Blogging the News

I want to use social media as both a way to promote Just Off the 7 but also as a way to find potential blog post ideas. Although a significant following is more beneficial if your content gets shared, the chances of that happening are more unlikely. Because Just Off the 7 is a tourism blog, I will seek out niche sites that relate to my blog’s message. For example, tourism sites can help me create a calendar of events that I can then share with my audience. Also, by creating posts with a specific organization or individual in mind, I can better my chances of getting noticed.

The individuals, companies, organizations, societies, etc., that I want to reach through social media are:

1. The Queens Courier: Twitter – @queenscourier / Facebook – facebook.com/queenscourier

The QueensCourier is one of the largest, if not the largest, weekly news publication in Queens. It’s a great source for hyper local content and regularly covers news and events in Flushing. Both its Twitter and Facebook pages are regularly updated multiple times a day so if I reach out to them on social media, the chances of me getting a response for an interview or getting a retweet are more likely.

2. Queens Chronicle: Twitter – @QueensChronicle / Facebook – facebook.com/queenschronicle

This is in the same vein as The Queens Courier. Hyper local, regular updates on all social media, easily accessible both on the internet and if need be, I could meet its journalists for interview purposes.

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Social Media Plan

For my blog, The Ombré Oyster I intend to use social media to promote my posts as blog. But I also plan on using it as a way to network, connect with potential readers, check up on my competition and follow bloggers, journalists, publications and people that post about topics related to my blog. I would use twitter to tweet new blog posts every time I’ve written one and use hashtags to make the tweet easier to find. I would also tweet directly to users whom I feel would be interested in my posts. I would comment on other people’s tweets and their blogs as well to develop relationships with other bloggers.

Who? Where? Why?
1. BuzzFeed Style Section Twitter @BuzzFeedFashion Listicles and articles related to fashion & beauty.
2. New Beauty Magazine Twitter @NewBeauty A magazine that writes about beauty related news.
3. Total Beauty Twitter @TotalBeauty Beauty experts tweet about beauty industry news.
4. Dawn Spinner Davis Twitter @DawnSpinnerD Beauty editor for @Totalbeauty
5. Amber Joy Kallor Twitter @ajkbeaute Senior beauty editor for Style.com
6. Amber Katz Twitter @Glambr Beauty expert, freelance writer for @teenvogue @YahooBeauty & @Refinery29 (Beauty Magazines)
7. Yahoo Beauty Twitter @YahooBeauty Beauty section of Yahoo.com
8. Beauty Junkies Unite Twitter @beautyjunkies A beauty product blog
9. SunHee Grinnell Twitter @VFBeauty Beauty editor of Vanity Fair
10. InStyle Beauty Twitter @InStyle_Beauty Beauty section of InStyle.com
11. Simone Kitchens Twitter @simonekitchens Deputy Beauty Editor, Glamour Magazine
12. Cat Quinn Twitter @catquinn Beauty News Editor at @allure_magazine.
13. New York Times Style Twitter @NYTimesStyleMag New York Times style section
14. Maura Lynch Twitter @marurala Senior Beauty Editor at Lucky Magazine
15. The Cut Twitter @TheCut Beauty news blog

     All of the people that I plan to follow (listed above) are in some way related to the world of beauty news. They are editors, bloggers and publications. While researching whom I should follow I also found hundreds of people that are similar to those above. These people and publications are important to follow because these are the accounts that will post the most updated, recent news. It is also great for me to know the names of these people as they all work in the industry that I am blogging out. Everyone listed above is a potential source of a blog post.

