Let's face it...not everyone is going to like what you are saying online. Social media has provided a platform for people to say anything they want whenever they want to. Especially during a pandemic time when safety is a big concern. The mask...whether to wear it or not wear it has become a hot spot debate. Here are some tips on how to handle internet trolls on your social media sites no matter what your topic is. 

I recommend using the BIFF model to respond to hostile comments. 

B - Brief - keep it short and to the point

I - Informative - give straight information (it's not about you) 

F - Friendly - greet and close the comment in a friendly way

F - Firm - end the comment, avoid keeping the door open to any more comments

The BIFF framework can help bring an angry or heated exchange to a conclusion and without losing it yourself. There is no need to debate, prove a point, or carry on when a troll makes a comment. The negative comments are a reflection of the troll,...

Our focus today is HASHTAGS!

Hashtags are used to categorize posts and stories and make them more discoverable. This is an excellent strategy to use on Instagram because it expands your reach beyond your followers. When you use a hashtag on your post or story it will appear on the hashtag page for that hashtag.

If people are following the hashtag, they will see your post or story even if they aren’t directly following you. This is a great way of building a community online and getting new people engaged with your brand.

There are types of hashtags you can use:

• Product or service hashtags like #runningshoes or #hairsalon
• Niche hashtags #travelblogger or #foodblogger
• Industry hashtags #gardenersofinstagram or #craftersofinstagram
• Special event or seasonal hashtags #nationaldoggieday
• Location #stpaulcraftbeers
• Daily hashtags #selfcaresunday #mondaymotivation #thankfulthursday #fridayfunday
• Acronym hashtags #TBT #throwbackthursday
• Branded hashtags are a great option for...

Let's go beyond the post and explore some great features Facebook offers to take your social media to the next level. 

Highlight Your Work

As a page administrator take advantage of pinning a post to the top of your page. This is a wonderful feature if you have an announcement, a promotion, or a high-performing post that you want to highlight. Pinning the post will keep that post at the top of your feed and will be the first post visitors and followers see when they view your page.

Here is how to do this. Once your post is published or posted look for the three dots that appear on the upper right-hand corner of the post. It will open a drop-down menu where you can select pin to the top of the page...and Viola you are done!

FSDM Tip: Make sure to freshen up your pinned posts on a regular basis especially if there is time-sensitive information.

GO LIVE

Going LIVE on Facebook has the greatest reach of any post type. It draws as much as 10 times as many comments than a...

Here are the top tips for the DIY videographer for recording interviews from home or virtually. There are many things to consider before you film yourself from a cell phone.

1. Begin with the end result in mind. Decide if you want to film vertical or horizontal. Where will this video be uploaded? (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.)
   1. If Instagram, make sure to shoot vertical. That is the best ratio for sharing on IGTV and on the Instagram Story Feature.
   2. If you are going to upload onto Facebook or YouTube, then horizontal is your best bet. The shot will fill in nicely.
2. Lighting is everything! Make sure you are as lit up as possible, without shadows. The workaround I use for this is to film in front of a window. The natural light is great for making sure you come in bright on the video. (Direct sun isn’t recommended. More indirect light will do.)
3. Avoid the shaky shot. Make sure to secure your phone in a tripod or prop it up on something to keep it stable. Having someone...