to check-in at a new location is just lame. Here’s why the automatic, or “passive” checkin is crucial for the next level of geosocial services.
15 Great Geeky Web Comic Strips [PICS]
Want to dive into the world of web comics? Here are 15 fabulous online cartoon sites and series that are perfect for geeks.

For more social media news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s social media channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Tech & Mobile

12 Beginner Tutorials for Getting Started with Adobe Illustrator
Illustrator is the industry-standard when it comes to vector art, but it can be incredibly intimidating to new users. Here are 12 tutorials to get you started.
Top 5 Mobile Advertising Trends To Watch
There’s no question that the mobile advertising market is expanding rapidly, but where’s the best value for your marketing dollars? These 5 trends may shed some light.
10 Useful iPhone Keyboard Shortcuts, Tips and Tricks
Want to be faster and more productive with your iPhone’s virtual keyboard? Check out these handy hacks and features you may not even be aware of.
HOW TO: Make Your Mobile Websites Act More Like Native Apps
With all the different mobile platforms out there, it may be smarter to design one great mobile site that feels like a dedicated app on every device. These six frameworks can help.
10 Essential Free E-Books for Web Designers
Looking to build your virtual reference shelf? Here are 10 of the best free e-books for designers, available as either PDFs or in HTML format, that will inspire and educate.
The Rise of Text Messaging [INFOGRAPHIC]
Did you know that 14-17 year-old girls in the U.S. send an average of 100 texts each day? Check out this infographic for more interesting SMS stats and facts.
10 Incredible iPhone Portrait Photographs
These 10 gorgeous examples of mobile portraiture will change the way you think about cell phone pics.
10 Cool and Unusual Laptop Sleeves [PICS]
Why not make a statement with your digital outerwear? We’ve found 10 unique laptop sleeves that will add some style and get people talking.
5 Open Data Apps That Are Improving Our Cities
Here are five civic-minded apps based on the Open311 API that can help you help your city, one tweet at a time.

For more tech news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s tech channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Business

Why Social Media Monitoring Tools Are About to Get Smarter
For a long time, social monitoring has been about tracking keywords. But recent advances have sparked an arms race in two fields: cluster analysis and semantic analysis.
5 Tips for Aspiring Copywriters and Art Directors
We’ve interviewed some of the top creatives in the advertising industry to get their advice on how to break into the business.
5 Key Benefits of Monitoring Your Client’s Brand on Social Media
If you’re wondering why you should invest in social media monitoring, consider these 5 advantages your business could glean from the process.
7 Steps to Measuring Your Brand’s Social Media Health
Its not enough to have and execute a social media policy. You need to be able to gauge its success, measure it, and see that it remains healthy and vibrant.
HOW TO: Make a Graceful Online Exit From Your Job
When it comes time to kiss your cubicle goodbye, you can scamper away or you can tie up digital loose ends and depart with dignity.
15 Excellent Corporate Blogs to Learn From
Although the act of blogging can be quite simple, forethought and planning must first go into the creation of a corporate blog in order to keep the processes running smoothly.

For more business news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s business channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Reviews: Facebook, Foursquare, Internet, Mashable, Twitter, iPhone

More About: business, facebook, Facebook Places, Features Week In Review, List, Lists, Mobile 2.0, small business, social media, tech, technology, trend, trending, twitter, youtube

For more Social Media coverage:

Follow Mashable Social Media on Twitter
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Filed Under: Facebook, search engine optimization, Social Networking Tagged With: Blogging, business, Business Lists, Channels, Facebook, Facebook Places, features, Features Week In Review, List, Lists, Mobile 2.0, Mobile Lists, search engine optimization, SEO, small business, social media, Social Media Lists, Social Networking, tech, technology, Trend, trending, Twitter, YouTube

25 Essential Social Media Resources You May Have Missed

August 15, 2010 By Zachary Sniderman Leave a Comment

If you’ve some catching up to do this weekend, we’ve got a list that’s hot and fresh from the Mashable HQ kitchen. This is your one-stop shop for all the resources you might have missed.

In the social media department, you’ll find some useful tools to track those pesky Twitter unfollowers, some handy tips for dealing with Twitter complaints, and some funny web comics.

Tech and mobile brings you some great Safari extensions for power-browser and some cross-platform development tools for the versatile mobile app builder.

Check out the business category for a look at current web design trends, a behind-the-scenes peek at the offices of 360i, and analysis of social gaming — the next big money maker on the web.