I plan to use Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest to promote my blog. I would use Twitter as my main platform (See first paragraph for explanation) I would use the rest as supplements. I would use Instagram to post photos, the same photos that I post on my blog. I would also include links to the blog posts. Instagram has a larger body, which is great for hashtags. I would use way more hashtags on Instagram so that potential readers have an easy way of finding me. The hashtags would be related to my posts. I would use Pinterest in the same way, as a way to share photos from my blog and post links. I would also setup a Facebook fan page for my blog. Again, this is where I would post updates about my blog posts, and let my readers know that I uploaded a new blog post. LinkedIn is a little bit different. If I hypothetically planned on taking blogging seriously as a career, I would use LinkedIn to network with other bloggers, journalists, beauty editors, and writers. This would be a great way to build relationships with people that might potentially help me find a story or even collaborate with me on a blog post. I would use my blog name as the name of all of these accounts (Ex: @TheOmbreOyster on Instagram) except for LinkedIn. I would use my real name for that one.
Post #1 Original: Twenty-Something Beauty with Yoli Cotray
SEO: Nars Makeup Artist Beauty Tips and Tricks
Twitter/Creative: Nars Makeup Artist Yoli Cotray Reveals Beauty Secrets
Hashtags: #Beauty #Cosmetics #Nars #BeautySecrets
Post#2 Original: Tips and Tricks for Landing PR Internships
SEO: How To Get a Beauty PR Internship in NYC
Twitter/Creative: Get Your Foot in The PR World, Here’s How.
Hashtags: #PR #Internships #Interns #PublicRelations #BeautyPR
Post#3 Original: The Kozak Family Beauty Hacks
SEO: Beauty Tips from Poland
Twitter/Creative: Polish Women Reveal Beauty Ultimate Beauty Hacks
Hashtags: #BeautyTips #PolishBeauty #BeautyHacks #Beauty
Post#4 Original: Revlon releases “Ultra HD Lipsticks”
SEO: Review: Revlon Ultra HD Lipsticks
Twitter/Creative: Brand New from Revlon, High Definition Lips
Hashtags: #Revlon #RevlonUltraHD #Reviews #BeautyProducts

The use of social media can be crucial element to my blog when it comes to promotion and building readership. Social media will enable to me to get my blog out there, in essence it will provide the opportunity to present my blog in an array of aspects. With social media, I will now have the chance to increase the number of people in which visits my blog and read my posts. Social media can also be used as great tool for researching and sharing information.
Who will I reach?
1. Keith Olbermann, Sports and Political Writer
. Twitter: https://twitter.com/keitholbermann
. As a Sports and Politics writer, the work of Olbermann cannot only be used for information it is also comparable in topics
2. Chris Mortensen, reports for ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown
. Twitter: https://twitter.com/mortreport
. Chris Mortensen reports on one of the biggest weekly sports show, he will be able to provide inside information pertaining to the NFL
3. Darren Rovell, ESPN Sports Business Reporter
. Twitter: https://twitter.com/darrenrovell
. Rovell will be able provide information pertaining to the business aspects of sports (more…)

Social Media Strategy Plan

Intended use of social media:

Using social media in this generation has become the norm; with so many new smart phones and apps. It is often used to serve as a news outlet to the younger crowds, as well as promote. I could use social media as a way to reach readers and direct them back to my blog. Through social media I can post excerpts from pieces I have written, short video clips or photos that will catch the reader’s attention leaving them to want to see more. Each post will link back to the blog, and with an attractive blog persuade them to check out other material.

Who will I reach out to?

• NYU Commuter Student Council Facebook page
• @MTA
• @NYCTSubway

NYU Commuter Student Council helps commuter students adjust and feel like they belong. This will be good to link with because it will be relatable to the students. The transportation twitter handles are useful because as a commuter student, you rely heavily on buses and trains. Those will allow you to be updated on train or bus schedules making your ride to school easier.

Social media accounts:

To promote I would use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. On Facebook I would create a page for my friends and others to like. This would involve more in depth posts about the blog. Twitter would be used to grab the reader’s attention with catchy headlines. It would be short post that my followers could retweet to increase recognition of my blog. The hashtags would also add to the popularity of the tweet. Instagram is strictly visual. I would post pictures or video clips. The snippets would urge the reader to check-out the blog and see the full video. Lastly, Snapchat would be a really good one for my specific topic. Snapchat is live, and I can create a story that my followers can view as many times as they want in the 24hour time period. It would allow my viewers to follow the life of a commuter on their daily commute.

Tweets/Headlines:

Tweet 1: Need help balancing busy schedules and commuter blues? Check-out how this student handles her commuter blues. #nyc #commuter http://bit.ly/1te8dwy

Tweet 2: Hey commuter, break out that shell and join a club today! Here’s why http://bit.ly/1y3VMry #commuter #student #nyc #clubs

Tweet 3: Commuter congestion a problem? Maybe these stories can help you avoid it #mta #subway #commuter #congestion http://bit.ly/1vE2sPf

Tweet 4: Through the eyes of the commuter #nycsights #siferry #mta #trains #ladyliberty #commuter #nyc http://bit.ly/1xqqWXi

Intended Use Of Social Media:

My topic is underground boxing and even though a lot of things like locations are disclosed tp certain people by word of mouth, I think it’s still possible to promote the blog through social media. A way I would promote the blog would be through a twitter account. On that account I would either post a snippet of a video or a photo with a brief description which links to the blog for either the video or slideshows. The point of linking would be to get traffic to the site and have it possibly be retweeted to garner more readership.

