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4 Ways Visual Content Improves Social Media Results
Want better engagement for your social media campaigns? Wondering how visual content can help? Using visual content to support your messaging makes it easier to grab your audience’s attention. In this article, you’ll discover how visual content can support your social media marketing. #1: Drive Interest and Clicks With Simple Imagery Your social media followers are […]
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Data Journalism: A Simple Guide for Marketers
For as long as we can remember, newsrooms have used data to support their stories. Whether it’s elections, global warming, or Oscar predictions, writers and reporters dig deep for facts and statistics that’ll add credibility to their claims.
However, in recent years, data journalism has become the norm in almost every industry. And as a result, the need for data journalists continues to rise — companies like Priceonomics, Pandora, and many more digital agencies are all looking for people that aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty with numbers and charts.
If you’re not familiar with the concept of data journalism, you’re not out of luck. In fact, you’re the right place. To help business understand the value of this approach, I’ve done some research myself.
Below you’ll find helpful information surrounding what data journalism is, what data journalists do, and how you can get started.
What is Data Journalism?
Data journalism is a specialized practice that involves the discovery and distribution of news, with a heavy focus on analysis, data visualization, and storytelling.
A brief history of data journalism:
One of the earliest examples of data journalism was seen in one of the very first editions of The Guardian in 1821. The bound volume included a table of leaked data from all the schools in Manchester, the number of students (by gender), and the cost of education.
Image Credit: Data Journalism Handbook
This was the first time the public had been exposed to this type of information, and the author of the piece suggested that this type of data transparency — while controversial at the time — would be necessary moving forward if they wished to improve current conditions and processes.
If you fast forward to 1950s, you can see how the introduction of computers — specifically the UNIVAC — helped to more dramatically shift the focus of traditional journalism. For example, one of the first instances of computer-assisted reporting (CAR)was during the 1952 presidential election, where CBS News used the machine’s calculation of election results in their broadcast.
And by the early 1970s, the term precision journalism surfaced as a way to describe a new way of looking at news-gathering — one that was rooted in scientific techniques, data collection, and thoughtful analysis. According to Philip Meyer, who went on to author a book about the practice, this type of new perspective was needed to help journalists establish both objectivity and truth.
“Precision journalism was a way to expand the tool kit of the reporter to make topics that were previously inaccessible, or only crudely accessible, subject to journalistic scrutiny,” Meyer explained.
Thanks to the wealth of information available today, data journalism continues to evolve and expand. With the help of visual tools such as infographics and interactive charts, journalists have become more sophisticated storytellers — using data to inform a majority of their work.
So, What Do Data Journalists Do?
The general role of data journalists is to create data-backed content that sheds light on facts, interesting trends, and trivia. A data journalist could be a writer, economics writer, data scientist, data visualizer, or even just a data nerd.
And as a result of the level of content saturation on the internet, data journalism is no longer restricted to big publishing companies and newsrooms. While business of all shapes and sizes continue to seek out opportunities to create better, more informative content, they’re beginning to explore different tools and formats for conveying information.
With an emphasis on in-depth research and lateral thinking, data journalists are able to cut through the content clutter and information overload. But there’s more to the job than that …
They use data in myriad ways.
First things first, let’s bust some myths. Data journalism is not always intellectual, thought provoking, or disruptive in nature.
In fact, there is a huge potential for sites that publish content — no matter what the topic may be — to infuse their information with statistics and compelling, supporting visuals.
For example, a group of students from Technical University of Munich built a Game of Thrones-inspired website called A Song of Ice and Data to geek out over the statistical side of the show’s plot lines:
We wanted to tell some of the Game of Thrones stories using data that we acquire on the web. Many fans of the Ice and Fire books and of the HBO show have amassed a lot of data about the plot, the characters, the great houses of westeros, the history and culture of the world of Ice and Fire, and in general anything you can think about this cultural phenomenon.”
And that’s exactly what they do. Check it out:
They don’t always rely on numbers.
Data journalism is much more than fumbling with Excel sheets and number crunching. In fact, in some cases, it doesn’t have to be rooted in numbers at all.
For example, in this piece for The New York Times, the author has done extensive research on ‘whitewashing’ in Hollywood to make a case for Asian-American’s lack of visibility on screen.
