How to Use Reels if You Hate Being On Camera

Courtesy of Instagram

Whether you're a small business or an individual creative, social media like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook provide ample opportunities to expand your audience.

Instagram Reels is a short-form video feature and a fairly new addition to Instagram's line-up of tools.

Video content has proven to capture and hold an audience's attention better than photo or text alone--according to Hootsuite, video posts on Instagram have a .76% higher Engagement Rate (ER) than static photo posts (a meaningful difference in ER), and an additional Hootsuite experiment suggested that Instagram Reels were helpful in driving traffic and increasing subscribers. All signs seem to say: Instagram Reels is definitely an effective tool for increasing social media engagement!.

However, many find appearing on-camera to be daunting, uncomfortable, even terrifying. 

What even is Instagram Reels?

With Instagram Reels, you can create short videos up to 30 seconds long, easily editing clips together, applying filters or Augmented Reality (AR) features, adding text, or including music from Instagram's music library, original audio from you or another user, or voice over. Functions like Remix allow you to record your own Reel and add it side-by-side to another Reel, so you can collaborate, hop on trends, or add your own commentary or riff. Video editing tools are included in the feature and are easy to use.

Instagram Reels is Instagram's direct answer to the wildly popular platform TikTok, and a clear indication of the increasing power and popularity of short-form videos, especially among younger audiences. 

Instagram is clearly making competition with TikTok a priority: they recently announced that Instagram Reels reposted from TikTok, as evidenced by the TikTok watermark, would be punished by Instagram's AI with reduced visibility and decreased promotion to potential new viewers.

While it's easier to build an audience from scratch on TikTok, thanks to the app being video-only and their powerful proprietary algorithm, Instagram Reels are incredibly potent for Instagram users who already have a following--whether than be large or relatively small.

Instagram Reel Ideas and Inspiration

If you hate being on camera, fear not: how-to videos, behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and news are the four most popular video subjects on Instagram Reels, and none of them require showing your face or doing a dance!

There are dozens of ways to make engaging Reels if you have stage fright:

Instagram Video Tips

Similar tips apply to Instagram Reels as any Instagram video.

Examples of Faceless Instagram Reels from Influencers

Use the Explore tab in Instagram to find inspiration for your own Reels, or check out the content from your favorite influencers.

Here are some popular Instagram influencers making use of Reels without putting themselves on camera to get your wheels turning:

If you're ready to add Instagram Reels to your social media strategy, contact our team today.

Why Your Business Will Be Better if You Listen to Taylor Swift

As the world is taken by storm, yet again, by Taylor Swift, we should all take note of what she, as a businesswoman, keeps getting right. With the re-release of her Red album breaking records and popping up in everyone's feed Taylor continues to deeply connect to her audience and make an overall impact on the world. By looking closely, it's obvious why“she listens.

Her fans knew she would be re-releasing her albums, but Red held a special place in their hearts. Not only was it Taylor's first dip into pop but on social media, since its original release in 2012, the album took on a life of its own (despite being one of her least awarded works). A whole autumnal aesthetic was created around it. The emotional song-writing was worshipped by writers and fans alike. And the longest song on the album, All Too Well, became a fan favorite.

Now nearly ten years later Taylor took back all that feedback and put it into practice with Red (Taylor's Version). She finished building that universe the fans built around the album. She released the original ten-minute version of All Too Well. She made a short film around the song. She made a music video for a never-heard-before song on the album, I Bet You Think About Me, and left subtle references to the storytelling in other songs.

Taylor embraced public feedback. She took what was important to her audience and let them know she was listening by giving them what they wanted and maybe a little bit more. This not only brought her great success but a deeper, stronger connection with her fans.

In the case of a business, this translates into observing your target audience. What's important to them? Is there something they're interested in? Is there something currently happening in the world that matters to them?

Listening to people and taking their opinions into account breeds loyalty and appreciation. It also makes your brand feel smart and human. 

