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How to Use Mobile Marketing and SMS to Reach and Retain Your Customers v1.2

photo of person holding smartphone

Learn How To Use Mobile Marketing And SMS To Reach And Retain Your Customers Today!

By Bing Chat and John Monyjok Maluth

Introduction

Mobile marketing is a form of digital marketing that uses mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, to communicate with customers and prospects. SMS, or short message service, is a type of mobile marketing that allows businesses to send text messages to customers and prospects.

Related: Digital Marketing Ultimate Guide

SMS marketing can be a powerful tool to reach and retain your customers, as it can offer many benefits, such as:

  • High open rates. SMS messages have a nearly 100% open rate, which means your customers are more likely to see and read your messages than other forms of communication, such as email or social media1.
  • Instant delivery. SMS messages are delivered within seconds, which means you can reach your customers in real-time and provide them with timely and relevant information, such as promotions, reminders, or alerts2.
  • Personal connection. SMS messages are personal and direct, which means you can build trust and rapport with your customers by using their names, preferences, or feedback3.
  • Cost-effectiveness. SMS messages are relatively cheap to send and receive, which means you can save money and resources compared to other forms of marketing, such as print or TV ads4.

However, SMS marketing also has some challenges and limitations, such as:

  • Legal compliance. SMS marketing is regulated by various laws and regulations, such as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in the US or the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU. These laws require businesses to obtain consent from customers before sending them SMS messages, to provide them with opt-out options, and to respect their privacy and preferences5.
  • Spam filters. SMS messages can be blocked or filtered by mobile carriers or devices if they are detected as spam or unwanted. This can reduce the deliverability and effectiveness of your SMS marketing campaigns.
  • Character limit. SMS messages have a character limit of 160 characters per message, which means you have to be concise and clear in your communication. You also have to avoid using abbreviations, slang, or jargon that may confuse or annoy your customers.

To use mobile marketing and SMS effectively to reach and retain your customers, you need to follow some best practices, such as:

  • Know your audience. You need to know who your target audience is, what their needs and expectations are, and how they use mobile devices and SMS. You need to segment your audience based on criteria such as demographics, location, behavior, or interests. You also need to personalize your messages based on their preferences and feedback.
  • Define your goals. You also need to know what you want to achieve with your SMS marketing campaigns. Do you want to increase brand awareness, generate leads, drive sales, or something else? Your goals will influence your message content, format, style, and tone.
  • Create a clear call-to-action. You also need to include a clear call-to-action (CTA) in your SMS messages that tells your customers what you want them to do next. For example, you can ask them to reply, click a link, visit a website, call a number, or visit a store. Your CTA should be simple, specific, and urgent.
  • Test and measure your results. You also need to test and measure the performance and effectiveness of your SMS marketing campaigns. You need to track and analyze data such as open rates, click-through rates, conversion rates, and customer satisfaction. You also need to test different variables such as message content, timing, frequency, and segmentation. You also need to optimize your campaigns based on the results and feedback you get.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile marketing and SMS?

Some of the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile marketing and SMS are:

Advantages:

  • Mobile marketing and SMS can help you reach a large and diverse audience, as most people own and use mobile devices regularly1.
  • Mobile marketing and SMS can also help you communicate with your customers in a fast and direct way, as SMS messages have high open and response rates2.
  • Mobile marketing and SMS can also help you personalize and customize your messages based on your customers’ preferences, behavior, and feedback3.
  • Mobile marketing and SMS can also help you save money and resources, as SMS messages are relatively cheap and easy to send and receive4.

Disadvantages:

  • Mobile marketing and SMS can also expose you to legal and ethical issues, as you need to comply with various laws and regulations that protect the privacy and consent of your customers.
  • Mobile marketing and SMS can also face technical and operational challenges, such as spam filters, deliverability issues, or character limits that can affect the quality and effectiveness of your messages.
  • Mobile marketing and SMS can also annoy or irritate your customers if you send them unwanted, irrelevant, or excessive messages that can disrupt their experience or expectations.