Looking for even more social media resources? You can find this guide every weekend, where you can check out all of the lists-gone-by.

Social Media

Why Entertainment Will Drive the Next Checkin Craze
When checkins are connected to culture rather than location, a whole new social world opens. Here’s why services like GetGlue and Miso could change everything.
Why Google Wave’s Demise Is Good News for Facebook
Google this week abandoned “Wave.” Wave was perhaps the prototypical Google product: Technically advanced, incredibly ambitious and near-impossible to use.
7 Perfect Posterous Themes for Multimedia Blogs
Need a new look for your media-rich Posterous blog? We’ve collected some of the best and most popular free themes for your site.
5 Useful Tools to Track Twitter Unfollowers
We can’t make losing Twitter followers any less heartbreaking, but these 5 web apps can help you track who stops reading your tweets, and possibly why.
How Freelancers Might Use Social Media in the Future
We spoke to freelancers who use social media and asked them what is working for them now and what they think may be in store for the future.
5 Funny Social Media Web Comics [PICS]
Get ready to snicker, giggle, and yes, even snort your way through our gallery of social media-themed cartoons.
10 Super Social Media Songs [VIDEOS]
Here’s some spoofs, parodies, comical raps and even some more earnest love songs all themed around social networking, the online world, and the companies within it.
15 of the Funniest Facebook Questions [PICS]
During our browsing of Facebook’s new “Questions” feature we’ve come across some funny questions (or those that could receive funny answers). Here are some of our favorites.
HOW TO: Use Tweet Buttons as a Blogger or Site Owner
How can I put a tweet button on my blog posts or check my stats? Here are a few quick pointers for how to use the official Tweet Buttons for fun and profit.
5 Tips for Dealing with Complaints on Twitter
It can be hard to deal with complaints on Twitter without getting frustrated or taking it personally. Here are a few tips for successfully dealing with Twitter complaints.

For more social media news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s social media channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Tech & Mobile

10 Entertaining eBay Facts You Might Not Know
We took a deeper look at the history behind eBay and pulled together 10 of the most entertaining facts about the company that we could find.
5 Hilarious Gadget Unboxing Videos
The “unboxing” video is a phenomenon in which a breathless geek films each stage of unpacking a new gadget. Check out these 5 funny variations on the theme.
How News Consumption is Shifting to the Personalized Social News Stream
More and more web users are relying on social networks to curate the news for them. Here’s a detailed look at this shift in consumption habits.
15 Awesome and Useful Safari Extensions
As die-hard extension addicts, we’ve scoured the web to find 15 of our favorites for Safari. Click through the gallery for our picks.
5 Cross-Platform Mobile Development Tools You Should Try
Cross-OS platforms for mobile development offer an excellent alternative to ignoring one mobile OS in favor of another. Here are 5 cross-platform mobile development tools.
How Mobile is Affecting the Way We E-mail
Smartphone and mobile web usage continues to soar; how is the mobile web impacting the oldest form of Internet communication, e-mail?
12 Beginner Tutorials for Getting Started With Photoshop
These 12 excellent Photoshop tutorials are geared toward beginners. If you’re a complete novice or a casual user of this software, you’ve stopped by the right place.

For more tech news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s tech channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Business

Top 5 Tips for Aspiring Music Bloggers
So you wanna be a music blogger? We asked a cadre of pros to help you out.
HOW TO: Avoid a Social Media Disaster
If there’s one thing that keeps social media marketers up at night, it’s the ever-present threat of a PR disaster. Here are five tips to help you prepare, just in case.
5 Small Biz Web Design Trends to Watch
Here are five current design trends that most small businesses can tap into for great effect.
Cubicle Spy: At Work with David Berkowitz of 360i [PICS]
We got a look inside the office of David Berkowitz, the Senior Director of Emerging Media and Innovation at digital marketing agency 360i.
4 Lessons Small Businesses Can Learn from Apple’s Antennagate
Here are four lessons small businesses should take away from Apple’s handling of the iPhone 4’s call reception issues.
Why Games Are the Killer App for Social Networks
Social games are already lucrative and stand to revolutionize the way we think about the business of social networks in the years ahead. Here’s why.
HOW TO: Pick the Right Social Media Engagement Style
Check out the top five customer service “personalities” that currently dominate the social web. Which one are you?
What Types of People Raise Money for Web Startups? [INFOGRAPHIC]
Venture capital investment can be crucial for getting a company off the ground. But who are the entrepreneurs that receive funding for their startups?