With Red (Taylor's Version) gathering so much attention in the media and jumping to the top of the charts, brands like Starbucks, Sour Patch Kids and Target took advantage of a huge part of their customer base being fans of Taylor. A lot of them used humor, dishing out jabs to the possible ex-boyfriend that inspired Taylor's songs.

It all goes back to giving the people what they want. Sometimes it's not even about your brand, but about forming a community and a genuine bond with your audience. And liking the same things brings people together. Agreeing that All Too Well was a masterpiece that tore us all up is more than enough proof of trustworthiness.

If you're looking for help building a community around your brand, reach out to our team today. We're also available to chat about Taylor Swift any time. 

5 Things To Do When Editing A Podcast

The world of podcasting has expanded beyond belief, becoming a diverse and dynamic method through which people can share new stories with the world. Podcasting is relatively accessible, with basic equipment, editing programs, and hosting software being a small but worthy investment. For those who are interested in starting a podcast or are already in the midst of things, here are five general things to do and keep in mind while editing. 

1. Outline

Before you edit”or even record an episode”you should have a good understanding of how you want the episode to sound and some basic topics you'd like to cover. The specificity of this outline depends on the structure of your podcast. Even if your format is a free-wheeling discussion, it's important to nail down a basic narrative arc to keep in mind when recording and editing. How will the episode begin? What are the transitions from topic to topic? What's the episode's climax? Where are the ad breaks, if applicable? What's the episode's resolution? Keep track of this outline when you edit, making sure your edits help further your proposed narrative arc.

2. Listen

Whether you sat in on recording or you're listening to the raw audio afterward, you should always take notes of specific phrases, words, or times that need the most attention in post-processing. Listen for unrelated tangents that don't contribute to the conversation or for short excerpts that can be distributed on social media. 

3. Clean

Depending on the sound your show is going for, you may decide to heavily edit the audio or take a more hands-off approach. Um's, coughing, and heavy breathing are not listeners' favorite noises and might warrant a select-and-silence. We're all guilty of starting sentences we don't finish. Obviously, everything is context-dependent, but more often than not, these half-baked phrases should be removed to tighten up the discussion and keep things flowing. Did your guest say something that shouldn't be aired? Something that's factually incorrect? Depending on your podcast's guidelines you can either cut these sections, record an insert during post, or update your show notes with disclaimers or corrections. 

4. EQ 

Besides cleaning up the spoken word, it's worth taking a few extra steps to improve the quality of your audio as much as possible. Equalization, or EQ, is the process of modifying specific frequencies. There are many different aspects to EQ editing. One thing you can do is use a high pass filter to remove low-frequency noises, like the AC running, fans, or other room/white noise. 

5. Listen

Take a break. Return to the podcast with fresh ears. Now, listen as an audience member. Are there any missed coughs, bumps, or half-finished cuts? Can you follow along with the conversation? Are there any sections that feel too long? Did the podcast episode meet or exceed your initial expectations?

These five basic steps and concepts are important for ensuring that your podcast sounds as good as possible. Of course, it's always nice to have upgraded audio and recording equipment, but there are many pre-and post-processing tips and tricks you can use to optimize whatever you may have.

If you're ready to level up your podcast, reach out to us hello@thatrandomagency.com

What are Google Web Stories?

What are Google Web Stories?

Web Stories on Google are immersive, full-screen experiences that appear within Google search and Google Discover. The stories are hosted on your own website and powered by AMP technology (open-source HTML framework).

This is different from stories on Facebook or Instagram because they exist on the Google platform and your website, but similar in that they allow you to publish a succession of images, videos and audio.

Because of Google's massive search engine capabilities, the opportunity to be seen in search or images is very compelling. Content publishers have been early adopters of this feature, repurposing blog posts, articles, videos, and social media stories.

Benefits of Google Web Stories

Google Web Stories are engaging. They bring an immersive experience to your site that both mobile and desktop viewers can enjoy. Furthermore, you own the content”this is a major difference between Web Stories and social alternatives. Because you own the content, you have the ability to repurpose the asset across other platforms such as email, digital brochures, etc. 

