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Features to Increase Your Social Media Presence

In recent years, many social media influencers and online personalities have focused on well-known platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to make their presence known. Unfortunately, many have not embraced the wonders of Infographic to help boost their social media presence.

THE BASICS

“What is an Infographic?” you ask, well, as the name implies, it’s a graphic/image that conveys information in an eye-catching and easy-to-understand way. Infographics can be used to liven up weather reports, simplify complex ideas like rocket science, or provide fun visuals for lifestyles like vegetarianism. (see Fig. 1).

WHERE CAN I FIND INFOGRAPHICS?

You can actually make Infographics using almost any kind of image/graphic program or app; however, if you are serious about them and want to make some high-quality infographics, then you can’t do better than using Canva. It is free to use (with limited features) and allows you to create stunning infographics in a very user-friendly environment.

WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF INFOGRAPHICS?

In Canva, like in many infographic programs, you can find numerous features to help you put together an amazing image, slide or document of any kind. In Fig.2 above, you can see some of the major features on the left-hand side of the screen.

You can choose from a number of templates to set the theme or backdrop of your document (many of these are free; however, if you want more options, you can sign up for Canva Pro).

After you’ve chosen your template, you can add in elements including basic shapes, real-life photos, informative tables/charts, or stylized graphics (like emojis). These elements can be sized and coloured any which way you want to create a well-thought out cohesive theme.

Along with elements, you can add text (headings, subheadings, and blurbs) to explain what your elements represent. Text can be bright and flashy, or calm and subdued; either way, you’ll want to make sure it is easy for viewers to read.

Drawing is another major feature of Canva. If you can’t find a graphic you want, then you can make your own by adding your artistic flair.

When all is said and done, you can use the upload feature to drag and drop audio and video to really spice up your infographic, and connect to your accounts like Facebook or Instagram.

These major features of Canva infographics are summarized in my own infographic (Fig.3).

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INFOGRAPHICS?

Infographics are beneficial to all users who want to connect to their audience. They allow university professors to squeeze complex ideas into concise images for the benefit of their students. They can be used by office workers to convey complex ideas to executives who may not be familiar with the specifics of a product or concept.

For online users, infographics are a great way to tell stories, promote products, and connect with audiences. Combining your social media platforms with infographics will help to increase not only overall engagement (through likes/shares), it will drive more traffic to your platforms, and increase general awareness of your brand.

How? Infographics are visual, and as you are well aware, images are worth a thousand words. In fact, many articles have shown, including Fig. 4 below, that humans process visuals, like infographics, thousands of times faster than words.

Use the visually inclined nature of your audience to your advantage, employ the eye-popping features of infographics on your next social media post. Doing so will increase all facets of your online presence and eventually improve your search engine optimization (SEO) so more and more people will flock to your platforms.

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Check out my other blog posts to learn more about infographics and other practices to improve your social media game.

Follow the foundational steps of the Hero’s Journey, which guide the hero’s evolution from a mundane existence to a more enlightened and empowered state.

This narrative structure resonates with audiences because it reflects the universal human experience of facing challenges, seeking growth, and finding the courage to embark on transformative journeys.

I’m a January baby, which frankly sucks. There’s not much to celebrate about that first month: it’s cold, it’s dark, and the post-Christmas crash has everyone feeling fat, dejected, and broke. The third Monday in January has even been called the most depressing day of the year; my birthday falls on January 19th. Not the best omen.

Despite that, I always managed to find something nice to do on the day, whether it was go out for dinner or have a games night with a few friends. But 10 years ago, I discovered the absolute best way to counter the mid-winter blues: host a murder mystery party.

HOW IT BEGAN

Just after New Year’s 2013, while I was Googling party game ideas to lift my spirits, I came across a company that offered downloadable murder mysteries. I’d done a couple of those boxed sets way back in high school, but this one intrigued me because the murder happened during the party. Not knowing which one of my friends would drop dead added to the suspense and excitement, so I decided to give it a try.

