After years of watching fancy iPhone and Android phones upload fun pictures of cats to instagram and taking short but fun videos on this thing called Vine (and then on Instagram…are people still using Vine?) I took the plunge and broke up…
…with my Blackberry. After years of being dependent on having to have a Blackberry phone (which used to be the cool thing, yeah?) and stuck on keeping that physical keyboard I finally had enough. I was done being left with a phone that couldn’t function and almost as important, couldn’t keep up with social media.
And now that I have taken that scary step here are the apps I can’t live without!
Facebook
You know it, I know it, everyone is using Facebook (except those few holdouts who will never join, you know who I’m talking about). The Facebook app for Android makes it easy to keep up with the latest happenings with your friends (and readers). Also you can access the Facebook messaging system which is great for connecting on the go.
Facebook Pages Manager
If you run a business, company, are an author, or run a book blog, chances are you have a Facebook page. As neat as the Facebook application is it does not yet let you access the admin panel for Facebook pages. Not to worry! With this Pages Manager app you can access the admin panel for all your pages on the go.
Twitter
Needless to say, I am a Twitter addict (I think I even have that in my bio…scary!). I adore being able to connect with authors and readers on Twitter. Having this app on my phone allows me to do everything I could ever need to on Twitter right from my phone.
Google+
Google+ is a newer platform for me, one I couldn’t get on my Blackberry phone. Now that I have access to this nifty app I can share content on the go, leave comments, add pictures, and check up with my circles anytime. Allowing me to get more active with one of my newest favorite platforms.
Instagram
Although it may seem like just another place to post selfies, Instragram can be a vital marketing tool. As people we want to connect with people. What better way to get to know someone than to see snapshots of what is important to them? I know for me as a reader I love getting to see when my favorite author gets copies of their newest book, or shares a picture of the sunset that just gave them inspiration to write that next scene. Plus Instagram seems to have a thing for cat pictures, and who doesn’t love cat pictures?
Pinterest
Another of my absolute favorite ways to get visual! Although the Pinterest app does not let you share your pictures to other social media sites (like Instagram does), it does allow you to add pins throughout the day and on the go. The Pinterest app is easy to use for pinning new things to your current boards and even creating new boards. (Plus, it’s a whole lot of fun.)
Foursquare
Foursquare is one of those apps that some might think over shares, but it all depends on how you use it. First you can keep all you check-ins private, which lets you keep track of where you’ve been without telling the world. Second, if you do want to share where you are you can select where to share and when. So if you have some big event (like BEA) it might be a good idea to check in on Foursquare and let your fans know. Plus Foursquare partners with lots of companies to offer benefits to those who check in. I happen to not live near these places but they are out there and worth clicking a few buttons!
Tumblr
Another platform I had but couldn’t get onto with a Blackberry. Tumblr allows users to share visuals, videos, links, text, and more. I like to think of Tumblr as “social blogging,” where instead of having only a few members working on one site you can curate content from the massive amount of users already on Tumblr to supplement your great work. As a bonus Tumblr is a great place to find gifs for just about ever emotion you could possible have, trust me.
WordPress
Ever been away from your computer and suddenly get an awesome idea for a blog post? Well with the WordPress app you can now write up that post while it is on your mind, no computer necessary. Plus you can add or edit your blog pages, answer comments, and check your site stats all directly on your phone.
Buffer
It’s no secret Buffer is one of my favorite tools for social media management. With the Awesome Plan I can schedule content to both my Twitter accounts, my Facebook profile, my Facebook page and more. Having Buffer on my phone lets me check in with what I have scheduled and add things in while I’m on the go. Plus if I want to see how well a post did all I have to do is click on over to the analytics tab for some easy statistics.
Bonus (non-social) Apps
Mint
If the thought of balancing your checkbook or writing a budget fills you will glee, this is the app for you. Mint views your bank accounts and allows you to categorize your spending and income. With these categories you can create (and stick to) budgets, mark your tax related expenses, and keep track of your savings goal for that trip to Hawaii all in the palm of your hand.
Dunkin’ Donuts
If you live up North chances are your source to feed your coffee addiction. The Dunkin’ app offers deals directly to your phone (no more need to carry all those paper coupons, yay!), lets you check your Dunkin’ Donuts cards (and reload them), find your nearest refill spot, and if you are feeling generous gift a card to your friend.
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