For more business news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s business channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

More About: business, facebook, Features Week In Review, List, Lists, Mobile 2.0, small business, social media, tech, technology, trending, twitter, youtube

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Filed Under: Facebook, search engine optimization, Social Networking Tagged With: Blogging, business, Business Lists, Channels, Facebook, features, Features Week In Review, List, Lists, Mobile 2.0, search engine optimization, SEO, small business, social media, Social Network Lists, Social Networking, tech, technology, trending, Twitter, YouTube

38 Essential Social Media Resources You May Have Missed

August 8, 2010 By Zachary Sniderman Leave a Comment

Capping off a busy week at Mashable HQ, we bring you a massive list of social media resources you may have missed. We’ve got 38 of the most interesting features and tools published over the last week or so in case you were, you know, outside during the summer.

Have a look through our social media resources for the Origin of Twitter’s “Fail Whale,” some great Twitter visualizations, or why WikiLeaks and the mainstream media still need each other.

Our Tech and Mobile resources include some amazing Konami code Easter eggs, great (free) WordPress themes to use, and a game plan for keeping BlackBerry relevant in the battle for mobile dominance.

For our entrepreneurs, we’ve got tips on how to self-publish anything, great Twitter lists for C-Suite execs, and a guide on how to structure your startup. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Looking for even more social media resources? You can find this guide every weekend, and check out all of the lists-gone-by.

Social Media

5 Things the Internet Will Do for $5 [VIDEOS]
Who would actually advertise to do anything for the cost of an overpriced coffee? We found out with this little social experiment on the website fiverr.com.
The Origin of Twitter’s “Fail Whale”
We spoke with Yiying Lu, the designer of Twitter’s iconic error message about her influences, the future, and why she hates the term “Fail Whale.”
11 Free Services for Scheduling Social Media Updates
Here is a list of 11 free services for scheduling social media updates, either across multiple social platforms or just for Twitter.
5 Free Ways to Never Miss a Twitter @Reply
We’ve found five free web-based Twitter services that will let you know via e-mail every time you are on the receiving end of an @mention or @reply.
A Look Back at the Last 5 Years in Blogging
How did the blogosphere grow from thousands of personal diaries into a network of media empires? The history of blogging is as interesting as it is complex.
7 Days on Craigslist’s Casual Encounters
Many people use Craigslist to find roommates or jobs, but there’s another function: Sex. Check out this social experiment to see what the “Casual Encounters” culture is really like.
10 Free and Fun Twitter Bird Icons for your Website
Finding the right Twitter bird icon for your site can be a challenge, especially if your budget is bird seed. We’ve found 10 fabulous and fresh freebies for you.
HOW TO: Follow Mashable Staff Online
We try to meet our readers where they are at and create a place where conversation can take place. Now we want to give you glimpse behind-the-scenes of Mashable and its staff.
5 Fab Twitter Follower Visualization Tools
If you’re interested in seeing what your Twitter followers look like as a keyword cloud, on parade, or even on a mug, check out these cool tools.
10 Great Geeky Tattoos [PICS]
So, you love your tech and the web, but do you love it enough to permanently brand yourself with logos or related imagery? We’ve found ten people that do.
Why WikiLeaks and the Mainstream Media Still Need Each Other
The latest leak from WikiLeaks signals a seminal change for investigative journalism and next-gen whistle blowing – and mainstream media still plays a key role.
Top 16 Unusual Foursquare Badges
We talked to Foursquare’s Lead Designer, Mari Sheibley, about the stories behind 16 of the most unusual badges in their collection.
5 Social Fundraising Alternatives to Facebook Causes
When it comes to social fundraising tools, Facebook Causes often comes to mind first. In reality, it’s just one of many tools available. Check out these alternatives.
8 YouTube Channels for Unique Music Performances
We found some hidden gems in YouTube channels devoted to music. Look through to find sample channels and vids featuring the likes of Phoenix and Tom Jones.
Why Online Education Needs to Get Social
Social websites and real-time news channels are exploding in popularity, but online higher education has been slow to adapt. Here’s why college courses need to tap into the social web to stay relevant.
A Brief History of 9 Popular Blogging Platforms
The web is comprised of millions of blogs covering every topic imaginable. Here is short history of some of the most popular self-publishing platforms.
Why Hulu’s New Dance Show is a Game-Changer
Hulu’s new dance show, The LXD, is a game-changer in the way that web series and the arts are presented online. We spoke with the show’s creators about their concept and process.

