From social platform feature releases to small business news, we've compiled the latest info so you can stay in the know.
Instagram Reels release
Instagram released Instagram Reels earlier this month as a response to the popular video app TikTok. According to Instagram, "Reels invites you to create fun videos to share with your friends or anyone on Instagram".
National Black Business Month
August is National Black Business Month, and many brands, including Facebook, are highlighting black-owned businesses and working to amplify black voices. Another interesting take: Groupon and National Black Chamber of Commerce surveyed black business owners and found that there's an opportunity for greater advocacy.
Twitter subscription research
Twitter has confirmed that they are looking into a subscription model and are surveying users to ask what they'd like to see from a paid subscription. Check out a list of the possible new features.
Amex Stand for Small
The Amex Stand for Small small business hub includes tons of resources to help your business adapt to Covid-19. Search for special rates, tools, tips, and advice to help your business get back on its feet.
Lightspeed
New Lightspeed tools are helping small retail businesses adjust to an online platform. The company is introducing e-commerce, Digital Wallet, in-store POS, Mobile Tap (for curbside and contactless transactions), and Analytics Core solutions.
Etsy sweepstakes
Each week during August, when buyers shop with their Mastercard® on Etsy, one buyer AND the seller they purchased from have a chance to win $5,000.
Snapchat B2B campaign
The Meet the Snapchat Generation campaign highlights its user base of younger audiences and demonstrates how advertisers can reach these younger audiences through the app.
SBA Coronavirus relief options
The U.S. Small Business Administration has some Coronavirus relief options available on their site, including paycheck protection and debt relief.
Google for small business
Google offers a series of tools for small businesses, that can help your small business adjust to its new normal, whatever that looks like.
LinkedIn small business resources
LinkedIn is offering free courses through the end of August for small businesses to help navigate these challenging times. Courses offered include topics like lead generation, marketing for a small business, social media for small businesses, managing stress, and more.
Instagram fundraising feature
Instagram is currently testing a new feature to fundraise for personal causes in the app. They are starting with a small test to create a Personal Fundraiser in the US, UK and Ireland. This is a timely feature, as fundraising needs for social justice causes have grown in the past few months.