There is no time limit or expiration on the Web stories”they can be featured as long as you like and won't get lost in a timeline like on Facebook and other social platforms. Google Web Stories have no design restrictions beyond making sure that they meet the general technical requirements. Additionally, using the live-story attribute on your Web Story will notify a user in real-time that you have added a new page, which is useful if you are covering breaking news or developments.

Google Web Stories also allow for unique ad opportunities to integrate with AdWords, SEO tie-in, and other ad options. Web Stories can even operate like programmatic ads in that you can flow them with the rest of your story. Depending on why you are creating the story, you can add CTA boxes, links to landing pages and links to product pages.

How do I use Google Web Stories?

Google Stories are code-heavy, so it may be difficult for a layperson to decipher how to use them. Partnering with a programmer may be the best option for the tech-averse. There are many WordPress plugins, however, that make this integration process easier.

Options for Non-Coders:

Google Web Stories provide fresh and compelling options for capturing the interest of your online audience, whether for engagement, awareness, or advertisement.

If you're ready to start leveraging Google Web Stories for your brand, contact us today to see how our team can help you build a custom hashtag strategy for your business.

Meet Julieta, Our Newest Social Media Intern

Say hi to Julieta, Random Agency's new Social Media Marketing Intern! We can't wait to get to know her and what better way to do that than a Q & A?

It's Julieta!

First, the obvious question: Why did you choose Random Agency?

It was the connection with both Lauren and Meghan who interviewed me. The energy and conversation we had left me feeling really good about what I could learn from them and the work we could create together. Working at Random allows for parts of my writing craft that can get rusty when writing longer format stories to come out of hibernation.

Tell us three cool things about yourself.

I can make the best vegan lasagna.

I've lived in three countries in the past 3 years.

As a kid, if I had the TV on, there was a 98% chance I watching Animal Planet.

Favorite TV show?

Right now, a telenovela from Argentina called Esperanza Mía.

If money was no object, where would you go and what would you do?

I would buy a piece of land big enough for me to have a few grazing animals, a vegetable garden, a chicken coop, and a house with a library. Probably somewhere in Europe.

What's in your refrigerator right now?

Grapes, tofu, sweet potatoes, spinach, SO many Medjool dates, and oatmeal.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

The power to heal any living thing.

What's your favorite childhood memory?

Running. We were in PE class and we were supposed to run 500 m. It was the entire class of girls. And I remember just feeling so much joy and adrenaline as I zoomed past. I didn't have to think I just had to work my legs as hard as they could go.

Name one thing you wish you could do better.

Focus.

Which three things would you take to a desert island?

A small eco-friendly house, a survival guide, and boots.

What is the last book you read?

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. So. Good.

What is your favorite account to follow on Instagram?

@staybeyondgreen - They're a company that works with sustainable lodging around the world. By promoting them and informing their followers about these places all in one place makes it easier for me to know where I could stay if I ever went somewhere. I always loved traveling and moving around but since finding out how much unnecessary pollution it brings to the earth I've wanted to adopt a gentler approach to it.

How To Use Hashtags on Facebook

Since its creation, the hashtag has become a centerpiece of social media. Hashtags allow your posts to be searchable and more visible, so they should be a staple in your social media strategy. You may already know how to use them on Instagram and Twitter, but you might be asking: what's the deal with hashtags on Facebook? We've got answers.

#SocialListening

Before you can know how to use hashtags in your own Facebook posts, you should learn from the best. Follow popular pages and businesses to learn how they are using hashtags. You can also analyze your competitors' hashtags to see what they use and when and why they use them. Lastly, take a look at some of your followers' posts to get a sense of what they talk about, and then you can choose tags for your own posts that target your audience's interests.

#KeepItBranded

Give your posts an extra layer of branding by using one or two original hashtags consistently. For example, a branded hashtag for Random could be #TheRandomBlog. Including a tag unique to your business in your Facebook post leaves the audience with a sense of who you are and an opportunity to check out the other posts you've made with the same hashtag.

#LessIsMore

You've probably seen plenty of Facebook posts that are so loaded with hashtags you can barely make sense of what the user is trying to say. Basically, avoid doing that. On Facebook, fewer hashtags equals more engagement. Try to limit your tags to no more than three per post.