Rather than focusing solely on numbers, the piece includes quotes from Asian actors, cites examples of various movies, and talks about Twitter trends like #whitewashedOUT.
So while data journalism requires writers to dig through data to uncover statements, sentiments, or credible information that can be used as supporting evidence, it doesn’t have to focus on numbers alone.
They make data appealing or interactive.
In most cases, data-rich content works better when it is visually appealing or interactive. After all, the brain processes visual information 60,000 times faster than it does text.
With this in mind, many companies have used data to create compelling interactive content. For data journalists, this is where coding, visualizing, and a keen sense of design and UX comes into the picture.
A great example of this comes from the folks at ConcertHotels, who researched the history of rock to create an awesome piece of content that displays 100 years of rock music by year.
As you scroll down and click on each, a sample music plays. They’ve sorted the music pieces by year — and color-sorted the data to make it more clear.
The lesson? Sometimes people need more than simple pie charts and graphs to understand data. Data journalists get that. And as a result, they must continuously hone their design and development skills. (Looking for some tools to help you get your design skills in gear? Check out this post.)
They know how to tell a story.
The best data journalists are also skillful storytellers. They know how to distill information to create a clear and convincing narrative.
If I told you that 5000+ people have died in New Jersey because of heroin, you’d probably be surprised. But would that number alone be enough to really move you?
Probably not.
Now, what if I made you scroll past tombstones upon tombstones with the names and ages of the people who died? Would that make an impact?
Well, that’s exactly what NJ.com did …
[Click here to view the entire visual]
Pretty alarming, isn’t it?
That’s what makes it such a great example of data journalism. It tells a powerful story without having to relying on a ton of written words. It’s simple, yet impactful.
What Resources Do I Need for Data Journalism?
The internet is full of resources to provide you with data of all types and sizes.
You have data tools that can help you drill down data to the last pixel. You have data visualization tools that help you make sense of data chaos. You have predictive tools that throw light on future trends. At the end of the day, the possibilities in today’s data-driven world are endless.
To help you get started, here are a few basic tools to explore …
Data/Research
- Pew Research
- UNdata
- Data.gov
- U.S. Census Bureau
- Statista
- Stats.org
- HubSpot Research
- Google Trends
- SocialMention
Data Visualization
(Check out this post for even more data visualization tools and resources.)
Have you experimented with data journalism? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Mark Zuckerberg’s MacBook security advice? Put tape over the webcam and microphone
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is no stranger to elaborate security. It was reported earlier this year that Facebook has spent more than $16 million on security to protect the executive from “specific threats” from users and other sources. Meanwhile, Zuckerberg has also apparently hired 16 bodyguards to protect him at home. Now, Zuckerberg has inadvertently revealed another security measure he takes – and it’s surprisingly simple.
Filed under: Apple
Apple Pay adds over 40 new banks and credit unions in the United States
Just two weeks after coming to over 30 new banks and credit unions, Apple Pay today has added an additional 44 new institutions in the United States. The new banks come a few days after Bank of America announced that it was rolling out support for ATM withdrawals using Apple Pay and come as Apple announced several new countries for the mobile payment service at WWDC.
Below are the new banks and credit unions that now work with Apple Pay:
Would a $60B purchase of Amex (AXP) make sense for Apple (AAPL) and Apple Pay?
Apple first introduced its mobile payments solution in 2014 and has been gradually expanding it both domestically and internationally since then, most recently announcing a handful of new features and countries at WWDC this month. What’s interesting to note, however, is that Apple is bringing in just $0.15 per every $100 spent using Apple Pay. Brian Nichols of InvestorPlace points out that rate is much lower than the 2 percent to 4 percent rates collected by companies like MasterCard and Visa. The solution suggested by Nichols? Make Apple Pay an actual transactor of payments…
Filed under: Apple Pay Tagged: American express, Apple Pay
iOS 10: A look at 30 additional new features [Video]
Last week we covered 75 new iOS 10 features, and this week we are showcasing an additional 30 new features to be found on the iOS 10 beta. more…
Filed under: iOS, iOS Devices Tagged: iOS 10, iOS 10 Beta 1, video, walkthrough, WWDC 2016
Apple adds new channels to Apple TV universal/Siri search
Ex-Apple engineers made this $499 rearview backup camera that uses iPhone as a display
A startup called Pearl Automations is today releasing a new accessory that adds a rearview backup camera to just about any car using an iPhone or other smartphone as a monitor. The company is notably made up of a large group of ex-Apple engineers and the accessory is just the first in a line of products it plans that will add various smartphone connectivity features to vehicles.
