We live in a world where people can actually make a living by creating and managing a blog. Although many of these blogs look drastically different from when they first became popular, the basic idea is still the same. Content gets pushed out; people consume and share it. Whether you’re already an expert at running your couponing blog or just getting your lifestyle blog going, these top five SXSWi panels for bloggers can help you out.
Captivology: The Science of Capturing Attention
Sunday, March 15
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Hyatt Regency Austin
Texas Ballroom 4-7
208 Barton Springs Rd.
Many people believe technology and digital media are responsible for decreasing our attention spans and keeping us distracted. With access to an infinite amount of information at our fingertips, it’s possible the Internet and our devices are to blame. Very few people read to the end of news articles anymore, and a lot of people won’t watch YouTube videos that are longer than five minutes. As content creators, you only have seconds to grab and keep somebody’s attention. So how can you do it when everybody is so distracted by their phones? Award-winning journalist and entrepreneur Ben Parr will discuss the psychological phenomena that trigger predictable responses in the brain and explain how you can use them to retain people’s attention, no matter where your interests lie.
Presented by HarperCollins Publishers.
Going Viral: The Science of Predicting the Web
Sunday, March 15
5-6 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Austin
Big Bend
208 Barton Springs Rd.
Do you remember when the word ‘viral’ had nothing to do with the Internet? Me neither. The idea behind viral content is that it catches people’s attention and then spreads like wildfire. So what is the science behind identifying, creating and capitalizing on digital content that goes viral? Mashable created a viral prediction technology called Velocity, which enables them to collect data and determine what content is about to go viral. And 360i is a digital marketing agency that works with brand to create relevant, authentic and engaging experiences. Matt Wurst, vice president of social media at 360i, and Robyn Peterson, chief technology officer at Mashable, join together to discuss how to utilize this data and how to create content that lasts.
How to Write Short: Word Craft for Fast Times
Tuesday, March 17
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Austin
Texas Ballroom 4-7
208 Barton Springs Rd.
In our fast-paced, tech-driven world, short content is essential. This session features Roy Peter Clark of the Poynter Institute as he explores methods and strategies for short-form writing, including narratives, headlines, slogans, tweets, and even online dating profiles. He will use examples from both contemporary and traditional sources, and both writers and editors will leave with new ideas for their work. Clark says, “Every piece of writing, no matter how short, should be the product of craft.”
The Art of Social Media
Friday, March 13
5-6 p.m.
JW Marriott
Salon 5-6
110 E 2nd St.
One of the best ways bloggers can spread their content is through social media, and it’s important to start building your personal brand. Guy Kawasaki of Canva and Peg Fitzpatrick of Alltop, will provide power tips to achieve the maximum results from all your hard work. If you need advice on how to use social media to help you find an audience and build your brand, this session will provide smart tactics for practical application of social media marketing.
The Science of Sharing
Saturday, March 14
5:15-5:30 p.m.
Austin Convention Center
Ballroom B
As one of the Future15 sessions for Content and Distribution, this presentation will explore why, how and when people share content based on psychological, neurological and biological truths. James Laporte of DigitasLBi will then take these truths and apply them to a framework that you can use to improve the shareability of the content you create. For those of you who are more focused on having your content reach a wider audience than on it going viral, this session is for you.