Twitter initially implemented the 140-character limit to resemble the format of SMS text messages, which is how tweets were distributed before the release of mobile apps. However, following some research, they have discovered that those tweeting in English often hit the 140-character limit. Consequently, they recognised that this isn’t the result of expertly succinct journalism, and have acknowledged the need to increase the length of their character limit to allow their uses to be more expressive. Whilst the character increase is said to be on a trial period, there is a firm belief that the new limit will benefit the Twitter community and therefore become a mainstay. RIP short tweets.

So, there you have it, you no longer have to sit there for hours trying to work out which grammatical atrocity to commit in order for your tweet to be Twitter-feed ready. Time to celebrate with a doubly awesome tweet I think! #280

Instagram 800 million users

Instagram have announced that their monthly users have reached the 800 million mark, a whopping 100 million up from their previous statistics from April. What’s more is that over 500 million of these users pop in to use the Facebook-owned app on a daily basis.

This is the fastest growth period Instagram have experienced and follows the announcement that Instagram now have 2 million advertisers. Doing well it seems. The hugely impressive stat has been put largely down to video, as the production of video through the app has quadrupled over the past year.

For example, Stories (Instagram’s Snapchat clone) – Good Evening Mr. Zuckerberg 😉 – has over 250 million users, with the GIF-like Boomerang format making up 25 percent of Instagram Stories. Crikey.

That’s not it though. Instagram have also added interactive polls to their Stories, where people can post an image or video, ask a question and let their users offer their opinion on your everyday dilemmas. Risky. Moreover, they have implemented the ability to grab the colour from a picture you post and use it for your text. Two very jazzy new features that are sure to have users going crazy. Instagram is making strides towards world domination at this rate, and it’s no surprise considering the endless possibilities the app provides. Not part of the Insta army yet? Well the figures suggest you will be soon. Bravo Instagram, Bravo.

LinkedIn Geo-Filters

LinkedIn, yes you heard me, LinkedIn have now become the latest social platform to borrow one of Snapchats features.

Users are now able to add location-based filters onto videos that they record and post directly through the LinkedIn app. Therefore, if you’re at an event and record a video of your experience, you can show fellow users what exact event you’re at with a filter. The feature is debuting at the Grace Hopper Celebration event, as shown by the groovy picture below, but the company says it aims to provide access to the feature for many more events in the future.

If you weren’t already impressed enough, the Geo-Filters are designed to match the conference badges worn by attendees, a brilliant idea that is sure to be a hit among individual users and businesses alike. Plaudits to you savvy people at LinkedIn.

 

The post Express Yourself first appeared on 24 fingers.

The post Express Yourself appeared first on 24 fingers.

As a business owner or service provider, regardless of how hard you try to please everyone with your amazing business acumen and dashing smile, you will inevitably come under scrutiny online. Whilst you may want to delete any negative feedback that comes your way, because who are they to criticise you? You’re great, right? – simply ignoring and removing negative comments is the worst possible idea. Everyone is online and EVERYONE will see that you tried to sweep the complainant under the rug, especially when they come back even angrier than before. 

However, there is a way you can turn negative feedback into your best friend, and we are here to help you resolve and conquer the so-called haters with three simple steps (yes, just three!).

First of all, an aggrieved customer will feel they have been personally wronged and so their review or social media comment may appear to be a personal attack on you, causing you to want to immediately argue your defence, and failing at verbal resolution, jump into the ring and go 12 rounds with them… Bad idea!

Now, whilst time is of the essence in regards to responses to online criticism (research has discovered it is crucial to ensure an initial response is provided within the first 30 minutes) – you firstly must absorb the information, assess the problem being brought up and devise a response. So, sit back, have a cuppa and think about what you’re going to say before you respond… but make it quick! A prompt response will make the aggrieved party feel appreciated and heard, and that’s all any of us want to feel.