Who Will I Reach?

BX Fight Club (@BXFightClub)– They are one of the underground leagues and with the content of their events I would provide, this could lead to connections from within and more views if they promote my projects on their page

Friday Night Throwdown (@FNTXNYC) – This is another league and New York City and the reason for connecting with them would be for similar reasons as the BX fight Club

“Rockstar Charlie”(@CharlieHimmelstein) – He is a popular fighter from FNT who I spoke with and if there is content on him he could possibly direct some of his 11,000 followers to my blog

“Killer Mike”– He is a boxer from BX fight club who I spoke with as well. His followers and fans can be interested in my content if they like him

“Caveman” – He is another popular fighter from FNT who I interviewed and because people who go to these events consistently or become new fans may like him, they may also be interested on a personal piece on him or some highlights. He could retweet a post and it could peak his followers interest

“Manny Pacquiao”(@ICan_IWill) – Although he is still a relatively new fighter from BX Fight Club, he fought his first time at FNT Nov21st, same as killer mike and most likely increased his popularity with his one sided victory. He probably doesn’t have a large fan base but it would better to be one of the first to really cover him and build popularity through one another.

“Staxx”(@Staxx_Juherd) – He is my main source of information. He lets me know where the fights are and what times and when they are taking place. He is pretty popular at Friday Night Throwdown since almost beating Rockstar Charlie. He would have no issue retweeting and posting links on his personal sites to promote my coverage of each event.

Rick (@RickyJims10) – He is one of the more known fighters at BX fight club with over 1000 followers on instagram. A possible interview with him and maybe some content involving him can reach those followers

“Violator” – He is another fighter at BX figh club who many people know, a main event attraction last event, even had 50 cent betting on him to win his fight. My strategy for Rick would be the same strategy I would use here

New York Times – I believe they had some journalist at the last event because FNT is becoming a popular underground scene and they obviously get a lot of traffic to their site. If they like something of mine and put it out there it could only help the blog.

Grantland (@Grantland33)– This is website that doubles as a sports site and pop culture blog. I think it’s a perfect fit because it isn’t as serious as ESPN but it still provides good content. Boxing is a sport but leagues like FNT also have a certain type of pop culture fan base who like to party. I think if Grantland would either retweet, or post a link to my content on their sire, it may be appealing to the type of readers they attract.

Golden Gloves NYC – My main reasoning for including GG is because Rockstar Charlie has fought there before though briefly. People who seen him fight there would be interested to see what he has been up to since.

My Social Media Accounts:

On twitter, I would write a brief description of the borough the event took place, and the fighters names, and include maybe a 30 second clip of a couple of things that happened during the event. There would also be a link to a full video or a slideshow. I would try to post short information on fighters or brief podcasts a couple days a week to fill out layoffs between full videos or slideshows. I would use instagram to post short 15 second clips of event coverage. I would post those frequently because they are short so possible every other day at different times during the day and night to make sure it’s seen by my followers. I would also tag the leagues and fighters involved which can possibly lead them to directing people to my content

Tweets and Headlines:

First Post: Young Harlem Fighter Looking To Take Underground By Storm #Harlem #Boxing #Underground #NYC http://bit.ly/1Fi04io

Second Post: El Barrio Gym is Closing But Training Resumes #ElBarrioGym #ElBarrio #SpanishHarlem #Harlem #Boxing #NYC #Underground #Training #Workout http://bit.ly/1xJZwQ6

Third Post: Yonkers Rapper Jadakiss Lends His Popularity to Start Up Boxing League #Jadakiss #Host #Bronx #BXFightClub #Yonkers #Rap #Boxing #Underground #NYC http://bit.ly/1tppnGN

Social Media Strategy Paper

I plan to use social media to drive traffic to my blog, to develop my brand, and communicate more effectively with my targeted audience. The evolution of social media has made it quicker and easier to connect to different people around the world. Using various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, I want to reach out to and possibly involve my readers to make my blog more known.

