COMMUNITIES
11 retailers that have embraced social applications
With thousands of social applications out there, sometimes it’s hard to tell the good from the bad. Now, with holiday shopping in full swing, some of the good applications can be extremely helpful. Eleven brands are featured in this article, ranging from Best Buy and Nordstrom to Threadless and Loblaws. All eleven of these brands have an impressive social footprint, as well as some unique and innovative ideas about how to continue their social success.
TOOLS & TECHNOLOGIES
Full Details On Facebook’s Overhauled Profile Pages
Facebook overhauled their profile pages over the weekend, and they are now available to everyone to see and implement on their profiles. The new update aimed to make the profiles more aesthetically pleasing, while also making some of the most popular features more accessible. For instance, the photo feature has been made much easier to access, and profile information has become much more readily available. There is also now an option to feature friends on your page, such as family members, significant others, and other important people in your life. But if you’re worried about getting the new version and not understanding how to use it, have no fear. Facebook is also rolling out a ‘wizard’ feature that will appear and show you around the new layout and some of the biggest changes.
MEASUREMENT
How Many Marketers Are Using Social Media?
A few short years ago, most marketers were feeling wary about using social media. Many dipped their toes in, but it was not until this year that most dove right in and begun full blown campaigns through social media. According to this eMarketer report, three-quarters of marketers have been using social media this year. It is also predicted by eMarketer that by 2012, 88% of marketers will be using social media and that spending for social media will only continue to grow.
INFLUENCERS
Assange ordered to jail while court decides on extradition
Julian Assange, the creator of WikiLeaks, has been arrested in London on charges of sexual assault. He will be jailed until December 14th, and while a handful of celebrities have stepped forward offering to pay his bail, the judge ruled there will be no bail for him. The courts are deciding whether or not to extradite Assange to Sweden, since he was arrested on a Swedish warrant. Assange has been a controversial figure since his site WikiLeaks released thousands of private government documents. However, the judge in his case made it very clear that his arrest was not about WikiLeaks, but about the sexual assault accusations.
PARTNERSHIPS
Google and Verizon Team Up To Ship Every Chrome OS Device With 3G
Google and Verizon announced their partnership this week, designed to equip all Chrome OS Device users with 3G. There will be no fees associated with the 3G service, and there will also be day passes available (for $9.99). The Chrome OS Device is meant to give users the option to stay connected to their browsers all day every day, so this new partnership will enable consumers to do this a little more easily.
FUN STUFF
Lazy—But Thoughtful—Gifts for Christmas
Gift giving during the holiday season can be difficult. Whether you’re under a time crunch to find the perfect gift, or if you have plenty of time but do not know what to get, it can be stressful. But Etsy and Facebook are both here this year to make things go a little bit smoother. In order to take advantage, all you need to do is grant Etsy access to your Facebook profile. Etsy will then scan the profiles of your friends, and recommend gifts to give them this holiday season!
Alyssa is a Social Media Intern in the CM Chicago office.
