Video Is Where It's At 
I apologize for the delay with this newsletter.  I hope you all had a wonderful 4th and are enjoying the summer.   

You will see with the social media updates below, a majority of the platforms are shifting towards a focus on video.   Let's dig in.
Facebook Icon
The Facebook Wizards have been in a frenzy updating their platform. Here are the latest updates.

1.)  Take back control of your news feed.  Facebook is allowing users to choose what accounts (Friends and Pages) they want to see first in their news feed.  This update is currently for mobile devices only.

2.)  More reasons to use Facebook Video AND GET PAID!  Facebook wants marketers to use more video content to attract viewers, so that they can attract (and charge) advertisers.  Video content creators will make 55% of the ad revenue generated from video ads.   HootSuite does a fantastic job summarizing the latest video updates with this article

Another feature is floating videos,  a pop out video player, that will allow you to watch video and scroll your news feed at the same time. 

3.)    You no longer need Facebook to access the Messenger App .  Non-Facebook users can download the Messenger app and use their phone number to login.  Other features include sending payments to friends directly in the platform.  B2C companies listen up.  I suspect we will hear more very soon on how you can use this platform to sell your products & services.

Instagram
Instagram has two new updates focusing on Searching & Exploring new content.  

1.)  A new Explore Page shows real-time trending tags and places.  This makes it easy for viewers to be in the know with trending posts.

2.)  Improved search functionality with  Places and Top Search.  Users can scout out locations and search people, places and hashtags all in one view.

Google+ Icon
Google (not Google+) has been very busy making its platform more user-friendly. 

1.)   Google Play Music  offers free ad-supported music (For U.S. listeners).

2.)   Google News Lab is HUGE.   In this video, Google shows how it will blend the world of media and technology, to enable Journalists and propel the news industry together. 

3.)   Vertical Street View Collection - 3D video is coming to Google (and YouTube).  Here is the first ever Vertical Street View of  Yosemite Park's El Capitan Rock Climbing Wall.

EL Captian Vertical Street View Gif
YouTube Icon

YouTube is working very hard at making  video content creation easier for creators.  They are updating their tools and are sharing 10 features they are currently working on.
Meerkat logo
Meerkat, the newest live video streaming app has released three new features. 

1.)   Facebook Integration - you no longer need Twitter to sign into your Meerkat account.  You can use Facebook and other platforms to login.

2.)   Cameo Feature - allows users to hand over control to other viewers for 60 seconds at a time. 

3.)  The Meerkat WordPress Plugin allows the user to embed live stream content directly into their website or blog. 
New Feature: In Other News
JO Social Branding 2 Year Anniversary Post

Last week I celebrated my 2 year business anniversary (WooHoo!).  I commemorated the occasion by sharing valuable lessons I have learned in that time. 
Blog Series 4 Most Popular Questions #1

I am answering your m ost popular social media questions  in this new series on the JO Social Branding blog.  
{tap tap} Is This Thing On?
microphone

I hear you and now you can hear me!
  A client recently shared, " I love reading your blog, I just don't have the time to sit and read it."  Now you don't have to read the post, I will read it for you!  

With my last 4 posts, you can click on the audio file within the post, sit back and listen to my FREE social media advice.

New Feature: Article of the week

The Marketing Land Article shares how the Federal Trade Commission has updated its guidelines for endorsement requirements.  This is the first time in 5 years the Guidelines have been updated.  It is all about full disclosure with social media marketing.  If you pay someone (money or gift) to promote your business, they must disclose that relationship.  In other words:

Endorsement = Full Disclosure
Upcoming Speaking Events
Wednesday, July 22, 2015, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM 
Host Stoneham Chamber
StonehamBank Community Room, Stoneham MA 

$10 Chamber Member 
$15 Non Chamber Member

Thursday, July 23, 2015
Topsfield Fairground, Topsfield, MA 
Booth: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Speaking: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Topic: Social Media Marketing for Small Business Success
Conference Ticket Info

Wednesday, August 12, 2015, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM 
Host Stoneham Chamber
StonehamBank Community Room, Stoneham MA 
$10 Chamber Member 
$15 Non Chamber Member
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If you would like to see how I am celebrating the warmer weather, feel free to follow my Instagram accounts  @JeannineOneil and @AtHomeWithTheONeils.  
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