8 New Ways Content Curation And Social Media Marketing Are Now Easier

Gone are the days that posting a few times per day on social media accounts and expecting to get any meaningful results. The tenacious appetite for relevant content from social network users is growing daily. Consistently finding, scheduling and posting relevant, valuable curated content that is interesting to your target audience has become far more challenging for social media agencies, marketers and brands. The ability to control all aspects of the process, yet garner massive time savings with result driven capabilities are paramount to competing in this environment.

If you don’t have time to focus on engagement and building relationships, you are not getting results. If you are spending time scheduling content posts, you’re not engaging. If your social media automation isn’t providing an efficient work-flow solution for content management, you’re going to like what we are about to share with you.

Bundle Post is announcing the release of its version 3.0, which is packed with 8 new upgrades that make content curation and social media marketing even easier. The improvements contained in this release are far from simple. In fact, this package of upgrades is revolutionary in terms of functionality, efficiency and social media posting control.

Of the seven new advancements, five are for all user types and two of the new features are Pro user only capabilities that we know you’re going to go crazy over. So let’s dive into the 3.0 and show you the powerful functions that have been included.

1) Feed Attribution - (Pro Accounts Only)

You can now attribute an entire feed channel to an author, website or even add hashtags to posts from a specific Google alert.

• Support for by/via @ mention attributions.
• Manually edit a specific post attribution on the export table.
• Edit/add feed channel attribution at any time.
• Automatically manages every posts character length for you.

Let’s say you have an RSS feed from a specific website or blog already added into Bundle Post and you want to attribute the posts you use from that feed channel to the site/author whenever you use their content. All you have to do is edit the attribution field next to their feed channel with something like “by @BundlePost”. From then on when you select content from their feed channel on the export table, the system will append by @BundlePost to the text of each post.

Maybe your brand has a specific hashtag (like #weRockFood) that you use with your community and want to append that hashtag to all of your content from your blog when you share it on social sites. Next to your blogs feed channel in Bundle Post, add #weRockFood in the attribution field for that feed and the system will append it to each post when you export.

If all this wasn’t enough, we have also added the attribution function to the Bundlet Chrome extension. When you add a new RSS feed channel to Bundle Post using the Bundlet, you will be able to set attribution right then and there!

There are so many awesome uses for the attribution feature, but what is really cool is that the system will always adjust the number of characters in the text of posts with attribution assigned, ensuring the character limit requirements are handled for you and room is made for your attribution. What’s more, though you set attribution for an entire feed channel, you are able to edit specific attributions manually on the export table if you desire.

Finally, we don’t overwrite the text of posts in feed channels with the attribution text, we append the attribution only during an export, so you can change attribution at any time in the future and on your next export the new attribution will be live without effecting all the posts in that channel with the previous attribution.

2) Time Slot Control - (Pro Accounts Only)

When doing an export, there are times you may want to remove specific date/time slots from an export, without having to open the file after exporting and manually making the changes. (we recommend you never open/edit export files as it changes the formatting of special characters) But maybe you want to lighten the number of posts you have over the weekend, or you need to do an export starting at today’s date but it’s already three hours passed the first time slot in a given schedule.

Now you can toggle specific date and time slots on/off from the export table, without effecting the actual schedule you are using. To remove a specific posting date/time, click the blue clock icon at the left of the post. This will remove that time slot from the export for that date only, leaving that time slot active for previous and future days within the export. You can toggle a removed time slot back on if you change your mind, by clicking the grey clock icon again.

When you shut off a specific date/time, the system will automatically move the post that was in that slot down one time slot for you. The removed time slot will remain on the screen as a blank post and will not be exported at all, allowing you to easily see the time slots you have toggle off.

3) Redesigned Export Table

We have made some substantial improvements to the Export Table design and functionality, making managing hundreds of feed channels, folders and content much more efficient and user-friendly. The left column containing your huge list of Feed Channels, My Content, Queues, Follow Friday and Hashtag folders, requiring you to scroll over and over is now gone. We have replaced the left column with simple and clean drop down buttons on the top of the page, allowing you to easily access content and other functions without having to scroll.

By cleaning up the main part of the export table, we were able to spread the post table all the way out, making a much more simplified view with all posts taking up a single line. The new main export table section is more compact, yet easier to view and gives more room for additional functionality we are adding today as well as future capabilities to come.

4) Last Used

Knowledge is power, when you use the knowledge effectively. We believe it’s incredibly helpful and important to track the dates you last used a piece of content in the system, as well as the last date you exported for a specific schedule in the system. Easily having access to this information enables to you better plan your next required content scheduling for a particular social media account and what content you have not shared in a while.

Now, all content, schedules and feed channel posts are tracked and given date/time stamps, clearly showing you when it was last used in an export from the system.

We took this further and added the same tracking to all folders in the system as well. Finally, we also display the date and time every single piece of content in the system was last scheduled and even show you last exported and scheduled post dates when you start a new export as show below.

We believe tracking and providing this information to our users will enable them to better plan campaigns and be more effective with the short and long-term use of their content marketing.