Source: sproutsocial.com

#BalanceItOut

When including multiple hashtags in a post, balance the popularity of the tags. Use a hashtag generator like this one from Inflact to find hashtags by keyword, photo, or URL and see how often they're used. Choose a mix of tags that are popular (in the millions), average (100k-500k), and rare (less than 100k). Use hashtags related to your industry and the audience you are trying to reach.

#BeSpecific

Be sure to use hashtags that are specific to the topic of your post, your business or industry, and the audience you are targeting. If your tags are popular but not relevant, your post might be more visible but it won't reach your target audience. If your tags are too obscure, nobody will be searching for them. Finding the delicate balance between relevance and specificity might take some practice, but the result is worth it. Check out some more hashtag tips below.

#ShortAndSweet

Another part of choosing and creating hashtags that takes practice is the length. If your tag is too wordy, it will be difficult for users to read. Here's an example of what not to do: #internationaltravelerandphotographer. Long hashtags like this can often be broken down into smaller ones that will generate more engagement: #international #travel #photographer. To make tags even easier to read, you can capitalize the first letter of each word in the hashtag.

If you're ready to start leveraging hashtags for your brand, contact us today to see how our team can help you build a custom hashtag strategy for your business.

Is Clubhouse Dead?

What is Clubhouse?

A brief aside for the uninitiated what exactly is Clubhouse?

Clubhouse is a live group audio app. Users remain faceless and can log in to live rooms at any time. The themes of the aforementioned rooms vary wildly: fans of specific books and musicians can host discussions with fellow fans; moguls and celebrities can answer questions directly; etc.

The primary appeal of Clubhouse is that anyone can chime in. Average users directly interact with their favorite podcasters, celebrities, and politicians. Instead of merely consumers, users become active contributors. Similar to podcasts, Clubhouse is also accessible even while otherwise engaged by driving, exercising, or cleaning the house, but the user-generated nature of Clubhouse gives users a sense of intimacy and closeness with their admired creators.

Clubhouse's Growth

Clubhouse began as a social media startup under Paul Davison and Rohan Seth targeted at podcasters and their audiences. As with many startups, they began their business with funds from angel investors and venture capitalists.

The social audio app was originally released for iOS in March 2020 with an invite-only userbase”in order to get in, a current member had to send you a code. Out the door, Clubhouse enjoyed reasonable growth and accumulated 600,000 registered users by the end of 2020, as well as a considerable wait-list (including many notable Silicon Valley players) pining for entry codes.

Things picked up for the audio app in early 2021. From February 1st to 15th, Clubhouse's downloads more than doubled, rocketing to 8.1 million in two weeks. Tech royalty like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, notably, chatted casually with average users and popped into other live sessions. Codes are famously sold on eBay for up to $400 a pop.

Clubhouse Today

Clubhouse has introduced a number of updates to the app, including a Patreon-like service called Clubhouse Payments, a text feature, and the option to record audio sessions to create podcasts. Clubhouse's leadership recently announced that they have done away with the entry-code system, although the app still has a waitlist implemented for new users. Additionally, Clubhouse has partnered with TED to provide unique talks and discussions through the app. The recent release of Clubhouse for Android led to a significant uptick in downloads worldwide”7.7 million in June 2021, about ¾ of which came from India alone, demonstrating the app's global appeal.

However, no matter how you cut it, Clubhouse's explosive growth is slowing down. Currently ranked 46th among social apps in Apple's App Store, Clubhouse is calculating how to foster longevity in a market dominated by heavy-hitters like Instagram, Twitter, Twitch, and Facebook.

Is Clubhouse Dead?

Some argue that Clubhouse's decline is inevitable”the longer the app is available, the fewer downloads will occur as those who want to join the app will have already done so. The rapid growth seen in 2021 is difficult, if not impossible, to maintain.

Others argue that Clubhouse's explosive popularity was largely tied to the Covid-19 pandemic, and its current decline will only increase as people gradually return to in-person hangouts. Social isolation left many, if not the majority of, people feeling lonely and disconnected. Live group audio was an effective balm.

