4 Creative Approaches for Your Next CTA

Whether you're a social media manager, content creator, or business owner, you understand how important it is to have a strong call to action (CTA) for your audience. But the same Click here! CTA is overused and doesn't quite speak to a customer like you hope it would. A great CTA needs more depth than that.

Here are four creative CTA approaches that are sure to shake things up a bit:

Graphic of multiple "Click Me!" buttons with mouse cursor hovering over middle.

Provide an Actionable Next Step

Sure, Click Me! and Follow the Link! sound exciting, but they don't really give us a clue to what will happen. Your audience wants to know where this journey will guide them. Putting an actionable next step in your CTA will show your audience what they can expect. CrazyEgg uses the CTA Show me my Heatmap below to let their customer know what the next step in the process is. Pretty clever. Take a look:

Handle an Objection

Your audience will always have a reason not to follow through with your CTA. Whether it's because they don't want to spend money, or they don't want to spend the time, the objection is in the back of their mind. 

This just means that you can use the CTA to your advantage and handle some of those objections. For example, you can tell your audience in your CTA that no credit card is required or that they can try a demo of your product in just 2 minutes. Here's a look at how Basecamp handles objection in their simple CTA:

Call to action for Basecamp website.

Show some specifics

Have you ever been invited to a party that you don't know details about? Maybe you don't know where it's at, if it's formal or casual, or who else is going to be there? Kinda stressful, right?

That same feeling of uncertainty can happen when a CTA fails to show some specifics. In the example below, Netflix gives you a specific number (30 days) to ease your uncertainty:

Call to action for Netflix website.

Demonstrate Empathy

Good copywriting talks to an audience on their personal level. Using this empathy can be a great tool when creating a CTA. 

Everyone has a pain point, and the best thing you can do is acknowledge that pain point. Everyone wants their problems to be heard, right? Look how Metafy points out the problem and empathizes with their customer's desires:

Call to action for Metafy website.

We hope these unique approaches help you give some fire to your call to actions. If you need more help navigating the social and digital worlds, reach out to us below!

Is the Internet Changing? - What to know about SCOTUS and Section 230

The internet is a wonderful, exciting, and chaotic place. With how much it has shaped modern culture, it's hard to imagine our world without it. But the internet as we know it could be coming to a dramatic change. This is all due to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) deciding to revisit Section 230, a law that protects online platforms from user liability.

If you're a business owner, social media manager, or simply an individual that uses social media, this could change how you use the internet. So, buckle up, because we've put together all the important info you need to know.

What exactly is Section 230?

Section 230 is often referred to as the "26 words that created the internet." 

Why?

Because it's been credited with enabling the growth of the internet and the rise of user-generated content platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. The law was passed in 1996 as part of the Communications Decency Act, and it clearly states that online platforms are not responsible for the content any of their users post.

However, Section 230 has also come under scrutiny in recent years because of an increase in hate speech and misinformation that's been published to these platforms. Which brings us back to SCOTUS's push to reform or repeal this impactful law.

What does this mean for brands?

Brands have a lot to be worried about with this change. For years, Section 230 has provided a level of protection against liability for user-generated content. This means that companies have been able to build and promote their online presence without having to worry about the risk of lawsuits stemming from user comments or reviews. A change in this law would force brands to become more accountable for the content on their platforms.

A possible outcome of this is increased moderation and filtering of user-generated content. This would limit the free flow of information. As a result, brands may have to reevaluate their approach to digital marketing, focusing more on moderation and content management to minimize legal risk.

How does this affect users?

Ordinary social media users and individual content creators are also at risk. If platforms become more responsible for the content on their sites, it could lead to increased censorship and limitations on free speech. This could impact the ability of individuals to express themselves online, particularly on controversial topics or issues.

Additionally, if brands are held responsible for third-party content, it could lead to increased scrutiny and backlash from consumers. This could change how people interact with brands on social media.

Will this affect politics?