5) Character Length Handling

The Bundle Post system now automatically corrects the character length of your posts at all times. Whether you are using the new attributions, edit the text of a post or auto-hashtag, Bundle Post will calculate character length and ensure that you are within the proper limits for uploading into the dashboard of your choice.

You will no longer have posts that sneak by with a few too many characters, causing an error when you upload to Hootsuite or other dashboards.

6) Hashtag Reminder

How many times have you exported your scheduled content and uploaded it and realized you forgot to run hashtags? We have too. Now Bundle Post will remind and ask you before downloading your export file if you have not yet run hashtags on the export. We keep track if you have done and don’t nag you, so you’ll only see the reminder if you forget.

7) Content Source Colors

We have made some changes to the export table colors we know you’re going to appreciate. The system handled this terribly before, in that only each feed channel received a different color, but all other content from other folder sources were kept the same color. Now:

• A newly modified color scheme, contrasts and sequence make it easier to differentiate from content types/sources.
• A different color will be assigned to content coming from each different folder, not just feed channels.

8) Insert a Post

You can now manually create and insert a post into the export table in real-time. Posts inserted this way are not saved to the database, but are exported with all of your other posts. A great way to add posts to an export on the fly.

Ok, so we couldn’t stop at 8 new features. Though there are quite a few other unnamed changes, enhancements and improvements that you will quickly notice, we will layout just three more bonus upgrades for you here.

**BONUS Upgrades**

1) Export Auto-Naming:

We have added an additional bonus enhancement that is not really a new feature, but we know it will be something you’ll love. Bundle Post now automatically names your export files using the name of the schedule plus the dashboard platform you exported it for. It also appends the date at the end so you can easily identify the newest export you downloaded for that schedule, platform or client. It looks something like this – Client A – Twitter-Bundlepost-export-for-hootsuite-Dec-20-2013.csv

2) More Schedule Posting Times:

When adding multiple time slots to a schedule with start and ending times, you used to only have options for on the hour, the fifteens, half and three-quarter hours. Bundle Post 3.0 allows you to create schedule posting times that are far more varied and ensuring that your social media posts are going at non-standard times each hour of the day.

3) RSS Error Handling: 

The new Bundle Post Feed Channel page has been highly improved with some new functions and improved error handling.

First, we have added an Update All Feeds option that allows you to force the system to ingest the latest content for all of your feeds in the system at once. This process can be time-consuming if you have several feed channels in the system, but prevents you from having to manually update feeds in between the three times per day automatic function already in place.

Secondly, we have added error handling for feed channels. This new process handles two main functions; 1) It ensures that the URL you add for a feed channel is formatted properly (example: contains the http://) and if it is not done correctly, the system automatically fixes it for you. 2) If a feed channel you have added to the system stops working or is not ingesting content, it will automatically flag that feed channel with a  image next to the RSS having an issue. This alerts you that something is wrong with the source of the RSS, it has been entered wrong and is not updating, or otherwise isn’t a supported feed source.

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5 Tools to Help With Content Curation [VIDEO]

Curating content is less time-consuming than creating it, but it isn’t any less daunting. How do you decide which stories, sources and social updates to share? Of the trillions of pages (literally!) on the web, how do you find which ones will resonate most with your audience?

To help quell those concerns, we’re recommending 5 Tools to Help With Content Curation. Because you can’t read the entire Internet by yourself, right?

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5 Cool Content Curation Tools for Social Marketers

In the age of Information, the ability to “curate,” or gather and arrange content, becomes one of the most important skills you can have. After all, the information is out there for everyone to see. What makes you stand out from the crowd is how you locate and present it. This process can be a grueling one if you go at it alone. That’s why the smart content curator will find tools to make their job easier in siphoning the best material off the top of the web, and presenting it in the purest and most palatable of forms.

Here are five such tools that will allow savvy social marketers to make it happen.

1. Scoop.it

The Scoop.it service allows you to search through a series of niche magazines on the web. Here’s how it works — you select a topic you want to follow, and from there, you start gathering a collection of articles, media, and other content to streamline to your account. Your collection may end up consisting of everything from blog posts and Twitter content to engaging videos.

What I really like about Scoop.it is how it lets you view the collections gathered by other people who share an interest in your topic. This allows you to quickly find the relevant content you need, essentially making your role as curator much easier.

2. Pinterest

Pinterest is not only one of the leading social networks, it is one of the best tools around for image curators. For those who don’t know, this site allows you to “pin” interesting images you find on the web to random boards, or boards that carry a specific theme. The boards you create can be great fuel for your curation projects, especially if they appeal to a broad audience. Though it takes a different approach, Pinterest leverages the social component quite well, so people can follow you, and even share your content with others.

3. Zemanta

Zemanta is a plugin for Wordpress  that makes it much easier to find related posts and images based on what you’re currently blogging about in Wordpress. This particular tool lets you add image suggestions that appear in the sidebar with just one click. It even adds the attribution for you. Any curator who has spent 10 minutes trying to hunt down attribution credentials knows just how useful this is. These features can potentially save you loads of time you might have otherwise spent scouring the web for interesting content fit for your curation needs.