Filed under: AAPL Company, iOS Tagged: Accessories, backup camera, iOS, iPhone, Pearl RearVision, rearview
How a Steve Jobs speech inspired the 2016 NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers
Here’s an interesting excerpt from an ESPN article on how LeBron James inspired his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers to a comeback upset over [Eddy Cue’s] Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Championship. As a native of Cleveland, this is particularly interesting to me: more…
Filed under: AAPL Company
Yahoo launches new Radar smart travel guide & assistant app for iPhone
Yahoo today launched a new iOS app called ‘Radar’ that it says will act as a smart travel guide, offering up recommendations on points of interest and pulling in trip itineraries, reservations and other travel information from Yahoo Mail.
Whether you’re planning a trip or want to try something different in your hometown, this iPhone app brings you the best results, gleaned from across the web, and combines Yahoo’s expertise in search, communications and content to help you explore the next U.S. city of choice. Just sign in with your Yahoo Mail email address and Radar will use the upcoming flight, hotel and rental car confirmation receipts in your inbox to help you get organized for your trip. Radar also provides snackable recommendations, from must-see sights to the best restaurants in town.
The app will also feature user reviews for restaurants and travel tips from places like TripAdvisor and elsewhere around the web, and it offers other assistant-type features like check-in reminders and notifications for flights and more.
You have to sign-in with a Yahoo Mail address since Yahoo is getting many of the recommendations and notifications from scanning your emails, but the company notes you can link your Gmail, Outlook, AOL, or Hotmail address to Yahoo Mail, a feature that was recently added.
“See your trip itineraries, including flights, hotels and rental car reservations, automatically populated from the confirmations in your Yahoo Mail account… Receive notifications of flight delays, gate changes, flight cancellations and check-in reminders — Radar goes the extra mile to make your journey as seamless as possible”
For now the free Radar app is available to download and use in the US on iPhone.
Sonos Controller for iOS gains lock screen control access, new 3D Touch + Split View features, more
Sonos has released a big update to its Controller app for iPhone and iPad that improves the experience on iOS in several ways. Because Sonos speakers stream music from services including Apple Music directly over the Internet and your iPhone or iPad is only used to tell it what to play, the lock screen has lacked playback controls; today’s update works around that on iOS 8 and later. Sonos Controller 6.3 for iOS adds lock screen controls that you can access from iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch for the first time. The new version includes some other new features for Apple’s latest hardware as well:
Filed under: Apple Music, Apps Tagged: Sonos
OS X 10.11.6 beta 3 for developers hits the Mac App Store
Remember OS X? macOS Sierra is the new hotness, but OS X El Capitan has at least one more update left before the big name change takes place later this year. OS X 10.11.6 isn’t quit ready for prime time yet, but Apple has released the third beta version of the Mac software update for testing.
Filed under: Mac
Mindful Project Management
Mindful Project Management
By Diana Eskander
What is mindfulness?
Well, one thing we know for sure is that it’s a pretty hot topic these days.
A simple definition of mindfulness is being present and aware of what’s happening internally and externally in our surrounding environments, right now, in this very moment.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “the practice of […]
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Apple releases iOS 9.3.3 beta 3 + tvOS 9.2.2 beta 3 to developers & public beta testers
While Apple has mostly moved on to iOS 10 beta testing at this point, the minor iOS 9.3.3 update is still in beta and received its third developer release today. iOS 9.3.3 beta 3 for developers brings the build to 13Y823. Changes so far haven’t been noticeable as the update is likely focused on security enhancements and bug fix improvements.
Apple last released an iOS 9.3.3 beta in early June including the first version for iPad Pro 9.7-inch. For Apple TV developers, tvOS 9.2.2 beta 3 is also now available for anyone not already testing tvOS 10 beta. A public beta version of the iOS 9.3.3. beta 3 release is also available today.
