SADLY AMPLIFY SHUT DOWN IN 2013
Amplify is a hot new microblogging platform that seems to get better every week. I wrote an introduction to Amplify and recorded a screencast to demonstrate how to customize your Amplog page and sidebar widgets. Now I'm very excited to update you on the latest improvements to the Amplify platform and how you can use this service to your benefit.
First let me give you a quick review of how Amplify can be used and what I like about it. Eric Goldstein, Dave Grossman and the rest of the Amplify team have this to say on the About page:
Amplify gives you the easiest way to clip, share and spark conversation around articles, blog posts or anything else you read on the web.
Do you ever find an article when your surfing the web or if you're on Twitter that you think is packed with useful information. I mean the kind of article that has you thinking to yourself “I wish I wrote that” or “I've been looking for the answer to this question” or even “I KNEW it!!”. That's when you use Amplify.
Sure it's easy to just Retweet the article, but there comes a time when you want to make an even bigger impression on your followers. You want an even greater chance to grab the attention of people in your social networks because you know they have the same questions you have. You're sure they'll be “pleased as punch” to see your new discovery. And to be honest, you really want them to focus on one or two relevant paragraphs, not the entire 1,000 word post! Amplify is the perfect solution and now, here's how it's getting better.
Google Analytics Statistics for Your Amps
I don't think there's much more to be said here, integration with Google Analytics is a no-brainer. If you're not sure why you need Google Analytics, you should really take the time to find out. DiTesco offers sound advice in Using Your Most Viewed Articles for Better Conversions. If you would like a more in-depth understanding of Google Analytics you should follow Avinash Kaushik, and read his book. Avinash is “The Analytics Evangelist for Google.”
Share Amps on your Facebook Page not just your profile
Sharing directly to your Facebook Page (versus posting to your personal profile) is a major to the Amplify platform in my view. Honestly, the posts look much cleaner compared to posting on Facebook from HootSuite. And besides when you use HootSuite it does not post to both Facebook and Twitter at the same time. Amplify handles the job of dual posting quite nicely!
Schedule Posts
What's very unique about scheduling posts in Amplify is that you can schedule them down to the minute, not just 5 or 10 minute intervals (like HootSuite for example). When you schedule a post, remember you're not just scheduling an “Amp”, you're also scheduling a Tweet, a Facebook Page post, a Blogger post and more. As a matter of fact, if you allow Amplify to post to Ping.fm, you have a grand total of 35 services that you can post to at once! Personally I think it would be overkill to do them all, but at least you know you have 35 that you can choose from.
New Theme Picker
Amplify lets you “Select a clip theme” and you have 7 options to choose from that will customize the look of your clip on Amplify. Use the Classic, Newspaper, Post It, iTheme (my favorite), Notepad, Retro PC or Pic Frame theme (I love this one too)!
Here are a few of my favorite, most engaging people to follow on Amplify:
Svartling – Swedish Internet Evangelist. Posts about Social Media, Tech, Apple, Apps,Gadgets & more!
Viggo Andersen – Viggo Andersen is exploring social media, twitter, blogging, apps, etc on his spare time while listening to grunge and metal. He also plays Furch, Fender & Ovation guitars. He regards ADHD to be a talent and love working w/ these gifted kids.
Tia Peterson – Getting ready to roll out the new BizChickBlogs 2011. Moving women forward.
Joe Hackman -Information, Web and Media Technology Strategist, Entrepreneur, Blogger, Podcaster, Gadget and Technology Enthusiast.
Frank Woodman Jr. – Accounting and Small Business Consulting
Kol Tregaskes – Used to work in the games industry, a very keen photographer, likes music, movies, sport, computing + games, web development, art, tech, sci-fi & FriendFeed.
Sherryl Perry – Geek, Coach & Consultant who enjoys helping entrepreneurs and small biz owners promote theirs
SweetsFoods – Blogger. Foodie. Social Media Addict. Health & Fitness Enthusiast. Runner & Biker. Like Internet Marketing, Search Engines Optimization too..better Follow Me!
Estava Morioka – Trendsetter, Stylist, Owner of EstavaMorioka.com – bringing you affordably priced party dresses. Get fashion, beauty, & health tips
JustKissie – Philanthropist, Democrat, Bible Believer, Vegan, Witty Writer, Dogs, NFL Fan, Everything Eagles, Sticking with the Sixers, Purpose Driven Atlanta Mom, Grandma
Ok, you get the point. I'm following over 200 people so I can't list everyone 🙂 but the topics covered by this group is very diverse, and I included the bio to make it easy for you to decide. There are many reasons to start using Amplify and of course I should mention that Amplify is a great tool for building backlinks!
Are you using Amplify yet? Please share some of your favorites with us.