Additionally, if you link to another blog, Zemanta will recommend your posts in the sidebars of other subscribers. Not only does this make it easier for curators to find posts they can link to in order to make their own content more relevant, it also provides the opportunity for more links and exposure for the original poster. Zemanta is a very useful tool for social marketers who realize the value of content in the blogosphere.  

4. Storify

Storify focuses on longer, more detailed social curation. The site allows you to search through a large number of outside sources to find the content you want to share. It measures resonance for each individual piece of content, making it easier to identify the material with the most value. This tool is particularly handy for social marketers who want to be sure they are giving their target audience the most relevant blog posts, images, videos, and memes.

Another cool thing about Storify is the effort it makes to help your content create a viral impact. One of the unique ways it does this is by allowing you to easily get in touch with the people involved in your story. This admirable gesture can help you recruit a following of engaged evangelists who are motivated to spread the word.   

5. List.LY                

Hence the name, List.LY is a tool built entirely around lists. You can use this site to create a list on just about anything — individuals, images, websites, and much more. These lists can be integrated into your blog posts, which is great for driving traffic and engagement. List.LY also has a “Trending Lists” section on the front page that showcases the most popular lists across the network. This site has a lively community, so getting your list featured here could mean good things in terms of exposure.

Content curation is a process, but it doesn’t have to be a grueling experience. Strap up with tools such as these, and you will learn what a smooth ride it can be.

3 Habits For Managing Your Social Media Footprint

"It's incredibly easy these days to get your thoughts out from your brain to the screens of people everywhere, and it's critical you take the time to pause when you feel emotions stirring. It's not just big brands and celebrities who make these missteps. More than ever you are judged by your public persona. Make sure it represents who you are completely, not just in the heat of the moment." —Matthew Arevalo, social media marketer who's worked with T-Mobile, Electronic Arts and AT&T on the importance of using social media efficiently. 

Use self-control. Get off the grid. Curate. These three habits will help you manage your social-media footprint and make you more effective, whether you use the medium for work or pleasure. Here's a functional, easy guide to do just that. 

Self-Control

Icons and avatars give the illusion of anonymity on the Internet because people there aren't shouting to the masses. And they can be free of true identification. Feeling at least somewhat removed from a post makes some more open with opinions, even detestable opinions. The need to self-control, or the lack of it, falls into two types of violators. One has the above habit, using the veil of secrecy to post what they would normally not. The other, is the type that cannot stop themselves from using the Web to surf, procrastinate, and do anything and everything besides what they probably should: Working.

If you fall into this category, and lack appropriate self-control, there's a good app for you, and it's free. Wisely, it's called Self Control. 

The Self Control app limits your use of email and social media, locking you out of designated sites for pre-determined periods, while still giving you broader online access. If you can't stop trolling Facebook to see if your latest update got liked. And if you suffer from both afflictions, ranting anonymously and surfing in dangerous water, this could put you on a much needed time-out.

Go Off The Grid Occasionally

Let's say you're careful about what you post. Very careful. You know about the risks of over-sharing. You're the consummate professional. But, your'e alwaysready to respond. Always available. That can be exhausting, and exhaustion often leads to irritation, which usually ends with embarrassment. 

What to do?

Get off the grid. Fellow RW writer Brian Proffitt recently wrote that knowledge workers should change their always-on mentality and stop answering email after business hours. Why: It improves your mood. Effective workers enjoy what they do. Once overworked, by your boss or your own over-accessibility, your spark and motivation drop severely.

So, take some time off, stow your mobile and get away from it all. My colleague Jon Mitchell did just that for four days. And while his digital detox is probably different from what you'll experience, you can feel the same thing he did: Recharged and re-inspired. Make this a habit and watch your productivity rejuvenate. 

Curation 2.0

The final habit you should employ could be one of the most important of all. Make sense of all the white noise out there. All the voices. How do we filter it all? Turn to curation, a growing, but misunderstood, concept that can save you tremendous amounts of time directing you to what you need to know. 

I like a service called spundge, which helps me filter search results so they are more effective, saving me a ton of time. When you're searching for specific, nuanced topics, this site gives you results in an easy-to-digest format that spares me from Google readers and extraneous searches. Now I spend that time on what I should be doing: Working. 

This habit I can't stress enough, and it's only getting more refined. The next step in curation is personalization.

Personalization is what Facebook mastered from the get-go. Suddenly, each person's online experience was truly personalized. A company called Gravity is moving this concept further. It uses adaptive artificial-intelligence techniques to make news sites, like TechCrunch and CNN Money's iPad app, more individually relevant. Gravity monitors your habits to give you more of what you've looked at before.

And with semantic-analysis abilities, Gravity monitors news and posts for trending topics. If enough people talk or post about an item, that content appears on your home page. 

"Think of it like a reverse search," explained Jim Benedetto, Gravity's chief technology officer. 

He compared his company's service to pioneering adaptive-music player Pandora, which categorizes content fairly granularly and listeners rate songs to influence future content.

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