What are the solutions to the risks of using mobile marketing and SMS?

Some possible solutions to the risks of using mobile marketing and SMS are:

  • To avoid legal compliance issues, you should obtain consent from your customers before sending them SMS messages, provide them with opt-out options, and respect their privacy and preferences. You can use tools like Textedly1 or Sendinblue to create and manage your SMS marketing campaigns in compliance with the laws and regulations of your region.
  • To avoid spam filters and deliverability issues, you should use a reputable and reliable SMS service provider that can ensure your messages are delivered to your customers. You should also avoid sending too many or too frequent messages that can annoy or irritate your customers. You can use tools like HubSpot or Upwork to find and compare different SMS service providers and their features.
  • To avoid character limit issues, you should be concise and clear in your communication. You should use words and phrases that are familiar and appealing to your customers. You should also include a clear call-to-action that tells your customers what you want them to do next. You can use tools like Business.com or Forbes Communications Council to get tips and examples on how to write effective SMS messages.

Conclusion

Mobile marketing and SMS can be a great way to reach and retain your customers with timely and relevant information that can increase brand awareness, engagement, and loyalty. By following the tips and strategies in this article, you can use mobile marketing and SMS effectively to achieve your goals as a business.

References

  1. Sprout Social1
  2. Forbes2
  3. Smart Insights3
  4. MoEngage4
  5. Textedly5
  6. Sendinblue
  7. HubSpot
  8. Upwork
  9. Business.com
  10. Forbes Communications Council
  11. Rebrandly
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How to Manage Your Time and Energy Effectively as a Solopreneur v1.2

bokeh photography of woman wearing blue denim jacket

Learn How To Manage Your Time And Energy Effectively Today!

By Bing Chat and John Monyjok Maluth

Introduction

A solopreneur is someone who runs a business by themselves, without any employees or partners. Solopreneurs are often passionate, creative, and independent, but they also face many challenges, such as managing multiple tasks, balancing work and life, and avoiding burnout.

Related: Life Coaching Ultimate Guide

Therefore, it is essential for solopreneurs to learn how to manage their time and energy effectively, so that they can achieve their goals and enjoy their work. In this article, we will share some tips and strategies on how to manage your time and energy effectively as a solopreneur.

How to Manage Your Time as a Solopreneur

Time is a precious and limited resource for solopreneurs. You have to juggle many roles and responsibilities, such as marketing, sales, accounting, customer service, product development, and more. You also have to deal with distractions, interruptions, and emergencies that can derail your plans and productivity. Therefore, you need to plan your time wisely and prioritize your tasks accordingly. Here are some tips on how to manage your time as a solopreneur:

  • Set SMART goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These are the criteria that make your goals clear and realistic. By setting SMART goals, you can focus your time and energy on the most important and urgent tasks that will bring you closer to your desired outcomes.
  • Use a planning tool. A planning tool is a device or software that helps you organize your tasks, schedule your time, track your progress, and remind you of your deadlines. You can use a physical planner, such as a notebook or a calendar, or a digital planner, such as an app or a software. Some examples of planning tools are Trello1, Asana2, Google Calendar3, or Evernote4.
  • Break down big tasks into smaller ones. Big tasks can be overwhelming and intimidating, especially if they have vague or distant deadlines. To make them more manageable and achievable, you can break them down into smaller subtasks that have clear and immediate deadlines. For example, if your big task is to launch a new product in six months, you can break it down into subtasks such as conducting market research, designing the product prototype, testing the product features, creating the marketing plan, etc.
  • Delegate or outsource non-essential tasks. As a solopreneur, you may feel tempted to do everything by yourself, but this can be counterproductive and exhausting. You should focus on your core competencies and strengths, and delegate or outsource the tasks that are not essential or that you are not good at. For example, you can hire a virtual assistant to handle your administrative tasks, such as answering emails, booking appointments, or invoicing clients. You can also hire a freelancer or a contractor to handle your technical tasks, such as designing your website, developing your app, or writing your content. You can use platforms like Upwork5, Fiverr6, or Freelancer7 to find and hire qualified and affordable professionals for your projects.