The mystery came with character descriptions, three rounds of clues, decorating tips, and even food ideas. I was careful not to read anything that would give away the plot, since I wanted to play along as one of the characters.

My husband was initially reluctant to wear a costume and act out a part—but fortified with beer, even he had a great time.

It was such a success that it became an annual tradition. I now spend the better part of the year checking out themes and thinking of new ways to transform my living room.

CHOOSING A THEME

For that first party, I went with a superhero theme because a) I figured it would help overcome male reluctance, and b) we had the right number of characters.

My circle of friends skews female, so it can be tricky to fill the male roles. I don’t worry about it anymore, though, because our group has gotten so comfortable with these parties that some of the women are happy to play a male character. That gives me a lot more leeway when choosing a mystery.

Since that superhero party in 2013, we’ve done a wide variety of themes:

• Fairy tale
• Old West saloon
• Pirates
• 1920s gangsters
• Ancient Rome
• Steampunk time travel
• Trailer park
• 1980s prom
• Medieval
• Vegas

I’m partial to the ones from totally different time periods, but we’ve done so many that I’ve had to branch out.

DECOR

Decorating is one of my favourite parts. I love creating as immersive an environment as possible.

In the early years I simply worked around what I had in the living room.

But things got more elaborate as time went on. The first big adventure was putting actual saloon doors on our kitchen for our Old West party. People would wander into the kitchen for no real reason just so they could go through those doors. When we took it down I had to patch and paint a few holes where we’d anchored it to the wall, but it was totally worth it.

The next year, we moved the furniture out and built a pirate ship.

Then I discovered what a difference those plastic scene setter rolls can make.

COSTUMES

Some of my more creative friends put together outfits sourced from different thrift stores. Others (including me) prefer to rent from the one year-round costume store in town. I call it my happy place; they know me so well I don’t even have to give my name when I walk in.

One thing I have definitely noticed: the more all-out I go with the decor, the more people are inspired to take it up a notch when it comes to costumes.

FOOD

The theming carries over into the food. All the mysteries I’ve used are built around having dinner, so we do a buffet that reflects the story or time period.

Sometimes the choices are obvious: the ancient Rome party featured wine, cheese, grapes, and bread with olive oil. And sometimes things are a little more abstract, like the dice cheese ball and crackers in rows like poker chips for the Vegas party.

THE TRADITION CONTINUES

I keep saying that we’re running out of themes, but somehow I always find a new one that intrigues me. Up next: murder at a luau!

Want to host your own murder mystery party? Have a look at this infographic for some key tips.

Enjoying the English Countryside on a Budget

When you think of the UK, one of the first scenes that likely pops into your mind is the wonderful rolling hills of jolly old England. The patchwork of crops and greenery are such a part of the British identity that they have been featured on billboards, biscuit tins, and even in ads to sell war bonds during World War II.

One of the most beautiful places for such scenery is an area known as the Cotswold – a region of England set about 2 hours SW by train from the hustle and bustle of London. Famous for its traditional thatch-roofed stone houses and quaint little towns, the Cotswold exemplifies all that is beautiful in rural England.

The best way to experience this magical place is by walking it, and the best trail to walk it is the Cotswold Way, a national trail that stretches from the charming town of Chipping Campden to the former Roman City of Bath.

Check out the video below from the good people at Walker Creative to get a great overview of the Way.

Discover England’s Great Walking Trails – The Cotswold Way – YouTube

Looks amazing doesn’t it?

If you are into walking, then there is no better way to do such a trip then in the UK. However, as most people know, England can be an expensive place, especially when everything is in British Pounds. But, never fear, after having down such a trip myself, I wanted to give you some helpful tips on how you can enjoy the Cotswold Way without hurting your pocketbook too much.

Many of these tips are not specific to the Cotswold Way, and can in fact be used for other trips, especially international ones.

Below, I’ve broken up the tips into the 3 main phases of any travel: Before, During, and After.

BEFORE you go on your trip, it’s a good idea to plan things out, especially if you want to save money.

Planning the best time to is important. For my Cotswold trip, I chose a time when no major festivals or events were going on, that way things are less likely to be booked up and are often cheaper.