Following a quick initial response acknowledging and apologising to the customer, try to take the issue offline. This doesn’t mean to turn your computer off and cry yourself to sleep, no not at all. Most social media platforms and review websites offer the option for private messaging, therefore contact the customer out of the public eye to resolve the issue. This will give you the opportunity to discuss the issue at length and come to an effective resolution without the prying eyes of everybody else. Once the issue is resolved, respond again to the public comment to ensure future customers can see you’re the world’s greatest employee and have saved the day!

Finally, it is important to remain professional and polite in your response and to remember the old saying “the customer is always right” – we know you may not think so, but at least pretend yeah? Make sure you respond as yourself and not the company, nobody wants to talk to one of the automated robots you usually find yourself swearing at down the phone whilst the automated voice calmly and infuriatingly tells you to press hash to hear the options again. Also, when possible always offer to compensate the customer if you feel it is warranted, as this will often lead to the complainant giving you and your service another chance to prove that you’re the best out there.

Then, once you have done these three simple steps you will have taken the first steps towards becoming a Jedi master, ready to combat all the negativity on the internet! Or at least the bit which affects you.

The post How to Conquer Negative Feedback Like a BOSS first appeared on 24 fingers.

The post How to Conquer Negative Feedback Like a BOSS appeared first on 24 fingers.

As of 1998, Google has published often charming, intricate and celebratory doodles to illustrate major events, holidays, achievements and people. Today, we pay homage to the search engine with five of our favourite EVER Google Doodles over the past 20 years….

Being based in London ourselves, we couldn’t not pick the doodle celebrating 150 years of London Underground. After all, where would we be without all the delays and cancellations on our beloved subterranean transport?!

The intricate detail behind this particular doodle is amazing and it really embodies the confusion London’s Underground would cause anybody that isn’t a frequent traveller (sorry, tourists!). 

Secondly, it just has to be everybody’s favourite pellet-eating, ghost-fleeing gaming personality. You guessed it: the Pac-Man doodle!

Both an image and interactive game, the Pac-Man doodle became an instant hit, obviously, and is brilliantly designed to work with the principals of the original game. A perfect procrastination tool for those at work pretending to research something. Actually, I’m sure there was something I needed to look up…

Third of all, we’ve chosen the beautiful Martin Luther King Jr doodle. A slightly more solemn choice, admittedly, but definitely warranted.

This 2014 edition of Martin Luther King Jr Day is both insightful and elegant. The image of white doves – associated with love and peace – flying out of an open window poignantly portrays the peace and freedom Martin Luther King Jr fought for. An amazing illustration that really catches the eye of the beholder and reminds you of the great battles others have embarked upon to ensure the world could reach the level of forward thinking it has to this day. Still some way to go, obvs.

Next on our list has to be the 2017 International Women’s Day doodle which is a collection of eight illustrations in the form of a slideshow that you can look through at your leisure.

The above are just a couple of the images Google used to show its appreciation for pioneering women throughout history, and their many contributions to society. From mathematician Ada Lovelace to Korea’s first female lawyer and judge Lee Tai-young, the resonating illustrations capture the stories behind inspiring female figures who fought to open up new opportunities for women. Who run the world? 

Last but not least, the 200^th anniversary of Grimm Fairy Tales. The Brothers Grimm created countless folktales and legends that we all love (and fear) but Google chose to focus on one of our favourites – Red Riding Hood. Through a comic book format, Google released an interactive selection of illustrations that tell the story of Red Riding Hood with an alternative ending.

Above is again, just a small selection of the illustrations used in the comic strip that make up a really fun and interesting interpretation of the Brothers Grimm legend. Arguably one of the most impressive doodles to date, we strongly recommend you go have a look at the entire thing. You’re sure to have a frightfully good time!

On a side note, Google provide the “Doodle for Google” contest where they invite young artists to design artwork for future Google Doodles. A brilliant incentive that helps uncover excellent young talent, so feel free to, you know, Google it, and have a look….

Finally, it has to be said – Happy Birthday Google! We L-O-V-E your doodles, so keep them coming.

The post Happy Birthday, Google! first appeared on 24 fingers.

The post Happy Birthday, Google! appeared first on 24 fingers.