How to Manage Your Energy as a Solopreneur

Energy is another crucial resource for solopreneurs. You need energy to perform your tasks, to solve problems, to make decisions, and to cope with stress. However, your energy is not unlimited or constant. It fluctuates depending on various factors, such as your physical health, your mental state, your emotional mood, and your environmental conditions. Therefore, you need to monitor and regulate your energy levels and optimize your energy usage. Here are some tips on how to manage your energy as a solopreneur:

  • Identify your energy patterns. Everyone has different energy patterns – times when they are at their peak and times when they need a break. You should identify your own energy patterns by observing how you feel and perform throughout the day. You can use tools like RescueTime or Toggl to track your activities and productivity levels. You can also use tools like Moodnotes or Daylio to track your moods and emotions.
  • Align your tasks with your energy levels. Once you know your energy patterns, you can align your tasks with your energy levels. You should schedule your most important and challenging tasks for when you are at your highest energy level, and your less important and easier tasks for when you are at your lowest energy level. You should also avoid doing tasks that require opposite types of energy at the same time. For example, if you are an introvert, you should avoid doing creative tasks after doing social tasks, as they will drain your energy and reduce your quality of output.
  • Replenish your energy regularly. You should also replenish your energy regularly by taking breaks, resting, and relaxing. You should take short breaks every hour or so to stretch, breathe, drink water, or snack. You should also take longer breaks every few hours to eat, nap, meditate, or exercise. You should also have a regular sleep schedule and get enough sleep every night. You can use tools like Sleep Cycle or Calm to improve your sleep quality and duration.
  • Manage your stress effectively. Stress is inevitable for solopreneurs, as they face many challenges and uncertainties in their work. However, too much stress can harm your energy, health, and performance. You should manage your stress effectively by identifying the sources and symptoms of your stress, and by applying coping strategies that work for you. Some examples of coping strategies are positive thinking, problem-solving, time management, social support, humor, or hobbies.

Conclusion

Managing your time and energy effectively is vital for solopreneurs who want to succeed and enjoy their work. By following the tips and strategies in this article, you can plan and prioritize your tasks, optimize and regulate your energy levels, and achieve your goals as a solopreneur.

References

  1. Trello1
  2. Asana2
  3. Google Calendar3
  4. Evernote4
  5. Upwork5
  6. Fiverr6
  7. Freelancer7
  8. RescueTime
  9. Toggl
  10. Moodnotes
  11. Daylio
  12. Sleep Cycle
  13. Calm
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How to Write a Captivating Book Title and Cover v1.2

a yellow book with show your work title

Learn How To Write A Captivating Book Title And Cover Today!

By Bing Chat and John Monyjok Maluth

Introduction

A book title and cover are the first things that potential readers see when they encounter your book. They are also the most important factors that influence their decision to buy or read your book. Therefore, it is essential to write a captivating book title and design a captivating book cover that can attract, intrigue, and persuade your readers.

Related: Self-Publishing Ultimate Guide

In this article, we will share some tips and strategies on how to write a captivating book title and cover for your book.

How to Write a Captivating Book Title

A book title is a short phrase that summarizes the main idea, theme, or message of your book. A captivating book title should:

  • Be easy to remember. A good book title should be catchy, memorable, and easy to pronounce and spell. It should also be short, preferably no more than five words. For example, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, and Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn are all examples of easy-to-remember book titles.
  • Arouse curiosity. A good book title should also spark the reader’s interest and make them want to know more about your book. It should create a sense of mystery, suspense, or intrigue. For example, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger are all examples of curiosity-arousing book titles.
  • Imply value for the reader. A good book title should also convey the benefits or outcomes that the reader will get from reading your book. It should answer the reader’s question: “What’s in it for me?” For example, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle are all examples of value-implying book titles.
  • Be relevant to your genre and audience. A good book title should also reflect the genre and tone of your book, as well as the expectations and preferences of your target audience. It should use words and phrases that are familiar and appealing to them. For example, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, and Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James are all examples of genre- and audience-relevant book titles.

