Marketing Monday: Resources

I have had a few conversations recently about staying plugged in to the world of content, marketing, and social, and how various people do that. As a content builder and marketer, I am always looking for recommendations for good sources, and am happy to share my own.

To that end, here are a few of my favorites, which are also captured in my Twitter Marketing list.

Mashable - Always a good resource for staying on top of everything from news to trends to tech. For instance, I was surprised to see today that Peeple (the 'Yelp for people') is back. Thanks for that depressing news, Mashable.

AdWeek - Often entertaining, always informative. Today what caught my interest was this article on Brawny's new campaign, and this one about new offline sales tracking tools for use in conjunction with Facebook ads (smart for everyone involved).

Hootsuite - Often tweets links to its content, which is often about content, to complement their app - which helps you get your content to your people and beyond. Did you get all that? Recently this article caught my eye: things brands should pay attention to about protecting their brand on social media. Not necessarily a new take, but always a good reminder.

BuzzFeed - Say what you will about listicles and quizzes regarding which Harry Potter house you'd be in (Gryffindor, Slytherin, or Hufflepuff, depending on which Sorting Hat I ask): Following BuzzFeed is an absolute must for keeping your finger on the pulse of world news, entertainment, and culture. It's a good way to get a sense of what's trending, what's hot, and what's in focus. Plus I really dig their Publisher and what she has to say about the intersection of data and content. I respect a person who respects both the data and its context.

HubSpot - Cannot overlook this one. This article is a great resource for anyone starting out in social media marketing.

And of course, Google. If ever I'm curious about a topic or an issue Google almost always has the answer. Recently I've been researching and reading up on SEO, a topic that I'm unfortunately not terribly well-versed in.

What's caught your eye lately, and what are your marketing resource go-tos?

Marketing, yo!

Friday Find: Downton Downer

Downton Abbey, one of my favorite shows, ends for us in the States this Sunday. I supposed it's not so much a downer as it is bittersweet.

Yeah, no, I'm bummed. I have loved the show so much, and I am so sad to never have a new episode to watch! But I suspect I may begin to rewatch the whole thing once I'm through my current, first-ever viewing of The Sopranos. The only thing better than the excitement of enjoying new episodes as they come out is watching a whole series straight through.

Anyway, to celebrate the end of one of the Best Shows Of All Time According To Me, I've got a round-up of some videos, gifs, and other Downton-related goodies.

And tell me, what are you going to miss most? Julian Fellowes' heavy-handed yet charming story lines? How Lady Edith could never get ahead? The way Lady Mary was such a smug, self-righteous jerk but you loved her anyway? The beautiful homes? The gorgeous period clothes and furnishings? Mrs. Padmore and Daisy's charming, high-strung relationship? MARY'S DRESSING GOWNS?

PBS has been ON IT with delightful, funny, moving videos to prep us all for the finale. Here are a few of my favorites.

Take a look back on the six seasons of Crawley sister feud. The Downton Abbey series finale airs Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 9/8c. #FarewellDownton

See cast members Allen Leech, Michelle Dockery, Jim Carter, Kevin Doyle, Phyllis Logan, and Hugh Bonneville answer quick questions about what they will miss most when the series ends. See the Downton Abbey series finale on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 9/8c on MASTERPIECE on PBS. #DowntonPBS

See some of the best one-liners from six seasons of Downton Abbey. The series finale airs Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 9/8c on MASTERPIECE on PBS. #FarewellDownton

Like anyone who's a fan of the show, I will sorely miss the Dowager Countess's one liners and zingers.

Whenever I get glum about @DowntonAbbey ending, I remember that we'll always have Dowager GIFs to sustain us, and it takes the sting out.

— Caitlin Hannah (@TheCopyCait) March 4, 2016

Fortunately, they've provided a lifetime's supply of perfect GIFs, and BuzzFeed has approximately 112 listicles outlining them. You can find some here and here and here.

My friend Sarah sent me this delightful mug that is so perfect for watching the show, reading, and cozy Sundays.

Perfect Sunday. #herladyship (Thank you for the perfect mug, @raintea!)

A photo posted by Caitlin Hannah (@thecopycait) on Jan 17, 2016 at 4:04pm PST

I will also really miss The Fug Girls' Downton Recaps. I looked forward to them every Monday, and they've been such a fun way to indulge in and stretch out the enjoyment of the show.

And finally, this NY Times piece breaks down where the fictional series paralleled real-life historic events. Absolutely fascinating.

Do you have any favorite Downton bits, links, swag, or memories to share?

And please, no spoilers, but if Lady Edith doesn't end up happily married, so help me god, I will do absolutely nothing because this is a TV show.

Friday Find: Kelly & Leslie

I was a big fan of American Idol in its heyday (anyone else remember American Idol ice cream?), though I stopped watching in recent years. I will forever be a fan of Kelly Clarkson, and if you missed her final Idol performance last night, be sure to check it out. And maybe have some tissues handy.

Kelly's emotions run as high as her vocals while performing her intimately personal song "Piece by Piece".

A friend who helped give me the idea of the Friday Find (HI ANDREA!) sent me this AV Club article this week. And of course she did, because many moons ago we worked together, and when we parted ways I gave her this mug and a bust of Ron Swanson with a plaque that said "Give me all the bacon and eggs you have."

Anyway, If you're a fan of Parks & Rec, it's a great breakdown of ten important episodes and how they helped shape and carry the series. A series I'm currently in my third re-watch of, if you must know. I can't quit you, Pawnee. And I don't want to. (Get on your feet!)

Thanks for this perfect gif, Andrea.