Section 230 has been a contentious issue between political parties. Some argue that it gives too much power to big tech companies and others claim that it is necessary for free speech on the internet. If the Supreme Court makes changes to this law, it could influence the way that politicians and policymakers approach online content and regulation.

One more thing to note: If brands become more responsible for user-generated content, they may be forced to take a stance on controversial issues that arise on their platforms. This could lead to increased pressure from consumers and advocacy groups to take action on specific issues or content, putting companies in difficult positions. It could also lead to more transparency and accountability when it comes to political advertising.

What should you do?

Big changes to online platforms means even bigger changes for users of the platform. Whether you're a digital marketer, social media manager, or an ordinary user, it's important to stay informed about changes to Section 230. After all, it did give us the internet as we know it today.

Need help strategizing your social media presence? We're here for you.

5 Careers That Didn't Exist Before the Internet

Casey Wright

February 2023

The internet has revolutionized the world of work and opened up a whole range of new career opportunities. The rise of the digital age has created numerous jobs and careers that didn't exist before the internet became popular for everyday use. Here are five careers created in the post-internet era that have transformed the business world as we know it.

Digital Content Creator

The rise of the internet and social media has created a demand for digital content, which has given birth to the role of digital content creator. Digital content creators produce content for websites, social media channels, blogs, and other digital platforms. They can work in a variety of industries, such as marketing, advertising, and journalism. They must have strong writing, research, and communication skills, as well as a good understanding of the different digital platforms and technologies.

Digital content creators have changed the business world by providing fresh and engaging content that attracts and retains customers. Their work has made it possible for businesses to connect with their target audience and build a loyal customer base. In addition, the rise of digital content has opened up new job opportunities, such as social media management, SEO, and content strategy.

Data Scientist

The internet generates vast amounts of data every day, and businesses need to analyze this data to gain insights and make informed decisions. The role of a data scientist has emerged to address this need. Data scientists use statistical analysis and machine learning techniques to extract insights from large data sets. They also use data visualization tools to communicate their findings to stakeholders. Data scientists work in a variety of industries, such as healthcare, finance, and e-commerce.

Data scientists have changed the business world by making it possible for businesses to make data-driven decisions. They have also created new job opportunities and made existing job roles, such as marketing, more data-focused. Data scientists have helped businesses improve their operations, cut costs, and increase revenue.

App Developer

The internet has given rise to the mobile app industry, which has created a demand for app developers. App developers create mobile apps for Android and iOS devices that cater to a variety of industries, such as gaming, finance, and healthcare. App developers must have a good understanding of programming languages, app development platforms, and user interface design.

App developers have changed the business world by making it possible for businesses to engage with their customers through mobile apps. They have also created new job opportunities, such as mobile app design, mobile app testing, and mobile app marketing. The rise of mobile apps has helped businesses improve their customer experience, increase their revenue, and expand their reach.

E-commerce Manager

E-commerce has revolutionized the way we shop, and it has become an essential part of the modern business landscape. E-commerce managers are responsible for overseeing a company's online sales operations. They manage the online store, develop marketing strategies, and ensure that customer orders are fulfilled efficiently. 

E-commerce managers must be familiar with a range of e-commerce platforms and technologies, including payment gateways, shopping carts, and inventory management systems. They play a critical role in ensuring that businesses can compete in the highly competitive online retail market.

Digital Marketer

The internet has created a vast range of new marketing opportunities, and digital marketers are responsible for leveraging these to drive business growth. They develop and execute digital marketing campaigns that target specific audiences and drive traffic to a company's website. 

They use a range of tools and techniques, including search engine optimization, social media marketing, and email marketing, to engage with customers and build brand awareness. Digital marketers help businesses to reach a wider audience, generate leads, and increase revenue. They have truly become a vital part of any modern marketing strategy.

In conclusion, the internet has created a vast range of new career opportunities that have transformed the way we work and do business. Content creators, data scientists, digital marketers, app developers, and e-commerce managers are just a few examples of the new careers that have emerged with the rise of the internet. They have each played a critical role in driving innovation and growth, and they will undoubtedly continue to do so in the years to come.