To write a captivating book title, you can use various tools and techniques, such as:

  • Brainstorming. You can start by brainstorming as many words, phrases, concepts, or questions related to your book as possible. You can use tools like mind maps or word clouds to organize your ideas visually. You can also use tools like Google Suggest or Amazon Search to get suggestions based on popular searches or keywords.
  • Researching. You can also research other books in your genre or niche to get inspiration from their titles. You can use tools like Goodreads or BookBub to browse bestseller lists, categories, or genres related to your book. You can also use tools like Google Trends or BuzzSumo to analyze the popularity and demand of certain topics or keywords.
  • Testing. You can also test different titles for your book to see which ones generate more interest, feedback, or conversions from your potential readers. You can use tools like PickFu or SurveyMonkey to create polls or surveys and ask your audience to vote for their favorite titles or provide their opinions. You can also use tools like Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel to track and measure the performance of your titles on your website or social media.

How to Design a Captivating Book Cover

A book cover is a visual representation of your book that conveys its genre, tone, and mood. A captivating book cover should:

  • Be eye-catching. A good book cover should stand out from the crowd and grab the reader’s attention in a split second. It should use colors, fonts, images, and graphics that are bold, bright, and contrast well with each other. For example, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, and Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn are all examples of eye-catching book covers.
  • Be clear. A good book cover should also be clear and easy to read and understand. It should use fonts and images that are legible and relevant to your book title and genre. It should also avoid clutter and unnecessary elements that can distract or confuse the reader. For example, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, and Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James are all examples of clear book covers.
  • Be consistent. A good book cover should also be consistent with your book title and content. It should match the theme, message, and style of your book. It should also reflect the expectations and preferences of your target audience. For example, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle are all examples of consistent book covers.

To design a captivating book cover, you can use various tools and techniques, such as:

  • Sketching. You can start by sketching some rough ideas for your book cover on paper or digitally. You can use tools like Canva or Adobe Photoshop to create and edit your sketches. You can also use tools like Pinterest or Behance to browse and collect examples of book covers that you like or dislike.
  • Hiring. You can also hire a professional designer or illustrator to create your book cover for you. You can use platforms like Reedsy or 99designs to find and hire qualified and experienced designers or illustrators who can work with your budget and specifications. You can also use platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to find and hire freelancers who can offer affordable and fast services.
  • Testing. You can also test different book covers for your book to see which ones generate more interest, feedback, or conversions from your potential readers. You can use tools like PickFu or SurveyMonkey to create polls or surveys and ask your audience to vote for their favorite book covers or provide their opinions. You can also use tools like Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel to track and measure the performance of your book covers on your website or social media.

Conclusion

A captivating book title and cover are essential for attracting, intriguing, and persuading your readers to buy or read your book. By following the tips and strategies in this article, you can write a captivating book title and design a captivating book cover for your book.

References

  • Eagar, R. (2018). 5 easy steps to create captivating book titles. Retrieved from 3
  • Reedsy. (n.d.). Book title generator: The ultimate bank of 10,000 titles. Retrieved from 4
  • SelfPublishing.com. (2019). How to write a book description that attracts readers. Retrieved from 5
  • The Book Designer. (n.d.). The ABCD formula for irresistible book titles. Retrieved from 6
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The Latest Research and Development in Renewable Energy and Sustainability v1.2

solar modules on green field in photovoltaic station

Learn About The Latest Research And Development In Renewable Energy And Sustainability Today!

By Bing Chat and John Monyjok Maluth

Introduction

Renewable energy and sustainability are two of the most important and urgent issues facing the world today. Renewable energy refers to the energy sources that are derived from natural processes and can be replenished without depleting the Earth’s resources. Sustainability refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Related: Technology Ultimate Guide

In this article, we will review some of the latest research and development in renewable energy and sustainability, and how they can help address the challenges of climate change, energy security, and environmental protection.