Who I Will Reach Out To:

I plan to reach out to individuals, companies, and organizations that are Asian-interest oriented or ones whose missions are similar to that of my blog. This includes local neighborhood organizations such as the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC), EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care, Asia Society, and Asian & Pacific islander Coalition on HIV/AIDS (APICHA). These organizations who are all active on Facebook tends to attract an older, first generation of Asians which can provide more contacts, information, and access to the Asian community. CPC in particular is one of the largest Chinese-based social services agencies with locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Reaching them as an audience would essentially allow me to reach a larger Asian population and build up my network for future interview, events, or admittance to celebrations.

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Renaissance On A Plate – Crystal Civil

In order to promote my blog and build readership, I will use a few social media platforms. Social media is one of the most effective ways to gain followers and connect to people. I believe the most useful platforms for my blog are ones that allow me to showcase visual content and allow me to write short blurbs that will lead readers back to my blog and inform them of my whereabouts.  I will use my social media accounts to stay connected to my readers and keep them up to speed on the latest news surrounding Harlem’s food scene.

Who I will reach:

I will follow individuals, companies and organizations that are closely related to my blog’s mission. Since I am focusing on the gentrification in Harlem through the food industry perspective, I will follow a handful of restaurants, bars, lounges, etc. I believe these small businesses will keep me informed on upcoming events, when a celebrity stops by, if they have community affairs, etc. The information these businesses post on their social media accounts will help me to generate new blog posts and connect to new people. Some of the twitter accounts of these small businesses include: @MelbasHarlem @SylviasSoulFood @AtTheWallace @GrangeBarHarlem @LaBodega47 @TheCecilHarlem @CornerSocialNY @HarlemShakeNYC

In addition to small businesses, I think it is also important for me to follow social media accounts created to promote other blogs and websites. The blogs and websites should focus on topics surrounding Harlem, including gentrification in Harlem, Harlem’s food scene or general news Harlem. If I establish a relationship with these website creators and bloggers, this will help me build my readership. If I re-tweet information posted by these other sites, they will most likely return the favor, which is a great exposure for my blog. Some of these blogs and websites include: @HarlemTrends (blog about “uptown culture, entertainment, restaurants and events”), @HarlemBespoke (a blog about “Harlem’s past and present from a designer’s point of view”), @WelcomeToHarlem (a website that promotes tourism in Harlem), and @HBANY (a website that supports Harlem’s small business).

A few additional social media accounts I will follow are people who can be considered “faces of Harlem.” Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson @MarcusSamuelsson, who owns two popular restaurants in Harlem, Red Rooster and Ginny’s Supper Club, would be great to follow because his restaurants are part of Harlem’s gentrified restaurant scene. Chef Marcus can also help my blog gain exposure because he has such a large following. Council woman Melissa Mark Viverito @MMViverito, who is also Council speaker, will also be a useful person to follow. She represents District 8, East Harlem and the Bronx, so she may be able to help me gain a better understanding of public issues, such as gentrification, surrounding the neighborhood.

The last social media accounts I think is important to follow is The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture @SchomburgCenter. This research unit’s twitter account may provide me with information related to Harlem’s, including historical and cultural content, and and will keep me informed on any events that may be held at the center.

My Accounts:

Twitter:  I would post every day at least twice day. I would tweet information related to my blog, re-tweet interesting bits on information from other accounts and post links to other sites that may be useful for my followers.

Facebook: I would post on Facebook once or twice, every other day. I think my posts would focus more on the content on my blog and on events that may be useful to my followers.

Instagram: I think my blog needs visual contents to keep my readers interested. I will post a minimum of twice or three times a week. My photos will include food businesses in Harlem, before and after pictures of certain revamped areas in Harlem, construction of new businesses, pictures of the food I eat, etc.

Writing tweets and headlines:

Post one: Who’s down for a hearty Italian American brunch this weekend? #harlem #trufarestaurant #cozybistro http://bit.ly/1uYiL69 (19 characters left)

Post two: The Grange Bar & Eatery re introduces the farm lifestyle to Hamilton Heights. #harlem #farmtotable #alexanderhamilton http://bit.ly/1y2Kioa (0 characters left)

Post three: Time to take it back to the old days in Harlem #harlem #shorthistorylesson #gentrification http://bit.ly/1zfIMhO (27 characters left)

Post four: Southern BBQ and strong signature margaritas, what more does El Barrio need? #Harlem #Harleys #elbarriomargaritas http://bit.ly/1FgKe5w (4 characters left)

