One of the most important and versatile tools a social media manager has is right in the palm of their hand—a smartphone. From on-the-go monitoring to content creation, it’s a must-have tool that only keeps advancing. Capturing moments can turn out to be more worthwhile than you know, so it’s best to be equipped with everything you need.
In this week’s #SproutChat, we were joined by Sprout All Star Elite, Fritz Klug, the Digital Content Specialist at Bell’s Brewery, to chat about the ins and outs of creating content on the go. We covered where to start, the benefits of timely content and best practices for creating engaging content.
It’s All About Timing
Take advantage of the moment by capturing something while it’s in action. Being able to show a behind-the-scenes look or a live event can be beneficial for a brand by delivering real-time content to your audience.
A1a. First: you always have your phone with you, so you can capture content at any time. #SproutChat https://t.co/oRgaGVvNeS
— Fritz Klug (@fritzklug) August 23, 2017
A1b. For example, I often get inspired out enjoying some of our beers. It’s great to have my phone there to capture some photos. #SproutChat
— Fritz Klug (@fritzklug) August 23, 2017
A1: Timeliness is important on social media. Sharing content in real-time can be very beneficial for engagement. #sproutchat
— Netvantage Marketing (@netvantage) August 23, 2017
A1: It gets done! I can strategize myself paralized. Finding moments to just get it done is getting it done! #SproutChat
— Deserae_Dorton (@Deserae_Dorton) August 23, 2017
A1. You can get some really interesting content that you couldn’t get otherwise. #SproutChat
— Reva Minkoff (@revaminkoff) August 23, 2017
A1 Spontaneous content = authentic content! #SproutChat
— Katie Burton (@KatieBurton_) August 23, 2017
A1: A realistic creative atmosphere with more environmental stimulation can really fuel your creativity! #Sproutchat 🖌️🎨👨🎨
— Christopher Thames (@ChrisThames29) August 23, 2017
A1: Audience relates better to contents produced on the go #SproutChat
— Nam Le (@HelloItsNam) August 23, 2017
A1: New Location, New Ideas. Just changing the scenery can provide new perspectives. But must be fast & focused. #SproutChat
— Su Doyle (@sudoyle) August 23, 2017
Be Authentic
Since you’re capturing a moment while you’re out and about, be sure to tap into the authenticity of the moment and stay away from producing a high gloss piece of content. There are a variety of apps and tools that allow you to have a little fun with your photos and videos, but remember that the more authentic the content feels, the more engaging it will be.
Follow good photography rules. If you’re unfamiliar, look up the “rule of thirds” and different types of lighting. #SproutChat https://t.co/8f5HMSi2sg
— Fritz Klug (@fritzklug) August 23, 2017
A2b Something any photographer will tell you: It doesn’t matter what camera you have, but what moments you capture. #SproutChat
— Fritz Klug (@fritzklug) August 23, 2017
A2 I focus on authentic first, then a decent exposure. #sproutchat
— Toby Metcalf (@Toby_Metcalf) August 23, 2017
A2 There are many great filters on phones today and exposures on Instagram – experiment #sproutchat
— Toby Metcalf (@Toby_Metcalf) August 23, 2017
A2 Content on the go let’s me play more with what mobile has to offer. ex; new filters, stickers, apps .. more engaging #sproutchat
— Denise Casagrande (@Free_DennyGurl) August 23, 2017
A2: Try to have a theme with images too. Use the same filter for pictures if possible so users know it’s you or your brand. #sproutchat
— Netvantage Marketing (@netvantage) August 23, 2017
A2. Stop and focus. Or unfocus as the case may be. #SproutChat #takeagoodpic
— Reva Minkoff (@revaminkoff) August 23, 2017
A2:
1. Create a strategy
2. Create assets, get right tools
3. Empower social media managers
4. Engage away! #SproutChat— DoubleShot Creative (@DoubleShotTeam) August 23, 2017
A2: adobe spark is another good tool for on the go content, especially for instagram stories #SproutChat
— Suhail Al Uzaizi (@Suhail_Uz) August 23, 2017
Be in the Moment, Edit Later
If you’re creating videos on your phone, you’ll want to ensure that it’s a good quality, watchable piece of content. Try utilizing a tripod to stabilize and a plug in microphone for good sound quality.