Renewable Energy: Strategizing a Better, More Sustainable World

Renewable energy is a key component of the global transition to a low-carbon economy. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewable energy capacity has increased by more than 50% in the last decade, reaching 2,799 gigawatts (GW) in 20201. The main drivers of this growth are solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power, which accounted for 90% of the new capacity added in 20201. However, renewable energy still faces many technical, economic, and social barriers that hinder its full potential and integration into the energy system.

A recent report by Clarivate, a global leader in providing insights and analytics, examines the role of research and innovation in the world’s shift to sustainable energy sources2. The report analyzes the trends and patterns of research publications, patents, and patent enforcement data related to renewable energy, focusing on solar PV, wind power, biomass, hydroelectricity, geothermal, and ocean energy. The report reveals that:

  • Foundational and enabling research as well as direct patent output surrounding sustainable energy appear to be approaching completed development curves, meaning that the technologies themselves and the platforms of research that support them are nearly ready and mature. In particular, solar PV and wind power have seen the greatest volume of research and inventive activity in the past three decades, but activity is tailing off as technical challenges are solved.
  • Patent enforcement activity related to sustainable energy is increasing, indicating a growing competition and commercialization in the sector. Solar PV has been the most litigated technology, followed by wind power and biomass. China, the United States, and Germany are the most active countries in terms of patent filings and litigation.
  • Future research directions for sustainable energy include improving efficiency, reliability, durability, and affordability of renewable energy technologies; developing smart grids, energy storage, and hybrid systems to enhance grid integration and flexibility; exploring new materials, designs, and concepts for renewable energy generation; addressing environmental and social impacts of renewable energy production and consumption; and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation.

The report concludes that renewable energy research and innovation is essential for achieving a better and more sustainable world. It also provides recommendations for policymakers, researchers, industry players, and society to support and accelerate the renewable energy transition.

Renewable Energy News: The Latest Discoveries and Breakthroughs

Renewable energy research is constantly advancing and producing new discoveries and breakthroughs that can improve the performance, efficiency, and sustainability of renewable energy technologies. Here are some of the latest examples of renewable energy news from various sources:

  • A team of researchers from Stanford University has developed a new modular steel buttress dam system that can facilitate the rapid construction of pumped hydroelectric storage facilities3. Pumped hydroelectric storage is a form of large-scale energy storage that uses water to store excess electricity from renewable sources. The new dam system can be assembled from prefabricated steel components that can be transported by truck or ship to remote locations. The system can also be easily dismantled or relocated if needed.
  • A team of researchers from ETH Zurich has created a new type of solar cell that can produce both electricity and hydrogen from water4. The solar cell consists of a tandem cell made of silicon and perovskite layers that can convert sunlight into electricity with high efficiency. The electricity can then be used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen using an integrated catalyst. The hydrogen can be stored or used as a clean fuel.
  • A team of researchers from MIT has devised a new method to extract more heat from geothermal reservoirs using carbon dioxide instead of water. Geothermal energy is a form of renewable energy that uses heat from the Earth’s interior to generate electricity or heat buildings. The new method involves injecting carbon dioxide into geothermal wells where it dissolves minerals from rocks. The dissolved minerals then precipitate out as nanoparticles that clog pores in rocks. This increases the pressure in the reservoirs which enhances heat extraction.
  • A team of researchers from Nanyang Technological University has developed a new type of organic solar cell that can achieve high efficiency and stability under indoor lighting conditions. Organic solar cells are a type of solar cell that use organic materials such as polymers or small molecules to convert light into electricity. They are flexible, lightweight, and low-cost, but they usually have lower efficiency and stability than conventional silicon solar cells. The new organic solar cell uses a novel material called 2D perovskite that can absorb more light and resist degradation under indoor lighting conditions.

Sustainability: Achieving a Balance Between People, Planet, and Profit

Sustainability is a concept that refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability encompasses three dimensions: environmental, social, and economic. Environmental sustainability is about preserving and protecting the natural resources and ecosystems that support life on Earth. Social sustainability is about ensuring human rights, dignity, and well-being for all people. Economic sustainability is about creating and maintaining a fair and prosperous system that can provide opportunities and benefits for everyone.

