Besides the Timeline’s obvious two-column feature that pulls in content chronologically from the left and then the right, there are a few new features to be aware of in regards to where a brand’s content now lives on Facebook’s revamped pages. Emphasis is now placed on communication within the Timeline wall. However, there are a few ways brands can highlight important posts. It is widely believed that Facebook made these changes in an attempt to keep brands’ communication with individual users as organic as possible.

Here are a few of the features:

• Static profile information. Upon scrolling down the page and leaving the cover photo and “above the fold” features, you’ll see a new profile bar pop up on the top of the screen. This bar will stay static and allow your page users to access different page content without having to scroll back up to the top of the page.

• Post box. The first box on the left column will feature the traditional features needed to post or comment on the page. This feature looks and acts the same as the old layout.

• Friends box. The first box on the right column will feature pictures of the users friends who also like the brand page. Although the friends box will stay static across the platform, its content will be personalized for each user.

• Recent posts by friends and others. The box immediately under the friends box on the right side of the page will feature posts concerning the brand made by the visitor’s friends. Immediately following will be a box showcasing the most recent posts regarding the brand by other users. Brands can choose to eliminate the “recent posts by others” box in the Timeline if they wish.

• Featured content vs. pinned posts. Brands now have the ability to identify posts that hold significant meaning and make them appear more prominent on the Timeline. By hovering over the top right corner of a post, an edit box appears. You can now “highlight” a post to stretch it to the full length of the Timeline, covering both the left and right columns. This post will be larger in size, but stay in chronological posting order. Or, “pin” a post to the top of the Timeline and the selected content will be moved to the top of the Timeline where it will be listed first and stay for seven days before returning to its place in chronological order.

• Direct messaging. Users can now send direct messages to brand page admins allowing organizations to handle customer service issues or other sensitive matters in private. Note that pages are not able to initiate private messages with fans or any other user – users must initiate the direct message. However, the page admin can suggest a fan contact them through direct messaging to take a conversation offline and provide further support.

Not sure what type of content your brand should highlight or pin? We’re happy to talk strategy with you to make sure your optimizing Facebook’s Timeline features, or even a larger social media strategy, in a way that makes sense for your brand.

This blog post is the second in a three-part series. The first blog looks at Facebook Timeline cover photos and above the fold features.

It’s the announcement that everyone in marketing has been on the edge of their seat waiting for – Facebook Timeline for brands. Recently, a few NSTers were able to sit in on some webinars about the new features.  We had so many notes on the new features that we’ve broken them out into a three-part blog series, starting below with “above the fold” features.

Although the changes affecting brand pages will require us to make a few tweaks to our clients’ pages, overall, we’re excited!  Some of the features are downright cool, like the new cover photo.  Here are a few of the new elements you should be aware of:

• Default landing pages are no more.  Visitors will automatically go to a brand’s wall, or Timeline.  This, along with some of Facebook’s other changes, highlights the importance of posting and engaging with fans regularly.
• Brand cover photo.  Brands now have an 851 x 315-pixel area at the top of the page for a cover photo, which will be public to everyone.  This can be a fun or artsy photo or design, but cannot include:

• Smaller profile pictures.  At 180 x 180 pixels, the profile photo overlaps with the cover photo.  There are some creative ways to have this work with your cover photo, as these brands show, but the profile picture is still a prominent feature when interacting with a brand, so it’s important to have it work by itself too.
• Application changes.  The applications that were previously listed as tabs on the left sidebar will now appear as boxes below the cover photo (see Coca-Cola’s four applications above: Photos, Likes, Home, Your Stories).  However, there are only four spots immediately visible and one will be taken up by photos, which is a static feature.  Therefore, you should design custom icons (110 x 74 pixels) for at least three other tabs that will be visible “above the fold” without clicking to see more.
• Once visitors click on those application boxes, the tabs they see will now also have a larger area (810 pixels wide).  Current tabs (at 520 pixels) will be centered, but you should consider filling the extra space.