Want to learn more about how you can grow your online presence? Send us a message below!

Gift Guide for Social Media Lovers

Let me guess. You have a friend that is OBSESSED with social media. They ALWAYS have to be on their phone and constantly take pictures wherever you go because if it's not on instagram, it didn't happen. Or maybe they are persistently on the lookout for the best lighting (SPOILER ALERT: It's golden hour!)

While it may seem difficult to find the perfect gift for your aspiring influencer, never fear, because we have your shopping list ready to go!

Here are some of the perfect gifts for the social media #obsessed person in your life!

Pocket-Sized Smartphone Printer 

Price: $79.00

Connect the Smartphone Printer to your phone via Bluetooth and you can print your latest ˜grammable moments within seconds after you've taken the photo. The App allows you to print and share photos with family & friends and allows you to add fun frames & filters to your photos.

Buy it here.

PopSockets 

Price: $9.99

PopSockets are some of the best and most popular phone grips out there. It keeps your phone stable and steady, so you can take all the photos and videos you need without it slipping out of my hands. Not to mention the hundreds of designs to choose from. This gift is both useful and adds personality to your digital device.

Buy it here.

DJI Phone Stabilizer

Price: $129.00

Say goodbye to shaky footage and blurry photos with this stabilizing gimbal! While the price tag might be a little high, this intelligent gimbal is lightweight, compact and worth every penny. Simply unfold to start filming smooth dynamic footage. This device has dozens of intelligent features at your fingertips, including ShotGuides to help capture the scenario you're in or creative features like Timelapse. Whether you're a vlogger or a mom watching her kids soccer game, this gift is a game changer!

Buy it here.

Social Media Cookie Cutter Set 

$7.20

Turn your desserts into the next social media sensation! These adorable cookie cutters are the perfect gift for lovers of baking and social media. 

Buy it here.

Fujifilm instax mini

$145.95

Looking for a nostalgic way to capture memories? This adorable Polaroid-like camera takes pictures of you and your friends and immediately prints them out. Within 5 minutes you'll have a stack of memories just waiting to be added to your scrapbook or bedroom wall.

Buy it here.

#HASHTAGIT Party Game 

$29.99

This game is guaranteed to be a hit for any social media OBSESSED person in your life. #HashtagIt is the hilarious party game of tagging photos with outrageous, quirky (and sometimes inappropriate!) hashtags! Each round begins with a completely ridiculous photo. Play the best #HashtagIt caption from the cards in your hand. Be voted the best Hashtag and win the Photo. We recommend gifting this one to the 18+ people in your life!

Buy it here.

Portable Charger 

$28.79 

How many times have you been out in the world and could not find a place to charge your phone? How many times has your battery died because of it? This battery pack is the perfect gift for anyone and an absolute necessity for those who are constantly on their phone.

Buy it here.

Ring Light

$59.99

Every social media star knows that the most important thing in the world for a perfect TikTok or selfie is great lighting, but depending on where you live or what time of day you're filming, finding the ideal lighting can be really difficult. Having a ring light with multiple types of lighting is the perfect man-made solution for fighting mother nature.

Buy it here.

Interested in growing your business through influencer marketing? Connect with us by sending a message below! 

5 TikTok Features to Help Your Business Thrive

With approximately 1 billion active monthly users worldwide, TikTok is one of the most influential apps in the marketing world right now. In just a few short years the app has become a globally diverse ecosystem of culture and people looking to digest all types of entertaining content. While some people may look at TikTok and only see Gen Z dancing to choreographed routines or light comedy skits, many businesses are taking advantage of its wide range of audience to grow and promote their own company. 

As I'm sure any good business owner would tell you, success in any format doesn't come easily. It takes hard work and knowledge to figure out how to connect with customers and create something that they authentically want (and keep coming back for).

Here are 5 TikTok features to help your business thrive:

Filter your comments!

This TikTok feature can be accessed through the Settings and Privacy tab. Go to Privacy and click on Comments to add any beneficial filters. The menu brings up an option to enter keywords and phrases that you wish to be automatically blocked from your content. 

