Put the Web to Work

We’ve all been there. You find a really great photo online and you want to share it with your followers. You think the original owner won’t find my post, and taking someone else’s content isn’t that serious. While we understand that it can be hard to consistently create great unique content, DON’T take content without permission! Taking someone else’s work can lead to copyright infringement which is a form of theft and can have very serious consequences.  According to the United States Department of Justice ( https://www.justice.gov/jm/criminal-resource-manual-1852-copyright-infringement-penalties-17-usc-506a-and-18-usc-2319 ), using someone else's work without permission can result in up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. (That fine is no pocket change!) Here’s a couple of tips to help avoid copyright infringement. Ask Permission First  Let’s say you own a restaurant and you find a great photo of a recent customer enjoying a meal at your restaurant. You ma...

Social media marketing and search engine optimization have something in common: though they are two of the most important modern marketing tools, they are both largely misunderstood. Recently, we explored some of the common myths about search engine optimization . This week, we're here to look specifically at some of the lesser-known aspects of social media marketing . 6 Things No One Told You About Social Media Marketing 1. It's Okay To Be Different. In fact, it's essential. While there are general social media strategies that have proven to be effective, it's important to think outside the box. Look for ways to set your company (and your social media channels) apart from the rest. With so many companies jockeying for viewers' attention, you'll want to do everything you can to help your company stand out. 2. Social Media Isn't For Selling. Wait, what? Isn't selling more products and services (and growing my business) the main reason I'm...