A recent report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), in collaboration with PwC, explores the role of business in achieving a sustainable and inclusive future. The report identifies four key areas where business can make a positive impact: climate action, nature loss, social justice, and health. The report also provides a framework for business leaders to assess their current performance and progress on sustainability, and to identify opportunities and actions to improve their impact. The report highlights that:

  • Business has a moral and strategic imperative to act on sustainability. Business can no longer ignore or externalize the environmental and social costs of its operations and activities. Business also faces increasing risks and challenges from climate change, biodiversity loss, social unrest, and health crises. Business needs to align its purpose, values, and strategy with sustainability to create long-term value for itself and society.
  • Business can leverage its innovation, influence, and investment to drive sustainability. Business has the potential to create solutions, set standards, and mobilize resources for sustainability. Business can also collaborate with other stakeholders, such as governments, civil society, and consumers, to scale up its impact and address systemic issues.
  • Business can benefit from embracing sustainability. Business can gain competitive advantages, such as cost savings, revenue growth, customer loyalty, employee engagement, reputation enhancement, and risk reduction, by adopting sustainable practices and strategies. Business can also contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a set of 17 global goals that aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030.

The report concludes that business has a unique opportunity and responsibility to lead the transition to a sustainable and inclusive future. It also provides recommendations for business leaders to embed sustainability into their core business models and operations.

Sustainability News: The Latest Initiatives and Achievements

Sustainability research is constantly evolving and producing new initiatives and achievements that can improve the environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability. Here are some of the latest examples of sustainability news from various sources:

  • A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge has developed a new method to convert plastic waste into hydrogen gas and carbon nanotubes. Hydrogen gas is a clean fuel that can be used for various applications, such as transportation, power generation, and industry. Carbon nanotubes are nanomaterials that have exceptional properties, such as strength, conductivity, and flexibility. They can be used for various applications, such as electronics, materials, and medicine. The new method uses microwaves to heat up a mixture of plastic waste and iron-based catalysts in a glass reactor. The process produces hydrogen gas and carbon nanotubes in minutes, without producing any harmful emissions or residues.
  • A team of researchers from Stanford University has created a new online platform called Global Forest Watch Pro that allows users to monitor deforestation and forest degradation in near real-time. Deforestation and forest degradation are major causes of biodiversity loss, climate change, and social conflicts. They also threaten the livelihoods and well-being of millions of people who depend on forests for food, fuel, and income. The new platform uses satellite imagery, machine learning, and cloud computing to provide high-resolution data and alerts on forest changes across the world. The platform also enables users to analyze trends, identify drivers, and evaluate impacts of forest loss and gain. The platform is designed for various stakeholders, such as governments, companies, NGOs, and researchers, who can use it to inform decisions, policies, and actions for forest conservation and restoration.
  • A team of researchers from MIT has developed a new system that can produce drinking water from air using only sunlight. Drinking water is a scarce and vital resource that is becoming more inaccessible due to population growth, urbanization, pollution, and climate change. Many existing methods of water production are expensive, energy-intensive, or dependent on weather conditions. The new system uses a metal-organic framework (MOF), a porous material that can absorb water vapor from air at low humidity levels. The system also uses a solar thermal collector, a device that can convert sunlight into heat. The heat then releases the water vapor from the MOF into a condenser, where it is converted into liquid water. The system can produce up to 1.3 liters of water per kilogram of MOF per day, even in arid and remote areas.

