Just when we thought there were enough social media platforms (or maybe it’s just me), Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg rolled out “Threads,” a new text-based app that was likely intended to give the very similar Twitter (now known as “X”) and its CEO, Elon Musk, a run for their money. A spinoff from social media giant Instagram, Threads has taken the same Instagram fan base that is accustomed to sharing videos and photos, giving them a platform to have more authentic conversations. But is it time just yet for your company to add Threads to your overall social media strategy? In this edition of Plain Talk, we’re exploring the possibilities of a Threads social media strategy. We’ll break down what to expect with Threads, what’s on the horizon with advertising, and whether it really is the missing thread you’re looking for to help your brand stand out.

In this issue of Plain Talk, we’ll build on past articles and discuss how the convergence of digital and traditional media and the increase in on-screen time have evolved media expectations, particularly for young people. We’ll then discuss how technological advancements and generational preferences have evolved to better support this digital marketing dinosaur. In doing so, we’ll argue that in this blended digital world we live in, YouTube banner ads should be viewed as online billboards, and thus they should be bought and measured primarily as top-of-funnel awareness tools… just like roadside billboards.

If you’re reading this article, you know that running a law practice is about as competitive an industry as there is. How competitive, exactly? Try 1.3 million lawyers in the United States today, according to the American Bar Association. Couple that with the Princeton University study that placed lawyers among the least trusted professionals in the U. S. and you can see why it can be a real challenge to convince potential clients that your firm is different. Enter media relations and the importance of building relationships with the journalists that can make a substantial difference in separating your legal practice from the overcrowded and under-loved field of opponents. In this edition of Plain Talk, we’ll explore law firm media relations. Learn how your practice group can grow public trust and relevance through productive relationships with the press.

As frontline healthcare professionals, nurses play a critical role in our society. They provide essential care and support to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Every year, National Nurses Week begins May 6th in the United States. This week is an opportunity for healthcare organizations and the general public to recognize nurses’ contributions and vital role in our healthcare system. In this edition of Plain Talk, we’ll discuss the importance of recognizing National Nurses Week in healthcare recruiting.

Gen Zers will decide, almost immediately, whether or not they are interested in something. This includes which brands they love and which businesses they hate. In a world where skippable ads and subscription services are the norms—where ads are optional and only require a quick swipe or click of the skip button to get rid of them—how can you use your marketing dollars to reach and influence this massive consumer segment? In this edition of Plain Talk, we’ll look at Gen Z media consumption. We’ll also offer three insights on using your media budget to reach, influence, and convert this audience.

Now that it’s 2023, it’s time to discuss this year’s new social media trends! Social media environments have drastically changed in the last year, focusing on short-form videos, viral video views and the utilization of influencers of all sizes; however, 2023 will continue to shake up social media and how we interact with brands and creators. In this edition of Plain Talk, we will discuss five key 2023 social media trends for successfully building trust and a better social media strategy for your brand.

Whether helping homeless individuals, providing a safe place for stray animals, or feeding the hungry (the list goes on and on), nonprofits do great work for our communities in countless ways. While they may have different missions, many nonprofits fall short in the same area: their presence on social media. There are many reasons nonprofit organizations aren’t consistently active on social media, including short-staffing, fear of over-asking and annoying their followers, or not knowing what to post—to name a few. As someone who works with nonprofits daily to help spread awareness of their missions and dedication to bettering the community, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful a social media presence can be. In this edition of Plain Talk, we’ll discuss eight nonprofit social media tactics you can use to increase your online presence and help further the awareness of your mission to make a change.

While many workplaces quickly realized how big of an issue burnout had become and enacted measures to address this growing topic of concern—from increased health and wellness activities or incentives to encourage more of a work/life balance—it’s not always an easy fix for all employees. In this edition of Plain Talk, we’ll specifically examine social media manager burnout and how those tasked with creating and managing content to help your brand stand out may be at risk. We’ll also discuss ways to work with these team members to develop a system where burnout isn’t the norm.