New on MomsGetReal April 02, 2012 at 12:22PM

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How Do You Handle It When People Steal Your Content?

Having your content redistributed on the web is not a bad thing, necessarily. It can bring you additional visibility and drive additional traffic to your blog or website. But not all redistribution is good for you. I occasionally Google myself to see which of my sites, social media networks, and articles are working the hardest for me, and this time, I discovered someone who was broadcasting my blog feed into her own website without providing credit or a link back to the original post on my blog.

That's not good exposure. That's copyright theft.

I tried to contact her directly, but I would have had to create an account with the website she was using, which I did not want to do. Instead, I contacted the website directly and made it clear my articles were to be removed immediately as she was violating copyright.

To me, this is an issue worth pursuing. I work hard on everything I write, and if you're not going to give credit to the original author, you shouldn't have it on your site. Technically, she should not have been able to publish it without my permission at all, but I'll be addressing that with her as well and making modifications to my website to make our regulations concerning the use of our materials more clear.

Shadra Bruce
Writer~Editor~Translator
Social Media Trailblazer

website: Shadra L. Bruce, writer and editor  follow me @shadra
blog: IGotMomPower  follow @gotmompower

Are You Drowning?

How long has it been since you last updated your blog? A blog is a living, breathing thing that should be continuously changing. The most successful blogs are ones to which new posts are published on a regular basis (my recommendation: not less than two times per week, at least 300 words per post).

Because blogging regularly takes an enormous amount of time, many businesses and entrepreneurs allow their blogs to become stagnant. Having a stagnant blog to which the last post was published more than a month ago actually detracts from your overall online presence.

Social media only works when it is done well and done regularly, whether it's your fan page on Facebook, your blog, or your Twitter feed. Outsourcing certain portions of your social media can be the right option if you cannot afford a full-time social media person.

Tips for choosing a Social Media consultant:

1. Be incredibly wary of those who call themselves "experts" in social media. There's no such thing, really.

2. Do they listen to what you are trying to accomplish? You're looking for a partner who will further your goals.

3. Do they completely discount traditional marketing? If so, choose someone else. The right social media consultant will embrace all avenues that help you grow your business.

4. Do they promise you instant, overnight success? Run fast. Social media takes time and effort to do right. Remember, it's about building relationships.

5. Are they willing to help you learn how to handle social media, or do they want to keep you in the dark so that you remain reliant on them? A good consultant will help you navigate social media and get involved in your own online visibility, not hold you hostage to their knowledge.


Shadra Bruce
Writer~Editor~Translator
Social Media Trailblazer

SolutionsbyShadra
IGotMomPower
@gotmompower


Social Media Expert? Don't think so...

Social Media is one of those frequently-morphing areas in which there are far more people claiming to be experts than is actually possible. A true social media guide is someone who recognizes that he or she can't know everything about social media but can guide people using personally experienced successes of their own and their clients.

Social media is presented as marketing and monetizing, but what it is really supposed to be is relationship building. Building relationships doesn't always equate to an overnight increase in profits, but it does generate results that lead to better visibility, brand loyalty, and longevity.

Social media should not be approached from a "how can I use this to benefit me" approach but rather from a "how can I use Social Media to benefit others" approach. It is through the more altruistic efforts companies, entrepreneurs, and individuals make using social media that they will be able to see more measurable results.

Shadra Bruce
Writer~Editor~Translator
Social Media Trailblazer

SolutionsbyShadra
IGotMomPower
@Shadra
@gotmompower