While feedback is important, we all know that the internet is full of trolls so this feature can be helpful for avoiding triggers or dangerous language. Another cool thing is that this feature has multiple language options besides English. A similar feature can filter commenters themselves. To go one step farther, the menu even has a Who Can Comment On My Videos tab that has the option to restrict comments on your content to friends or family.

You can Dislike videos!

A lot of people agree that the TikTok formula does an awesome job at figuring out what kinds of videos you enjoy and customizing your For You page, but did you know that you can take matters into your own hands?

To start, you can dislike any videos that appear on the app's For You page by holding your finger down on the video and selecting the option titled Not interested on the menu. Disliking a video tells the app that you don't want to see similar videos and can help customize your feed better to the content that you want to see. 

Another tool for further control is Restricted Mode, which helps to prevent your feed from recommending videos that might be risque or inappropriate. In order to activate this mode just tap your Profile at the bottom right and click on the three-line menu at the top right. This should bring up a menu where you can then click the Settings and privacy. From there go to Content preferences, tap Restricted Mode, and Turn on Restricted Mode. (Note that you will need to enter your passcode in order to enable this feature.)

Go Live!

TikTok LIVE is a feature that allows you to stream live broadcasts to your followers and others on the app who may be interested in your content. Live streaming tends to improve engagement rates and gives you the opportunity to engage with your followers on the platform in real-time. You can answer questions, read out your viewers' comments, and even play games together. This feature can help you to create a much stronger connection with your audience all while building a community.

Here are some features that can help to boost engagement during your next live stream:

You need Stitches!

Instead of there being a split-screen like the duet feature, Stitches play a few seconds of another creator's video (usually as a reference point) and allow you to connect your own video to it. Stitching is commonly used to respond to a video or add a follow-up to a thought or idea. 

For example, you might post a video on how to grow an audience on social media, and you find that another creator has a great video on talking about the same subject. With Stitches, you can take a short clip of that creator's video, add it to your own post and say This creator has made good points, and here are some things I want to add. Tell me your thoughts in the comments.

TikTok Stories

Similar to Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat, TikTok has jumped on the trend of allowing users to create ˜Stories.' TikTok Stories are great for sharing quick thoughts that you don't want to make a regular video for, or content you only want to last for a short period of time. 

A blue ring will also appear around your profile picture, indicating to your audience that they can tap to view your Stories. TikTok stories allow you to see who has viewed your stories and who has reacted and commented. 

To create a Story, click on the Post button at the bottom of the navigation bar and swipe to the Story option. From there you can either record a video on the spot or upload one from your camera roll. Similar to regular TikTok videos, you can edit your stories, then tap the Post to story to upload.

There is no doubt that TikTok is the app to be on. Whether you're building a brand or making a community, taking advantage of all the amazing features is going to help you get to where you strive to be. Check out these examples from five brands that are killing it on TikTok.

Looking for a way to help your business's TikTok thrive? Connect with us by sending a message below!

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.

5 Best Websites for Free Podcast Music

With the meteoric rise in podcast popularity, integrating music into your episodes is more important than ever. From Beethovan to Billie Elish, music is a transcendental method of communication. We hum the opening to Beethovan's 5th Symphony, radio jingles, and our favorite pop refrains. Check out these free music sites and give your podcast the recognizable theme song it deserves today. 

Pixabay

Pixabay is a well-known site for free and royalty-free images, videos, and music. They have a variety of search parameters to help narrow your search, including duration, mood, speed, and theme. You can search for songs labeled Intro / Outro, which gives you a smaller selection of songs specifically edited to be 0.5-1.25 minutes long. Their database contains a wide variety of songs, all licensed through Pixabay and free for modified commercial and non-commercial use. Artist attribution is appreciated, but not required. One feature that stands out is the option to donate directly to the artists. 