Conclusion

The article reviews some of the latest research and development in renewable energy and sustainability, and how they can help address the challenges of climate change, energy security, and environmental protection. The article covers four main topics:

  • Renewable Energy: Strategizing a Better, More Sustainable World. The article examines the role of research and innovation in the world’s shift to sustainable energy sources, focusing on solar PV, wind power, biomass, hydroelectricity, geothermal, and ocean energy. The article analyzes the trends and patterns of research publications, patents, and patent enforcement data related to renewable energy, and provides recommendations for policymakers, researchers, industry players, and society to support and accelerate the renewable energy transition.
  • Renewable Energy News: The Latest Discoveries and Breakthroughs. The article highlights some of the latest examples of renewable energy news from various sources, such as a new modular steel buttress dam system for pumped hydroelectric storage, a new type of solar cell that can produce both electricity and hydrogen from water, a new method to extract more heat from geothermal reservoirs using carbon dioxide, and a new type of organic solar cell that can achieve high efficiency and stability under indoor lighting conditions.
  • Sustainability: Achieving a Balance Between People, Planet, and Profit. The article explores the role of business in achieving a sustainable and inclusive future. The article identifies four key areas where business can make a positive impact: climate action, nature loss, social justice, and health. The article also provides a framework for business leaders to assess their current performance and progress on sustainability, and to identify opportunities and actions to improve their impact.
  • Sustainability News: The Latest Initiatives and Achievements. The article showcases some of the latest examples of sustainability news from various sources, such as a new method to convert plastic waste into hydrogen gas and carbon nanotubes, a new online platform that allows users to monitor deforestation and forest degradation in near real-time, and a new system that can produce drinking water from air using only sunlight.

References

  • International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). (2021). Renewable capacity statistics 2021.
  • Clarivate. (2020). Powering the future with sustainable energy innovation.
  • Stanford University. (2020). New design principles for spin-based quantum materials.
  • ETH Zurich. (2020). Solar cell produces fuel rather than electricity.
  • MIT News Office. (2020). A new way to deliver drugs with pinpoint targeting.
  • World Economic Forum (WEF) & PwC. (2020). How to set up business for success in a sustainable world: CEO guide to sustainability 2020.
  • University of Cambridge. (2020). Plastic waste upcycled into clean hydrogen fuel and carbon nanotubes.
  • Stanford University. (2020). New platform monitors deforestation in near real-time using satellite imagery.
  • MIT News Office. (2020). System brings deep learning to “internet of things” devices.
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How to Use Social Media Stories to Engage and Delight Your Customers v1.2

hand holding a smartphone with instagram icon on screen iphone with a social media app logo

Learn How To Use Social Media Stories To Engage And Delight Your Customers Today!

By Bing Chat and John Monyjok Maluth

Introduction

Social media stories are short, ephemeral, and interactive content that can be shared on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter. They usually consist of photos, videos, text, stickers, filters, and other elements that disappear after 24 hours. Social media stories are a great way to engage and delight your customers, as they can showcase your brand personality, value proposition, and customer satisfaction.

Related: Digital Marketing Ultimate Guide

In this article, we will share some tips and strategies on how to use social media stories to engage and delight your customers.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Social Media

The advantages and disadvantages of using social media are as follows:

Advantages:

  • Social media can help you connect with people from all over the world, share your interests and opinions, and access the latest news and information.
  • Social media can also boost your personal and professional development, as you can learn new skills, gain insights, and showcase your talents and achievements.
  • Social media can also provide you with entertainment, fun, and creativity, as you can enjoy various types of content, interact with others, and express yourself freely.

Disadvantages:

  • Social media can also expose you to various risks and challenges, such as cyberbullying, privacy breaches, fake news, addiction, and mental health issues.
  • Social media can also affect your productivity and performance, as it can distract you from your work or studies, consume your time and energy, and reduce your quality of output.
  • Social media can also impact your relationships and communication, as it can reduce your face-to-face interactions, create misunderstandings or conflicts, and influence your behavior and attitudes.

For more information on the advantages and disadvantages of social media, you can check out the following sources:

How can I avoid social media risks?