A3a. To conserve time, try to shoot the video in one take. The less you have to edit, the better. #SproutChat https://t.co/0vHX8ceSvG
— Fritz Klug (@fritzklug) August 23, 2017
A3c. Audio is the most important part of any video: if your viewer can’t hear what’s being said, what’s the point? #SproutChat
— Fritz Klug (@fritzklug) August 23, 2017
A3: Good phone w/ good camera & fast internet = essential #SproutChat
— Win Shi Wong (@winshiwong) August 23, 2017
A3 don’t use the Hyperlpse setting (Samsung) #sproutchat
— Toby Metcalf (@Toby_Metcalf) August 23, 2017
A3: buy a phone tripod/stabiliser. No one likes a shaky video 👋🏼 #sproutchat
— Jacky Barker (@JackyBarker) August 23, 2017
A3: Lighting and sound are two of the most important features of creating a good video. #sproutchat
— Netvantage Marketing (@netvantage) August 23, 2017
A3 Always make sure you’re getting a good angle and lighting! #sproutchat
— Denise Casagrande (@Free_DennyGurl) August 23, 2017
A3: Some videos are best without sound too. How often do you try & watch a video in public, but stop because of the sound? #sproutchat
— Netvantage Marketing (@netvantage) August 23, 2017
Make Something New From Old Content
As a social content creator, you’ll want to steer away from getting too repetitive in what you share. Old content can always be spliced or edited into something fresh and new for use at a later time or on a different platform.
A4a. I always take more pictures and video than I think I need — you never know what will come in handy later. #SproutChat https://t.co/EP7vdMhddx
— Fritz Klug (@fritzklug) August 23, 2017
A4c. Get the content now — it’s better to overshoot today than wishing you had more tomorrow.
— Fritz Klug (@fritzklug) August 23, 2017
A4: Reuse live videos by posting them on other platforms or repurpose audio from a (live) video in a podcast! 💪 #SproutChat
— Marijana Kostelac ✏️ (@MarijanaKay) August 23, 2017
A4 As the self proclaimed #QueenofRepurposing, I’m using slicing, dicing & mincing content into as many pieces as I can. #SproutChat
— Shannon Mouton Gray (@ShannonRenee) August 23, 2017
A4 Yes, I’m in love with evergreen content. Have a long video? Slice it into shorter versions to reuse on social. #SproutChat
— Katie Burton (@KatieBurton_) August 23, 2017
A4 I’m taking long content & creating short blogs, infographics, tweets, lists and whatever else I can. #SproutChat
— Shannon Mouton Gray (@ShannonRenee) August 23, 2017
A4: Save to camera roll, use @evernote to record storyboard and set @googlecalendar reminder to post! #SproutChat
— Christopher Thames (@ChrisThames29) August 23, 2017
A4: I love pulling powerful quotes from blog content & repurposing into graphics for social. Works really well w/ interviews! #SproutChat
— Kate McGaughey (@kate_mcgaughey) August 23, 2017
A4) ✂️ long videos => shorter ones, combine videos to create series. Create GIF from pix/videos, Create unique memes #Sproutchat
— Nadine Tchepannou (@MissNadT) August 23, 2017
A4: If content is from a reoccurring event, repurpose 2 market future events (or highlight post-event). #SproutChat
— Jenny S. West (@jennyswest) August 23, 2017
In next week’s #SproutChat, we’ll be joined by Veronica Brown of the Chicago Public Library Foundation to chat about doing social media when you’re doing social good. Until then check out our Facebook community to connect with other folks in the industry.