What are your thoughts on losing the welcome page option and gaining the cover photo?  Leave us a comment with your thoughts and stay tuned for Part 2 in our 3-part series on the subject.

Our team has been talking with potential panelists for a few months now, and each conversation gets us more pumped for the diversity and dialogue we’re going to have at the San Diego Social Media Symposium.

We’ve talked to so many inspiring and knowledgeable individuals, that we’re announcing a fourth panel “Best Practices: Social Media Case Studies.” The addition will give attendees even more first-hand stories, experiences and learning moments from the folks with their boots on the ground.

In addition to adding a fourth panel (don’t worry, we’ll still wrap things up by 4:30 p.m.), we’ve secured panelists from companies such as Cisco Systems, FIJI Water, JustFab.com, Social Control and Realtor.com. We’ll be hearing their perspectives in addition to our keynote speaker Jason Falls and lunch speaker Gary Kim.

Checkout the full agenda and panelist line up, and start formulating your questions for our social media specialists.

Register online at www.sandiegosocialmediasymposium.com.

Media relations can be tricky, but extremely rewarding. It is arguably one of the most important aspects of our job, as it helps our clients communicate with their target audiences. Cultivating relationships is another important aspect of public relations, which is at the core of my particular media relations style.

When working with media, I always try to envision the end result. In thinking about my client’s goals and objectives, I try to envision how I can incorporate the client into a story I would want to read or see on the news. What would entice me to keep reading? What angle is both visually appealing and interesting enough for me not to change the channel?

You’ve got to balance the needs of your client – to make sure you’re communicating the message that will enact their desired behavior change – with a journalist’s need to provide interesting, fair and balanced reporting. You’re building a relationship, both on behalf of your client and yourself. This is where the fun part starts … it’s like figuring out which puzzle piece fits correctly.

I try to put myself in the journalist’s shoes. What would be an enticing story for them, based on their beat or recent stories? What angle would offer the most news value to their readers, listeners or viewers? From my own perspective, what would be down right cool to see in print or on TV?

I also remember that the journalist I’m working with is probably under the same pressure as I am. Everyone has goals to meet, everyone has a boss and everyone has the same general work stress like too many emails and phone calls when you just need to hunker down and get stuff done.

For me, it’s important to build a relationship with the journalists I’m working with. Well, seeing the final product based on all your hard work and last minute coordination is great, too!

Here are some thoughts beyond the traditional rockstar media list and follow-up protocol that I use when preparing for and conducting media relations:

• 1. First and foremost, make sure you understand your client’s goals and objectives. Stories can easily divert from your original, approved pitch, so you need to have a clear understanding of what your client’s goal is to keep the opportunity focused.
• 2. Know the journalist’s beat, types of stories they produce and tone of voice. In your initial email, you can comment on a recent story and even frame your pitch idea in a particular tone of voice to help grab their attention.
• 3. Never underestimate the power of a type-A personality. Organization is key. Whether you’re working with a print or broadcast outlet, your contact probably has many different stories in the works. Make their job easier by providing background perspective, messaging, contact information, visuals, photos, etc., all in one document and well ahead of when they need it. They’ll thank you, and it’ll save you from being stressed out, too.
• 4. Be your natural, wonderful self. Most of us PR folks have friendly, outgoing personalities – use it! You’re building a relationship, so ask some non-work questions (when appropriate), wish them a great weekend, have a candid conversation when you see them in person, follow and comment on social media platforms. You may find you have something in common to form a bond over, and you’ll get a good glimpse into their life and be able to be a better resource for them with this knowledge.
• 5. One of our core values at NST is to be candid, but know when to back off and be supportive. Although your idea may seem like a perfect fit in your head, there are usually many circumstances in play that are out of your control. Be candid and direct about why you think your idea is a good fit for the outlet, but also know when to back off since you’re building trust and a long-term relationship!