Additionally, Clubhouse's structure punishes lateness or random droppers-in. When streaming on Twitch, Youtube, or even going live on Instagram, the visual element allows latecomers to easily extrapolate what's going on. Similar to joining an ongoing conversation at a party, in Clubhouse one may need to ask Hey, what's going on? However, unlike a small conversation between three people, a Clubhouse room can contain up to 5000. It makes it hard to figure out what's going on, or ask if a user enters a room 10 minutes, 20 minutes late, or logs into Clubhouse randomly to find interesting content.

Despite a recent decline in downloads, Clubhouse has nevertheless had an impact on social media. Facebook, Twitter, and Spotify have all introduced live audio features. Based on these initiatives, it's safe to say group audio isn't going to disappear soon, even if its preeminence may be short-lived.

Clubhouse isn't dead, but its staggering growth in 2021 is unsustainable. It will likely evolve into a more niche app, with a small but passionate userbase”especially as social media giants roll out similar features.

Should You Use Clubhouse?

Live group audio is here to stay, for now at least, and will become more widespread. So, who should use group audio? How can it be used most effectively?

Those who generate primarily visual content, such as artists, chefs, models, fitness gurus, photographers, or gamers may find it difficult to transpose their typical offerings to Clubhouse. Even people who work with audio, like musicians or ASMR creators, may face challenges due to the uncontrolled sound being made by live participants.

Clubhouse has many potential benefits. Hosting a room periodically in Clubhouse if you already have a strong following could be an excellent way to connect directly with your audience. If you're an aspiring or well-established thought leader, hosting Q&As or talk-back sessions on Clubhouse could prove fruitful for gaining, engaging, and retaining followers”as evidenced by TED's recent partnership with Clubhouse. If you're a superfan of just about anything aiming to connect with other fans from around the world, Clubhouse is a strong social media choice.

However, keep in mind that using Clubhouse can introduce an element of chaos to any discussion. Akin to live performance, there is always a risk for hecklers and disruption, but for many, that is a chance worth taking for something organically wonderful to happen. Unlike other live-streaming apps, users are not strictly audience members, but equal participants.

If you're interested in growing your business through effective social media strategy across Clubhouse and other platforms, reach out to us at hello@thatrandomagency.com

Meet Emily, Our Newest Social Media Intern

Say hi to Emily, Random Agency's new Social Media Marketing Intern! We can't wait to get to know her and what better way to do that than a Q & A?

It's Emily!

First, the obvious question: Why did you choose Random Agency?

I was excited that Random Agency is woman-owned and I was intrigued by the well-organized application process and clever voice present through all their copy. Totally piqued my interest!

Tell us three cool things about yourself.

  1. I love to write poetry and used to bind my own chapbooks!
  2. I know a lot of animal facts and love, love, love animals”reptiles and amphibians included!
  3. I'm really handy and pretty good at fixing things!

Favorite TV show?

Right now, it's What We Do in the Shadows or Never Have I Ever.

If money was no object, where would you go and what would you do?

I would spend two months eating everything in Japan”I'd spend weeks in Tokyo, then take the train all around the archipelago and try regional food, go to temples, sit in a hot spring and never come out

What's in your refrigerator right now?

Four different kinds of kimchi and a peach-ginger icebox cake.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

I would definitely want to be psychic.

What's your favorite childhood memory?

I used to stuff my little brother into the linen closet in the hallway and pretend he was a chicken”I was the farmer, and I'd come let him out and feed him he totally loved it. We played a lot of games like that!

Name one thing you wish you could do better.

I really wish I could play guitar better. I learned through the pandemic!

Which three things would you take to a desert island?

A lifetime supply of sunscreen, a biiiiig book, and a hatchet.

What is the last book you read?

I just finished Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro -I think he's wonderful.

What is your favorite account to follow on Instagram?

Honestly? My friend Juliet. She puts out colorful, joyful, honest content about plants, body-positivity, recently her solo-trip to Mexico I've always looked up to her, and I still do. She inspires me!