Once I planned out my UK trip, I searched numerous airlines, flight paths, and times to optimize the best time to go. It takes time, but it’s worth it.

From there, I thought about what I absolutely needed to pack, especially considering this would be a walking trip. I not only wanted to save money and time by not having to check in a bag, but knew I would literally carrying everything I needed on my back. The less I had to carry, the easier it would be physically. If my back was too heavy, then I would be forced to pay for an expensive service to have my bag carried forward by a company and walk without it.

DURING my trip to the Cotswold, I knew I had to save money wherever I could. One of the best ways to do this, was to buy food on the cheap. No site was more fortuitous then a bright red Tesco sign. For those not in the know, Tesco is the major grocery store brands (basically the Walmart of the UK).

Here you could get a great lunch deal – a sandwich, plus a drink, and a snack for only a few pounds. It wasn’t the best quality mind you, but it filled you up and ensured you weren’t paying an arm and a leg like at a sit-down restaurant.

Another great way to save money during a trip is to stay at reasonably priced accommodations. One of the best options for this in the UK is by staying at a pub. Many rural pubs, like in the Cotswold, would have rooms you can book and are nicely priced. Nothing fancy, but you had a place to lay your head, and you could also eat relatively cheap at the pub as well. Try not to drink too much though, that can add up!

AFTER the walking was done and I had completed the Cotswold Way. I still wasn’t done trying to save money. My flight out of London was coordinated so that when I was done the walk, I could grab a train to London, and catch the flight home without paying for an extra night’s stay. Sometimes, timing is the best way to save money.

When I got back home, I thought about my trip, looked at my budget and was happy to see I spent less then I had planned. Thanks to all my efforts, I could use the money I saved up for my next big trip. So, I tucked away my remaining Pounds for another day.

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Like what you read? Then check out my other travel posts on Twitter (@bradmaxsnow1138) and Instagram (bmaxsnow).

It can be difficult to navigate the world of writing. There are no amount of books or articles or how-to’s that can show you everything you need to know about multimedia and digital storytelling.

It’s a learned experience for the most part.

But there are certainly some tips and tricks to the trade. Check out my infographic below on some of my key components for effective storytelling (or keep reading for the sparksnotes)!

Make it for the Medium

How you write a blog article is going to be totally different than how you’ll write an Instagram caption or Tweet. Consider the challenges and opportunities of the platform you’re using!

Make it Relatable

Choose language that your audience is going to understand and appeal to common emotions of the aforementioned audience.

Make it Simple

On that note, cut out the clutter. If it doesn’t fit the story, then it’s not important. CUT IT.

Make it Suspenseful

There’s a reason why people who often say ‘1 more chapter’ -end up reading a few more than that. It’s because authors often end on cliff hangers, which leave the audience wanting more.

Got any other storytelling advice? Comment yours down below!

https://www.iliyanastareva.com/blog/7-best-storytelling-infographics (infographic reference)

In the vast digital landscape, personal blogging stands as a powerful medium to share your thoughts, experiences, and expertise with the world. Whether you’re a seasoned blogger or just starting out, understanding and implementing the best practices can elevate your blog and help you connect with your audience on a deeper level. Let’s delve into the top 10 best practices to master the art of personal blogging.

Stand out from the crowd, be yourself.

Stephen Richards

1. Authenticity is Key: Your blog is a reflection of you. Be authentic and genuine in your voice, sharing your unique perspective and experiences. Authenticity fosters trust and resonates with your readers.

2. Define Your Niche: Focus on a specific niche that aligns with your interests and expertise. A well-defined niche helps attract a targeted audience passionate about your content.

3. Engaging Content is a Must: Craft well-written, insightful, and engaging content. Use storytelling techniques to captivate your readers and keep them coming back for more.

4.

5. Interactive Communication: Encourage discussions by responding to comments and engaging with your readers. A thriving comment section builds a sense of community around your blog.

6. Quality Over Quantity: While consistency matters, prioritize quality over quantity. One exceptional post holds more value than multiple mediocre ones.