Like my philosophy? Obviously, there’s a lot more that goes into a successful media relations campaign, starting with planning and strategy, but if you like what you read and are looking for someone to help you build meaningful professional relationships, give Nuffer, Smith, Tucker a call. We’re happy to help!

We’ve had fun celebrating National Physical Fitness & Sports Month throughout May. Although, our NSTers really don’t need a month designated to healthy activity and sports: we live it.

If you haven’t seen our many posts about Major League Baseball, check out Opening Day … It’s Like Christmas at Nuffer, Smith, Tucker to see how baseball is celebrated by CEO Kerry Tucker.

Baseball is also Michelle’s favorite sport. “I played softball from age 9 to age 26 and the tradition continues with my daughter Trista playing Little League now. She is great at first base and has about an .800 batting average!”

Even though workouts at Crossfit Invictus can get competitive, that doesn't stop Price from mastering kettle bell swings.

Some NSTers, like Price, follow a more regimented workout routine. Price has been doing crossfit since January 2010 and it has completely changed her outlook on fitness. “It’s not just about looking good, but also feeling good and helping your body do what it is designed to do,” says Price. “Crossfit Invictus has allowed me to push myself mentally and physically further than I ever thought and increase my confidence and mental toughness.”

For other NSTers, being active outside is a preference.

She's conquered Half Dome in Yosemite, where will Teresa's hiking take her next?

“My favorite exercise by far is hiking, and I’m still surprised by how many hidden hiking trails there are in San Diego County – if you know where to look,” says Teresa. “I love exploring new places and would love to visit as many national parks as possible. I go to Yosemite almost annually, and this year I will be exploring two new national parks: Zion and Bryce.”

Katie (left) and her friend enjoying an afternoon of kayaking on Mission Bay.

For Katie, it’s the location of her apartment that makes it easy for her to stay active. “I live about one block away from Mission Bay, meaning I’m just steps from a bike path, sand and cool bay breezes – the perfect elements for training for my first half marathon.” Good luck, Katie!

We’ve said it before, and Mary will say it again: being fit isn’t just a benefit for our bodies, but also for our minds. “I feel off balance when I don’t exercise, so that’s why I do it at least five times a week. Even when it means waking up at 5 a.m. to get a workout in before my daughters wake up.”

Becky agrees, but adds that a nighttime workout is a great way for her to unwind after work. “Besides actually making me feel better, working out on a regular basis helps me de-stress and relax.” Becky’s workout of choice includes TRX, Pilates and yoga with some spinning mixed in for fun.

And that seems to be the key for us all of us at NST – fun! We balance working hard and playing hard, which for most of us means being active in our personal lives.

As for me, here’s the spectator information to catch me (if you can) at the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll ½ Marathon on June 5!

What’s your favorite way to keep active?

If you weren’t aware, May is National Physical Fitness & Sports Month, as designated by the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition. The purpose of National Physical Fitness & Sports Month is to encourage Americans to get active and play…and we couldn’t be more excited here at NST!

We truly believe in the benefits of living an active and healthy lifestyle and we work hard to support healthy habits in our workplace.

You may have seen our previous blog post about NST’s “Corporate Walking” program, but we’ve outdone ourselves this time.

In celebration of National Physical Fitness & Sports Month, today, May 18, is National Employee Health and Fitness Day and we proudly present to you “C.W. – The Video”. It’s an inside look into the NST C.W. program – rules, routes and why C.W.ing is important to our employees.

Enjoy…and don’t forget to get out there and be active! Also, check back throughout the month for more on how NSTers are celebrating National Physical Fitness & Sports Month.

C.W. – The Video: http://vimeo.com/nstpr/cdub

At NST, we celebrate our co-workers by taking office field trips to Padres games, Temecula wineries and local pubs for happy hour, and by having unique birthday celebrations.

Welcome to Greg Kershaw's Office!

