Alexa James' Blogger: Reading Roundup: What’s New in Blogging Lately?

Coming to you live from the city that spring forgot — it still feels like winter here in Melbourne but perhaps that means more time for working on our blogs and finding out what’s new in blogging and social media this week!

As usual, it’s a diverse lot.

20 Unseen Instagram Tools to Grow Your Audience | Forbes

I haven’t used all of these, but no doubt they’re helpful. I would be VERY wary of those who unfollow automatically and leave auto comments – they are not a great way to build true engagement and they do more harm than good. Steer clear!

Five Big Brands Strategies for Recycling Social Media Updates | MeetEdgar Blog

I know, even I suffer from it – can we really post the exact same thing more than once in a day? APPARENTLY YOU CAN! Let us all rejoice and while we’re at it, dig out some of our older posts that never had the airtime they should have.

How Media Companies Use Influencers to Build Editorial Brands | Digiday

As an influencer myself, I’m always interested in the current state of the rapidly-shifting industry. I know one thing Australian influencers and the people who represent them have been talking about for years is finally being heard – long-term partnerships. I love how it’s being touted as “the next phase” and “something brands are really going to have to start doing”. Amen!

Top 5 Business Objectives and Social Media Metrics to Measure for ROI | Kruse Control

This on the base level is a great start for a social media strategy, but also if you’re in charge of growing a following, you’re going to want to know what’s worth the effort and what you can do better on.

11 Ways to Grow Your Snapchat Following | Social Media Examiner

I know! It’s hard! It’s not easy to find people, nor to find who people follow. You’ve really got to do the hard yards to get seen. Try these tips.

Most Popular Buzzfeed Images: Why They Went Viral | Buzzsumo

An interesting breakdown of the reasons why people share content, with examples.

10 Secrets Behind Creating Contagious Content 10x Better Than Your Competition | Jeff Bullas

It’s something we’ve discussed before – when Rand Fishkin says “forget about unique content, focus on creating content 10x better than the top 10 people who are already doing it”, then you try! But it’s hard. Of course it’s hard, otherwise everyone would be doing it. There’s nothing like going the extra mile, even if it takes longer.