7. SEO Optimization: Learn the basics of search engine optimization (SEO). Incorporate relevant keywords, use descriptive titles, and optimize meta descriptions to improve your blog’s visibility on search engines.

8. Visual Appeal: Aesthetics matter. Use high-quality images and formatting to break up the text. A visually appealing blog post is more likely to capture and retain readers’ attention.

9. Mobile-Friendly Design: With the majority of internet users browsing on mobile devices, ensure your blog is responsive and easy to navigate on various screen sizes.

10. Share on Social Media: Leverage the power of social media to promote your blog posts. Share snippets, intriguing quotes, and visuals that encourage readers to visit your blog.

By following these best practices, you can create a blog that not only resonates with your audience but also grows in popularity and influence. Remember, success in personal blogging takes time and dedication, but the rewards are well worth it.

All stories, whether they are long or short. Digital or written. New or old. All have the same structure they are built around.

The Beginning.

The Event

The Middle

The Climax

The End

These are any story writer’s basic principles. The Story Spine is also built around these principles too. It is story writing 101.

One of my favourite topics (and the reason I’m taking this class) is Digital Storytelling. I love YouTube videos, podcasts, blogs, TikTok videos, you name it. Each platform has its own style, and each creator has their own voice.

After years of consuming content, and spending the past year and change actively learning about what it takes to create a compelling piece of content, I’ve compiled what are in my opinion the 4 most important individual tips for creating any content online. Whether it’s video, audio or print, the infographic below will help in putting together a compelling story.

Hopefully you find my tips helpful. Thanks for reading!

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Imagine all the great stories you have ever read/seen/heard. If you have social media, you probably can’t. There are just too many good stories out there!

So what makes a good story? From Pixar’s rules of storytelling to Forbes’s communication tips, there is no shortage of support out there to help businesses/content creators/writers/etc get started.

Now imagine a terrible story. What made it terrible? Was it the story or was it the way the story was presented?

A terrible story can break a content creator. It can jeopardize a business. And it can make you go viral for all the wrong reasons.

Storytelling is not easy, but there are some things you can avoid to make your life easier. Based off of what we learned over the last five weeks, here are my top four things NOT to do when telling a story*:

*Note: this blog post assumes the storyteller will adhere to the rules of basic respect and decency while storytelling.

In today’s digital age, storytelling has taken on a whole new dimension. With the rise of technology and the widespread use of digital platforms, the way stories are told and consumed has significantly evolved. In this infographic, we will explore how digital changes storytelling and its impact on engagement, accessibility, and creativity.

Enhanced Engagement:
Digital platforms offer a plethora of interactive features that enhance audience engagement. From immersive storytelling techniques to interactive elements like quizzes, polls, and comments, digital storytelling allows the reader to become an active participant in the narrative. This real-time engagement fosters a sense of connection and involvement, creating a more compelling and memorable experience.

Increased Accessibility:
Gone are the days when stories were limited to books or physical media. Digital platforms have made stories accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This accessibility has not only democratized storytelling but has also opened up avenues for marginalized voices to share their stories. Digital storytelling transcends geographical boundaries, enabling people from different backgrounds to connect and appreciate diverse narratives.

Expanded Creativity:
Digital platforms have unleashed boundless creativity in storytelling. With the integration of multimedia elements such as videos, animations, and sound effects, storytellers now have a wide array of tools at their fingertips. This convergence of different media allows for a more immersive and visually appealing storytelling experience. Additionally, advancements in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have enabled storytellers to create entirely new worlds, further capturing the audience’s imagination.

Conclusion:
Digital changes storytelling in remarkable ways. From enhanced engagement to increased accessibility and expanded creativity, the digital era has transformed the way stories are shared and experienced. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the possibilities for storytelling. Whether through social media, interactive websites, or emerging technologies, we can expect storytelling to continue to evolve and captivate audiences in ways we could have never imagined.

Remember, the power of storytelling lies in its ability to inspire, entertain, and evoke emotions. Embrace the digital changes in storytelling, and let your imagination take flight!