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22- Bushwick Community Outreach and Adoption Event. Bushy Tails @ The Loom will be partnering with Bushwick Street Cats holding an adoption event and information seminar from 12-6pm where a raffle will be held. 100% of the proceeds will go toward animal rescue.
  Bushy Tails @ the Loom
  8 Porter Avenue
  Brooklyn, NY 11237
• SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23- North Shore Animal League will be hosting an adoption event at Petland Discounts from 12-5pm. All adopted animals will be receive one free veterinary exam and a free month of pet health insurance!
  Petland Discounts
  860 Manhattan Avenue
  Brooklyn, NY

IN THE NEWS:

• The annual Whiskers in Wonderland adoption event, organized by the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC Animals, provided furry friends with a home for the holidays. Around 200 cats, kittens, and rabbits, from participating organizations were adopted.
  [Time Warner Cable News 1]
• At the Humane Awards Luncheon on Thursday, November 13th, the ASPCA presented NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton with the Public Service Award for his efforts in combatting animal cruelty. Bratton is reponsible for the decision forcing the NYPD to preside over investigations of animal neglect and abuse, formerly a responsibility of the ASPCA.
  [Daily News]
• Fenwick Keats Real Estate, a New York based brokerage will be awarded a New York’s Kindest Award given by Animal Care & Control of NYC (AC&C) for its generous donations to the ASPCA and regularly held adoption events.
  [PR Newswire]
• Come dine at New York’s first permanent “cat cafe” beginning December 15th! The official cat club, Meow Parlour, will open at 46 Hester St., and around the corner will be a new Meow Parlour Patisserie, where the baked goods will be prepared. Enjoy some treats while surrounded by cats up for adoption.
  [AM New York]

UPCOMING EVENTS:
-Saturday, November 22- Bushwick Community Outreach and Adoption Event. Bushy Tails @ The Loom will be partnering with Bushwick Street Cats holding an adoption event and information seminar from 12-6pm where a raffle will be held. 100% of the proceeds will go toward animal rescue.
Bushy Tails @ the Loom
8 Porter Avenue
Brooklyn, NY, 11237

-Sunday, November 23- North Shore Animal League will be hosting an adoption event at Petland Discounts from 12-5pm. All adopted animals will be receive one free veterinary exam and a free month of pet health insurance!
Petland Discounts
860 Manhattan Avenue
Brooklyn NY

IN THE NEWS:
-The annual Whiskers in Wonderland adoption event organized by the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC Animals provided furry friends with a home for the holidays. Around 200 cats, kittens, and rabbits, from participating organizations were adopted.
[Time Warner Cable News 1]

-At the Humane Awards Luncheon on Thursday, November 13th, the ASPCA presented NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton with the Public Service Award for his efforts in combatting animal cruelty. Bratton is reponsible for the decision forcing the NYPD to preside over investigations of animal neglect and abuse, formerly a responsibility of the ASPCA.
[Daily News]

–Fenwick Keats Real Estate, a New York based brokerage will be awarded a New York’s Kindest Award given by Animal Care & Control of NYC (AC&C) for its generous donations to the ASPCA and regularly held adoption events.
[PR Newswire]

-Come dine at New York’s first permanent “cat cafe” beginning December 15th! The official cat club, Meow Parlour, will open at 46 Hester St., and around the corner will be a new Meow Parlour Patisserie, where the baked goods will be prepared. Enjoy some treats while surrounded by cats up for adoption.
[AM New York]

The Foo Fighters, Jhene Aiko, and Wale are all heading on the road for tours.Wale’s SIMPLE MOBILE Simply Nothing Tour was the first to hit the net this week.The D.C. rapper will be making 30 concert stops all over the continental U.S. From it’s title one can infer that the tour may focus on his upcoming release Album About Nothing as well as the mixtapes that precede it. Wale will kickoff the tour on New Year’s Day in Maryland and end on February 19th in Virginia. He’ll be hitting NYC on January 10th at Irving Plaza.

This week has also come with news about Jhene Aiko’s Enter The Void Tour. “The Pressure” has announced that TDE’s SZA and Odd Future affiliated The Internet will be joining her on tour. Aiko, SZA, and The Internet will be making 13 stops. This combination should make for a wavey tour. Their NYC stop will be on December 3rd at Best Buy Theater.

Coming off of the release of their latest album Sonic Highways  The Foo Fighters have announced a tour that will need a lot of those. The tour will span from the beginning of July to the beginning of October.  There NYC stop will be at Citi Field on July 16th.