Filed under: iOS Devices
WSJ: iPhone 7 w/ similar design and removed headphone jack this fall, major changes next year
iPhone 7 rumors have been notably tame this year, and that’s because the next-generation iPhone is widely expected to be a further revision to the iPhone 6 series and not a radically different design. The Wall Street Journal is the latest to report on Apple’s expected plans for the iPhone 7, describing a situation where the iPhone 7 closely resembles the iPhone 6s minus the headphone jack. WSJ reports that this will result in a thinner design that’s more water-resistant than current models.
But the report also believes the 2017 iPhone will be dramatically different, featuring an OLED display like the Apple Watch and embedding the Touch ID sensor in the display while losing the Home button…
Filed under: iOS Devices
9to5Toys Lunch Break: Retina MacBook Pro $1,000, Anker Lightning cable $6, iPhone 5s w/ service $160, more
Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.
TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:
Grab Apple’s latest 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro on sale from $1,000 shipped w/ .edu ($300 savings)
Anker launches sale on Amazon for a bunch of its iPhone accessories: Lightning cables $6, cases from $5, more
Get an iPhone 5s 16GB (refurb) w/ a month of FreedomPop’s Unlimited for $160
Best Buy will give you an Apple Watch for $49 w/purchase of iPhone 6s/+ plan on AT&T/Verizon/Sprint ($250 off)
App Store Free App of the Week: TextGrabber + Translator goes free for the very first time (Reg. $5+)
Yoga Studio: one of the best iOS yoga apps out there just went free for the first time in a year (Reg. $4)
All the iOS Grand Theft Auto titles just went on sale up to 60% off: Liberty City Stories $3 (Reg. $7), more
Rovio’s Bad Piggies for iPhone/iPad goes free for the first time in years (Reg. $1)
How-to: Put a USB Charging port just about anywhere, without AC power for as little as $50 (Solar+Battery)
Giotto’s $10 Rocket Air Blaster is the best way to keep your Mac clean for the money
Review: At just $24, this Leather Loop Band for Apple Watch looks great and won’t break the bank [Gallery]
MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:
HDTVs w/ Roku built-in offer great value, here’s a solid deal on a 48-inch model for $250 shipped
- Beyerdynamic’s DT990 Headphones $130 (Reg. $200)
- Smartphone Accessories: Lumsing Bluetooth in-ear Headphones $14 (Reg. $23), more
- Daily Deals: Logitech K400 Plus Wireless Keyboard $24, more
- PUMA’s 24-hr. sale takes 30% off sitewide: load up on workout gear, accessories, more
- Sam’s Club 1-yr membership w/ $10 credit + $100 worth of discounts for $25 ($155 value)
- The best-selling LEGO Classic Creative Brick Set for $24 Prime shipped
- Games/Apps: Superbrothers Sword & Sworcery $1, iOS freebies, more
- You can get select Deadpool Digital comics for only $4 a piece (Orig. $7-$10)
MORE DEALS STILL ALIVE:
Protect your iPhone 6/s/Plus or 5/s/SE w/ a Ringke case for as little as $3 shipped
It’s time to get some free money w/ up to 20% off gift cards from Staples, Jiffy Lube and Petco
This flash drive adds another 32GB to your iPhone or iPad thanks to Lightning + USB 3.0 connectivity: $36 (Reg. $50)
Ditch that ugly plastic flash drive for an all-metal USB 3.0 Samsung from $7 Prime shipped (up to 60% off)
- LG’s 27-inch 4K FreeSync Monitor: $400 shipped (Reg. $500)
- OLALA Power Bank + Lightning Cable $24 (Reg. $30), more
- The Logitech Harmony Ultimate Home Remote: $170 (Reg. $250)
- Acer’s huge Chromebook 15, 1080p HD display $229 ($70 off)
- Upgrade to Sony’s 300W Soundbar for $199
- Samsung 50″ Smart HDR Ultra HDTV for $629 (Reg. $749)
- Take the party poolside with the JBL Control One outdoor speakers (refurb) $50 (Reg. $90+)
- Green Deals: 12-hr Rechargeable Solar Outdoor LED Light $9 Prime shipped (Reg. $13), more
- Sony SRSX55 Bluetooth speaker $90 shipped (Reg. $160+)
- LG Google Nexus 5X 16GB Smartphone $230, more
- ThinkGeek 60% off Summer Sale
