News

TODAY’S SPOTLIGHT

Toyota wins Father’s Day with the long-form commercials they released this week. And Twitter was on Silver Beacon’s radar, but not for the reasons you might have heard. The social media company said it would increase direct message limits in July and allow advertisers (like us!) to begin targeting people based on what smartphone apps they have. But advertisers should remain careful about disclosures. The Federal Trade Commission updated its online advertising guidance for the first time in five years.

And that is what you need to know for this week without the hype.

News You Should Know

Twitter Direct Message Character Limit to Grow to 10,000

It’s happening in July so don’t try to send a super-long message now, but 10,000 characters is, well, kinda like email. You’re welcome for Twitter news that isn’t about their new-old CEO.

FTC Puts Social Media Marketers On Notice With Updated Disclosure Guidelines

The agency updates its FAQ page for endorsement requirements for the first time since 2010. The new guidance could precede a crackdown. You and your organization need to understand this.

Twitter Launches Ad Targeting Based on User's Installed Apps

Twitter Launches Ad Targeting Based on User’s Installed Apps

Twitter is launching a brand new type of ad targeting that allows users to be targeted based on the apps they already have installed on their smartphones. Yup, the OTHER apps.

Ad of the Week

Toyota Honors Dads with a Pair of Short Documentaries

Toyota Honors Dads with a Pair of Short Documentaries

After its paternal score in the Super Bowl, Toyota steers the conversation back to dads with two short Father’s Day films.

Congratulations!

Inside Scoop looks at SPARC - YouTube Video

Inside Scoop looks at SPARC – YouTube Video

Our friends at SPARC, an organization helping adults with disabilities in Virginia, were featured on an hour long segment of Inside Scoop this week. Here’s a link to the hour-long video. Congratulations!

App of the Week

Amazingly Simple Graphic Design Software – Canva

Amazingly Simple Graphic Design Software – Canva

Canva does NOT replace a designer. But if you’re doing something on your own for a flier or email graphic, it’s one of the easiest and best tools available. Free, with upgrade options.

News

TODAY’S SPOTLIGHT

Thought Google made hundreds of changes to its secret search rankings each year? Now the search giant says the number is thousands. One change that won’t be happening is to Google Wallet, which holds a 4 to 1 lead over Apple Pay. Most top merchants say they won’t be adding Apple Pay soon. Meanwhile, Facebook’s Messenger app won’t automatically report if you’re at one of those top merchants or anywhere else anymore. .

And that is what you need to know for this week without the hype.

News You Should Know

Google: We Make Thousands Of Updates To Our Algorithms Each Year

Google: We Make Thousands Of Updates To Our Algorithms Each Year

John Mueller is increasingly the voice of Google that once was done by Matt Cutts. John confirmed what marketers knew this week: that Google “constantly” refines its alogrithm with thousands of tweaks according to Mueller. Google had already confirmed several hundred “changes”.

And that’s why search engine optimization (SEO) is NEVER finished.

Facebook App Adds Some Privacy

Facebook App Adds Some Privacy

Your Facebook Messenger messages no longer carry your location by default. You can still send the location, but have take action to do so.

Exclusive: In ‘year of Apple Pay’, many top retailers remain skeptical

Don’t rush to accept Apple Pay, small businesses. Nearly two-thirds of the nation’s top retailers say they won’t be accepting Apple Pay this year. Read all the details in the Reuters article.

Ad of the Week

YouTube Crowns Its Ad of the Decade

YouTube Crowns Its Ad of the Decade

More like 5 ads of the week for this week. The top finishers are all here, including Dove Beauty, Kid Vader, Like A Girl, and the winner.

Congratulations!

Birmingham Exchange Student Program Leader Honored

Birmingham Exchange Student Program Leader Honored

Rebecca Kinney, one of our friends at PAX-Program of Academic Exchange, was recently named one of Alabama’s top 10 “Motivating Women”: at a gala in Birmingham.

PAX is accepting applications for high schooler host families for the 2015-2016 school year. Visit http://www.pax.org/famiies if you’re interested.

App of the Week

SaneBox - Email Management for Any Inbox

SaneBox – Email Management for Any Inbox

My buddy Shaun swears by this so I asked for his signup link. 3 days into my 14 day free trial I signed up. SaneBox automatically filters unimportant messages and helps you get through your emails faster than ever. It just works. Try it free for 14 days too & get $5 credit.

News

TODAY’S SPOTLIGHT

Someone on Instagram just made a lot of money selling what was mostly other people’s work. There’s also news that Microsoft phone scam is starting to be prevalent again, and Google says that the number of people searching for things “near me” while using their phone is skyrocketing.

And that is what you need to know for this week without the hype.

News You Should Know

A reminder that your Instagram photos aren’t really yours.

Richard Prince screenshotted and sold public Instagram photos without permission. Here’s how he isn’t violating copyright laws.

HOW TO: Report the Microsoft phone scam | Cyber Trust Blog

HOW TO: Report the Microsoft phone scam | Cyber Trust Blog

A scam that works too often is back. If someone calls you from Microsoft technical support and offers to help you fix your computer, mobile phone, or tablet, this is a scam designed to install malicious software on your computer, steal your personal information, or both.

Local "near me" searches on Google surged 34 times

Local “near me” searches on Google surged 34 times

When it comes to search, consumers are thinking local. Google says “near me” searches have surged 34 times since 2011, and have nearly doubled since last year. That means your organization’s local presence and mobile capabilities are more important than ever. Doubled. One Year. And 80% on mobile.

Ad of the Week

The State of Kentucky Fried Chicken Address (Video)

The State of Kentucky Fried Chicken Address (Video)

KFC hires Darrell Hammond to bring back Colonel Sanders in 5 different spots plus the “finger lickin’ good” tag and is again featuring the bucket o’chicken. May not be the funniest, but it’s one of advertising’s most iconic characters (And has a $10 million plus spend behind it)

App of the Week

Inbox by Gmail

Inbox by Gmail is now open to everyone. No invite required.. BIG HINT: Install on your Android device first, THEN install on your desktop. This is a big leap forward from Gmail.