For more social media news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s social media channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Tech & Mobile

5 iPhone Apps to Help You Learn to Dance
From ballet, to salsa, to tap dancing, with a little help from the iPhone and these five apps, your feet will be moving in no time.
10 Cool Konami Code Easter Eggs [PICS]
Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start. If you like unicorns, rainbows and bacon these sites with Konami code Easter eggs will make your day.
5 Energy Efficient Office Gadgets
Once you’re ready to get yourself on track to being energy efficient, check out these five energy efficient office gadgets to help you start saving on every level.
10 Cool Tech Toys for Kids [PICS]
While you may have played Hungry Hungry Hippos, today’s toys are much more sophisticated and tech savvy, and even a little creepy. Here are 10 of the hottest.
5 Awesome Optical Illusion Videos
Using nothing more than our eyes’ and brain’s perceptive weaknesses, these clever videos will trick your grey matter and leave you amazed.
10 Geekiest Apple-Flavored Cakes [PICS]
To satisfy your sweet tooth (and geekiness), we’ve hunted down ten particularly fine examples of Apple-themed pastry. Enjoy!
4 Ways BlackBerry Can Stay Relevant
To maintain market share in a world of increasing iPhones and Android devices, BlackBerry will have to get back to its roots and forge a new mobile direction.
10 Ridiculous iPhone Accessories [PICS]
We take a light-hearted look at 10 totally unnecessary iPhone accessories that only the true gadget-addict would consider a good investment.
10 Beautiful and Free WordPress 3.0-Ready Themes
If you’re looking for a theme that works great with WordPress 3.0 out of the box, check out our round-up of free themes with superb WordPress 3.0 support.
10 Pieces of Gorgeous Geek Jewelry [PICS]
The geek collective is nothing if not creative, and some of that creativity can be seen in the treasure trove of geek-themed jewelry available. Here are 10 excellent examples.
10 Free Web UI Kits and Resources for Designers
This post covers 10 of the best free web UI kits, resources and stencils to kick-start the early stages of your next web design project.
5 Innovative Tech Camps for Kids and Teens
New tech camps offer some of the coolest and most innovative programs around. Take a look and see all the ways your kids could be engaged next summer.
10 Incredible iPhone Photographs
We’ve collected 10 amazing landscape snaps by iPhotographers from around the world — both pro and amateur — to bring you a gallery of gorgeousness.

For more tech news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s tech channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Business

10 Steps for Successful Social Media Monitoring
Social media monitoring of your brand image can be a complex process. Here are 10 pointers to heed when investigating your options.
How Small Businesses Will Use Social Media in the Future
In order to peer into the future, we took a step back and tried to build cases based on the evolution of trends and some successful small business examples.
HOW TO: Legally Structure your Startup
Whether you’re the next big thing in social gaming or organic knitwear, each startup eventually faces the same gnawing question: How should I legally structure my business?
How 12 CEOs & Founders are Leveraging Web Video
With all of the talk about how CEOs are getting social, we were curious to see how many CEOs are also branching out into web video. Here are 12 that are making a real impact on their brand.
15 Twitter Lists for C-Suite Execs to Follow
To get you started or to beef up your current inventory of Twitter Lists, here are 15 great ones for C-suite executives to follow.
3 Social Sites for Demonstrating Your Business Acumen
Sites like Aardvark, Quora and LinkedIn cater to the business professional seeking out knowledge or educational resources, and they are great for demonstrating business expertise.
HOW TO: Self-Publish Anything Online
These sites and services can help you create and brand just about anything, from books to clothes to software, and even food.
How Online Retailers Can Leverage Facebook’s Open Graph
Facebook’s Open Graph presents retailers with unprecedented ways to drive sales through recommendations. Here are some things to consider when tapping this data.

For more business news and resources, you can follow Mashable’s business channel on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

[img credit: webtreatsetc]

More About: business, facebook, Features Week In Review, List, Lists, Mobile 2.0, small business, social media, tech, technology, twitter, youtube

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Follow Mashable Social Media on Twitter
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Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad

Filed Under: Facebook, search engine optimization, Social Networking Tagged With: Blogging, business, Business Lists, Channels, Facebook, features, Features Week In Review, Games, List, Lists, Mobile 2.0, search engine optimization, SEO, small business, social media, Social Media Lists, Social Networking, tech, technology, Twitter, YouTube

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