Though we love to recognize each other’s hard work (see our Tiki Token blog posts), we also think the occasional prank is a must. So, it’s entirely fitting that NST’s birthday also happens to be April Fools’ Day!  In honor of this special day, the entire office supported Krystin Williamson and me when we suggested an April Fools’ joke be played on our very own Greg Kershaw – or as we call him – The Gersh.

The Gersh is a hard worker (just ask him) but he also loves to have fun – especially if it means cheering on his beloved San Francisco Giants.  His desk in cubeville is filled with all things Giants and WD-40 – his other love – so Krystin and I knew it was a risk to move any of Gersh’s cherished tchotchkes.  As the photos will prove, we were more than willing to take that risk.

Krystin and I arrived to the NST office bright and early to clear out Gersh’s desk and move all items to his new office – the men’s bathroom.  The Gersh loved the prank – though he did have to wander around the office for some time to figure out just where all of his stuff had gone.

Gersh's old office and new office

Visit the NST Facebook page for photos of April Fool’s Day, NST-style!

And and huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Nuffer, Smith, Tucker!

The San Diego Social Media Symposium is back! In partnership with San Diego State University’s Digital & Social Media Collaborative, we are hosting the second San Diego Social Media Symposium Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at SDSU’s Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center. The 2011 Symposium is designed to help attendees learn to listen to the social media dialogue, engage audiences in conversations and energize their most loyal fans.

The one-day event will feature an amazing keynote speaker – Peter Shankman, a social media leader, author and founder of Help a Reporter Out – and panels on topics previous attendees told us are most important to them. Topics include:

• How to Identify and Energize Your Most Loyal Fans
• Beyond “Listening”: Using Social Media to Make Real Changes to Your Business
• Social Media Case Studies: What Worked, What Didn’t
• What’s Next in Social Media – From New Technologies to New Trends

The event will also feature a working lunch, providing attendees the opportunity to discuss and share ideas on a wide range of social media topics. Check out the day’s agenda.

Attendees who register by Dec. 31, 2010, will receive the early bird discount of $99 per person; starting Jan. 1, 2011, ticket prices will be $129 per person. PR Newswire and WestGlen are sponsoring the event.

You can also join the conversation about the symposium by using #sdsms. We hope to see you there!

The current public discussion about sustainability tends to paint a negative picture of agriculture unless it’s local and small. There’s an opportunity to change this discussion when you expand sustainability to a sustainable food system.

The dramatic increases in demand for food given population projections around the world and the rising middle class in developing nations (creating demand for animal protein and specialty crops) are undeniable. The reality is there’s demand for both large and small farms operating efficiently, sustainable and concurrently.

Discussions like this are beginning in stakeholder forums all over the world, and here’s further perspective on an opportunity well worth pursuing: http://bit.ly/d4HErO.

Last night the Nuffer, Smith, Tucker team was proud to join local PR professionals and long-time friends from throughout San Diego at the annual San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter Public Relations Society of America Edward L. Bernays Mark of Excellence Awards.

Happily seated at the “Journey” table during the rockstar-themed ceremony at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, the NST team took home three prestigious Bernays Awards, which recognize superior public relations efforts of the past year.

A Bronze Award of Excellence was awarded in the category of Media Relations, Associations/Non-Profit/Government, for NST’s execution of the 2009 California Citrus Research Board Asian citrus psyllid ground media tour. NST also received a Bronze Award of Merit in the Website External category for its website re-fresh for client Ocean Mist Farms, and in the Direct Mail/Direct Response category for the Chicken of the Sea International Mermaid Birthday Club outreach.

A big congratulations to each and every one of my fellow NSTers for the exceptional work on the above mentioned campaigns, and the dedication and hard work you give to all our clients, day in and day out. Evenings like last night remind us how lucky we are to have found a profession we love, and the ability to work beside colleagues and friends we admire.

Congratulations, Team NST! Cheers to another great year of work!