Incompetech

Incompetech offers free royalty-free songs for commercial use, attribution required. The free plan only allows you to download files as mp3's, which should be sufficient for most editors. Their site is visually simplistic, with the options to search by keyword, feels, tempo, genre, and duration. They provide the required attribution information, which you can copy and paste into your credit section and/or verbally announce. Incompetech offers extended licenses, which give you access to premium songs, a PDF license, and different file formats. 

Free Music Archive

Free Music Archive (FMA) is a collection of open licensed, free music. Their search parameters allow you to search by artist, duration, genre, type of license, or trending tracks. The trending tracks feature is a fun addition. Even if you don't use one of the trending songs, it's a great way to stay up-to-date with popular audio trends. Since songs are licensed through the artists and not the database as a whole, make sure you double-check the specifics for each song. Many require artist attribution and are free for commercial use with modification. A good choice for podcasting! Additionally, FMA partners with a Tribe of Noise PRO, which offers guaranteed royalty-free music for a per-song, tiered licensing fee. 

ccMixter

Similar to FMA, ccMixter is a collection of remixes and samples individually licensed under the Creative Commons license. The license and usage varies by song, so double check to make sure you pick one cleared for commercial use. Since many of the songs are remixes, many of the songs have very unique sounds. While ccMixter lacks the smooth search and sort functionality, taking the time to sort through their library is sure to uncover some hidden gems. 

Purple Planet

Last but not least is Purple Planet. Besides arguably having the coolest looking website among these top pics, the England-based team hosts a moderate collection of self-composed music. You can search by keyword and mood, or explore trending tracks. Their free tier gives you access to a 92kpbs MP3 download for limited use, including podcasts. As long as you credit them, all is cool. Purple Planet's Standard and Broadcast Licenses grant you access to more use flexibility and do not require attribution. They have a simple FAQ section and licensing chart to answer any further questions you may have. 

Remember, before you add random songs into your podcast, make sure you read up on the licensing specifics of the artist or database. Just because you can download a song doesn't mean you can use it commercially in a podcast. When in doubt, ask permission, or go custom-made. Ultimately, if you have room in your budget, the best option is hiring a quality sound designer to compose custom music for your podcast. 

Whether you go free or paid, securing theme music is another step towards sounding like a professional podcast. 

Are you ready to take your podcast to the next level? Reach out to us hello@thatrandomagency.com

Meet Toni, Our Newest Social Media Intern

Say "hi" to our second Social Media Intern, Toni! We asked her a few Q & A questions to get to know her...

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

My passion and interest in life is pursuing narratives in all forms. I chose Random because their curated randomness creates an amazingly dynamic creative environment in which I can explore new things while contributing to interesting client projects. 

Tell us three cool things about yourself.

I've been scuba diving in Australia, I've shot a bow and arrow (poorly), and my full name (first, middle, last) is longer than the English alphabet.

Favorite TV show?

Definitely Community. It's a self-aware show that continuously pushes its own artistic and conceptual limits, as well as those of the audience. Plus, what's not to love about Donald Glover and Danny Pudi?

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

My friend and I once made a pact that if we were to become wealthy, we would move to Massachusetts and run a cranberry bog. But if I'm not bogging it up, I would buy a boat and scuba dive in the most remote locations all around the world. 

What's in your refrigerator right now?

Pomegranate kombucha, green grapes, and bagels. All the major food groups.

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

My superpower would be to pick up and retain the skills for new editing/design/production software, without the hours of agonizing pain. 

What's your favorite childhood memory?

I don't remember my childhood very well, but I distinctly remember having one of the best naps of my life underneath a table. 

Name one thing you wish you could do better.

I wish I could parallel park. Any amount of improvement would be a major help. 

Which three things would you take to a desert island?

Just the essentials: a utility knife, a Life Straw, and an XL bag of black licorice. 

What is the last book you read?

The last book I read was The Mark of Athena by Rick Riorden because I'm on a major ˜revisit my childhood' kick right now. I think it reveals a lot to know that I was a hard-core Riorden fan growing up. 

What is your favorite account to follow on Instagram?

I find @pablitatheduck a constant source of sheer joy. She's a duck. I have nothing else to add. 

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