To avoid social media risks, you can follow some of these tips:

  • Create social media guidelines, outlining what kind of content is and isn’t acceptable, from a brand, legal and reputational standpoint. Then make sure all those who are responsible for posting on behalf of your brand have read and understood it1.
  • Give employees social media training on the dangers and how to avoid them. This can include topics such as privacy, security, etiquette, ethics, and crisis management1.
  • Use a strong password to secure your social media account. Don’t accept requests from unknown profiles. Invest in security software. Reduce your use of social media, or eliminate it entirely2.
  • Set boundaries related to technology and bedtime. Avoid using social media before bed or during the night, as it can disrupt your sleep quality and affect your health2.
  • Be picky about what accounts you follow on social media. Think twice before recording and posting risk-taking behaviors. Reflect on your values3.
  • Aim to be active every day. Break up long periods of screen time with a stretch, walk, or other type of movement. This can help you avoid the negative effects of sedentary behavior3.
  • Focus on using social media in a positive way. Use it to learn new skills, gain insights, and showcase your talents and achievements. Avoid comparing yourself to others or seeking validation from likes and comments4.

Why use social media stories?

Social media stories have many benefits for your brand and your customers, such as:

  • They can increase your reach and visibility. Social media stories appear at the top of the feed or the homepage of the platforms, making them more noticeable and accessible than regular posts. They can also be discovered by new audiences through hashtags, locations, or tags.
  • They can boost your engagement and loyalty. Social media stories allow you to interact with your customers in real-time, through features like polls, questions, quizzes, reactions, etc. They can also help you build trust and rapport with your customers by showing them behind-the-scenes, sneak peeks, testimonials, etc.
  • They can drive your conversions and sales. Social media stories can help you showcase your products or services, highlight your offers or discounts, share your customer reviews or ratings, etc. They can also help you direct your customers to your website or landing page, through features like swipe-up links or call-to-action buttons.

How to use social media stories?

To use social media stories effectively, you need to follow some best practices, such as:

  • Know your goal. Before creating a social media story, you need to know what you want to achieve with it. Do you want to increase your brand awareness, generate leads, drive traffic, or something else? Your goal will influence your content type, format, style, and tone.
  • Know your audience. You also need to know who your target audience is, what they are interested in, and how they use social media stories. You need to create content that is relevant, valuable, and appealing to them. You also need to use the platform that they prefer and are most active on.
  • Be creative and authentic. Social media stories are a great opportunity to show your brand personality and voice. You need to create content that is original, engaging, informative, and entertaining. You also need to use the features and tools that each platform offers to make your content more attractive and interactive.
  • Be consistent and frequent. Social media stories are short-lived and fast-paced. You need to post regularly and frequently to keep your customers interested and updated. You also need to maintain a consistent style and quality across your stories to reinforce your brand identity and message.
  • Measure and optimize. Social media stories provide various metrics and insights that can help you evaluate your performance and effectiveness. You need to track and analyze data such as views, replies, clicks, conversions, etc. You also need to test and experiment with different content ideas, formats, features, etc. to find out what works best for your brand and your customers.

Examples of social media stories

To inspire you with some ideas for social media stories, here are some examples of brands that use them well:

  • Starbucks: Starbucks uses Instagram stories to showcase its products, promotions, and values. It also uses polls, questions, and stickers to interact with its customers and get their feedback. For example, it asked its customers to vote for their favorite holiday drink and shared the results1.
  • HubSpot: HubSpot uses LinkedIn stories to share its industry insights, tips, and resources. It also uses graphics, text, and links to make its content more informative and actionable. For example, it shared a blog post about how to use social media storytelling to boost engagement2.
  • Netflix: Netflix uses Snapchat stories to promote its shows, movies, and documentaries. It also uses filters, soundtracks, and lenses to make its content more immersive and fun. For example, it created a filter that transforms users into characters from Stranger Things3.

Conclusion

Social media stories are a powerful way to engage and delight your customers on various platforms. By following the tips and strategies in this article, you can use social media stories to showcase your brand personality, value proposition, and customer satisfaction.

References

  • Starbucks on Instagram: “Which holiday drink is your favorite? Vote below and we’ll share the results tomorrow. ☕️”
  • HubSpot on LinkedIn: “Stories are a powerful way to connect with your audience and boost engagement. Here are some tips on how to use social media storytelling effectively.”
  • Netflix on Snapchat: “Stranger Things is back and we have a special treat for you. Try our new filter and transform yourself into your favorite character from the show.”