By Victoria Stoklasa, CEO
Social media can be a challenge to keep up with. Not only are the current platforms constantly changing and updating, but new ones seem to be popping up with the claim that they’re the next hot thing that everyone on the internet is using. (Remember Google+ blowing up for about two minutes?) So, we’ve decided to look at three new social networks to let you know whether or not they are a good fit for your business and if they are worth your time and money.
Social media can be a challenge to keep up with. Not only are the current platforms constantly changing and updating, but new ones seem to be popping up with the claim that they’re the next hot thing that everyone on the internet is using. (Remember Google+ blowing up for about two minutes?) So, we’ve decided to look at three new social networks to let you know whether or not they are a good fit for your business and if they are worth your time and money.
Ello
Ello.co launched in March 2014 on an invite-only basis. The site promises that they will never sell user data to advertisers or third parties, never show advertisements, and not enforce a real-name policy. This simple operating procedure is highlighted by the minimalist black-and-white design of the site.
Should you be on it? In our opinion…eh, maybe. One way to use this platform is to show that you are an expert in your field—for example, the bare-bones design makes Ello a great platform to show off photography or other art. If your clients or fans want to connect with you as a person, this would be a decent platform for it. If they want to connect with your company as a whole, stick to a Facebook company page. (Keep in mind, it's been reported that interest in Ello has drastically declined, so as always, know where your audience is.)
Should you be on it? In our opinion…eh, maybe. One way to use this platform is to show that you are an expert in your field—for example, the bare-bones design makes Ello a great platform to show off photography or other art. If your clients or fans want to connect with you as a person, this would be a decent platform for it. If they want to connect with your company as a whole, stick to a Facebook company page. (Keep in mind, it's been reported that interest in Ello has drastically declined, so as always, know where your audience is.)
Tsū
Tsū.co (pronounced “Sue”, as in “a boy named…”) is a content sales platform that shares up to 90% of revenues with its users. The defining feature of Tsū is that users have complete ownership of their content. They explain on their FAQ page, “On Tsū, you will get paid for your content. Half of your earned revenue is in the form of royalties generated by the content you post.” Tsū also launched mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Should you be on it? Sure—it’s one of the only platforms where you can truly get money out of it! However, keep two things in mind. First, new members can only join tsū by user invitation: “Our invite-only system enables us to track and distribute network value to the users who help tsū grow,” they explain. Second, since your earnings are dependent upon how much your content goes viral, already established celebrities will benefit more than lesser-known folks.
Should you be on it? Sure—it’s one of the only platforms where you can truly get money out of it! However, keep two things in mind. First, new members can only join tsū by user invitation: “Our invite-only system enables us to track and distribute network value to the users who help tsū grow,” they explain. Second, since your earnings are dependent upon how much your content goes viral, already established celebrities will benefit more than lesser-known folks.
Yik Yak
Yik Yak is a mobile app that serves as a feed for what’s going on around you or on certain topics. Users post and comment anonymously on topics such as ball games, colleges, and the weather. Similar to Reddit, users can vote up favorite posts (or vote down ones they don’t like). The more points a post receives, the more “karma” the original poster receives.
Should you be on it? We're split on this. On the one hand, Yik Yak has been accused as being a platform for the young population of users to bully each other. Still, Yik Yak can serve as a good way to watch what people in your area are saying on various topics. However, if you attempt to post something promotional about your business, be wary…anything appearing to ad-like can be voted down. We recommend posting promos that are to the benefit of the other users: “FYI, women’s jeans at XYZ Fashion are 30% off. Time to go shopping!” or, "Well drinks only $2 at ABC Bar and Grill! Who's going out tonight?"
Have you used any of these platforms? What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know!
Should you be on it? We're split on this. On the one hand, Yik Yak has been accused as being a platform for the young population of users to bully each other. Still, Yik Yak can serve as a good way to watch what people in your area are saying on various topics. However, if you attempt to post something promotional about your business, be wary…anything appearing to ad-like can be voted down. We recommend posting promos that are to the benefit of the other users: “FYI, women’s jeans at XYZ Fashion are 30% off. Time to go shopping!” or, "Well drinks only $2 at ABC Bar and Grill! Who's going out tonight?"
Have you used any of these platforms? What are your thoughts? Leave a comment and let us know!