- 3 digital magazines for FREE on Amazon, no strings attached
- Samsung 48-inch Smart Ultra HDTV $460
- Seagate 5TB External USB 3.0 Hard Drive $110
- ALLPOWERS Solar 12000mAh Battery Pack $20
- Ultra-wide 34-inch LG monitor for $375 (Orig. $600)
- MLB.TV Premium subscription drops to $50
- Pebble Steel Smartwatch for iOS and Android $80 shipped
- Green Deals: best-selling 6-pack of 60W LED light bulbs $18 Prime shipped, more
- Use these tips and tricks to avoid costly airline baggage fees
- BlenderBottle w/ Twist n’ Lock Storage just over $9 Prime shipped (Reg. $13+)
- Vacu Vin Saver Pump + Bottle Stoppers from under $8 Prime shipped (Reg. up to $15)
- Amazon $5 HD movie sale
- Delta Water Amplifier: $18
- Samsung Galaxy S7 32GB (unlocked, used) for $430
- The Samson Studio Microphone Kit: $50 shipped (Orig. $150)
- These Philips headphones have a built-in Lightning cable: $140 shipped (Reg. $240+)
- 1byone 3100mAh Battery Case for iPhone 6/6s $11 Prime shipped (Reg. $25), more
- These stylish MacBook sleeves are on sale from $14
- Tronsmart 42W 3-Port USB Wall Charger $9, more
NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:
The Voltaire Coffee Grinder will tell you when your beans have gone bad
These new Donkey Kong, Zelda and 8-bit Mario Bros amiibo stands are some of the best
- No, Jony Ive didn’t design Plume’s new mini Wi-Fi routers, but it sure looks like it…
- Satechi’s new six-port desktop charger has USB-C support for powering all of your devices
- This aluminum kitchen for your SUV or truck will make you the coolest person at the tailgate
- Soundlazer’s directional tech puts you in a virtual cloud of music
- Sony’s upcoming PS VR Aim Controller is the Duck Hunt gun we’ve always hoped for
- ECCE’s stunning bicycles blend high-end materials and sci-fi design
- SapienStone’s Smart Slab is the coolest dining room table you’ve ever seen
- Colorware tricked out a MacBook with an Apple IIe design and it’s awesome
- Suunto’s latest fitness tracker has a thoughtful design, lacks one crucial feature
- This gorgeous desk clock is made with vintage Soviet Union Nixie tubes
- Forget drones, this GoPro-enabled submarine takes you on a VR tour underwater
- The Super 73 Electric Bike has an old-school design and hits speeds up to 30mph
- Segway returns with the smartphone-connected miniPRO electric transporter
- The Star Wars Ultimate Collection brings incredible recreations of movie props to your home
E3 2016:
Microsoft’s E3 keynote brings new Xbox One S console w/ 4K, Forza Horizon 3, teases next-gen, more
Sony crushes E3 2016 with non-stop games: God of War, Last Guardian, Spider-Man, new Kojima game, Resident Evil 7, more
All the biggest iOS/Android announcements from E3 2016: Elder Scrolls, more
Ubisoft’s E3 2016 keynote showcases Ghost Recon Wildlands, South Park, For Honor, Watch Dogs 2, more
EA gives a glimpse into upcoming releases at E3 2016: Battlefield 1, Titanfall 2, Madden, more [Videos]
Bethesda’s E3 2016 highlights include new Dishonored 2, Prey, Quake, Skyrim special edition, more
Filed under: iOS Devices
GigSky expands international iPad data plans to 140+ countries with Apple SIM
Last year GigSky announced that it would offer iPad cellular data plans in around 90 countries by leveraging Apple’s new carrier-agnostic Apple SIM now included in the device. Today the company is expanding availability of those plans to 140+ countries, giving more iPad users the ability to purchase data plans through GigSky without going through a local carrier.
Filed under: iOS Devices Tagged: apple sim, cellular, Data, gigsky, international, iPad, plans
PSA: Make sure your Airport Utility app is set to check for updates
We all know the importance of keeping on top of security updates, but there is one kind that might escape your attention if you don’t have it set to check automatically: those for your AirPort base station. Whether you have an AirPort Express, Extreme or Time Capsule, they all have firmware updates to plug security holes and fix other issues.