[Ep 24] All the latest news and stories from Google’s most searched topics, Snapchat’s Camera sunglasses to Facebook’s VR app. Know these interesting bytes to make your mark in the digital world around you in just 2 minutes. Every Tuesday at 2:22.

Instagram Shopping Made Simple

Mar. 21, 2017 – After launching the shopping feature last year, Instagram is trying to simplify it. They have now rolled in some new upgrades that make it easier for brands to use the shopping add-on. These features include:

• Power to create and tag a post with products directly from their iOS mobile phone
• Insights around the metrics that matter to most to the brands

BUT unfortunately, it is still only available to select U.S. retailers and businesses… which means not only do you have time to begin thinking about working this into your strategy but that the feature should be perfected by the time it reaches us in Canada!

Google’s State of Website Security

Mar. 21, 2017 – Ever search for your site on Google, only to see the dreaded “This site may be hacked” message?Well, you’re not alone! And, because you’re not alone, Google has released additional documentation to help webmasters when their site has been hacked.

According to Google, they’ve seen an

“Increase in the number of hacked sites by approximately 32 percent in 2016 compared to 2015”  Click to tweet

Some top tips:

1. Register for Search console to receive site health updates from Google
2. Be preventative: identify vulnerabilities in your site, keep site up to date

Google’s Most Trending Topics

Mar. 17, 2017 – Wondering what could your audience possibly be looking for online? Well, Google just made the answer to your question bit easier by sharing the most recent searched topics. In a nutshell, here they are:

• Cheerios became the talk of the Google town by dropping bee’s as its mascot to raise awareness for the alarming decline of the world’s bee population. Is there anything your brand can do to contribute?
• History of St. Patrick’s Day, the luck of the Irish, and local parades and pubs. Well, that was quite obvious since the holiday just went by. Do you have any festivity related pictures or videos to share with your connections?
• The meaning of Beware the Ides of March, which occurred this Wednesday (I think I am going to search this myself too…)
• Since American Airline announced free meals for some coach passengers on specific flights, it became one of the most searched about items. So what exactly are YOU doing to provide a top notch experience with your brand?

Facebook’s 360 VR

Mar. 8, 2017 – To give an even more immersive experience Facebook launched 360 app for Samsung Gear VR, powered by Oculus.

People with compatible Samsung devices can download the app explore Facebook 360 photos and videos. You can visit the Oculus site to know more about the app.

How can you use 360 for your brand? Pretty much any way you want because it is so versatile and is sure to generate lots of user engagement! (After getting set up with all the basics like a 360 camera, of course.)

1. Show off products or services
2. Share office adventures or activities
3. Allow insider access to events and conferences
4. Highlight interior of office
5. Display a journey (customer journey, product lifecycle, staff trekking to the office…)

Snapchat’s Spectacles

Feb. 17, 2017 – Snapchat just took itself up a notch by introducing Camera equipped Spectacles.

Users can easily sign into their Snapchat account, and click snaps all day. They are only available in the U.S. for now. Still really looking forward to give them a try though 😀

Until next Tuesday…

Hopefully, these news bytes will take your digital marketing to the next level! If you love these updates, please share it on Facebook!

What news have you found to be game changing this week? Please feel free to share in the comments.

Want more like this?

To find out what else is trending social media and websites this year, download our free ebook “Top Digital Marketing Trends of 2017”!