Have you heard of the latest social networking platform, Anchor? The Anchor Audio app allows you to record and share 2 minute sound bites, which they call waves. It’s very easy to use, you just hit the record button and start talking!
There’s a lot of excitement around the app because of the way Anchor makes it super simple for anyone to create and record short audio clips, and then share them via a Tweet or a Facebook update. Just like on other social networks, you can follow along with people on Anchor and people can follow you. What makes this app extra fun is that people reply with their own recorded voices and it creates a conversation. It’s really interesting!
Don’t just take my word for it, listen to our first wave on the Anchor Audio App
Your homework this weekend is to jump on Anchor and start recording your own waves! Be sure to connect with us and feel free to get your feet wet by replying to some of our waves. It’s a nice way to ease into the app. We’re just having a good time!
Anchor is free for iOS users and you can download it from the app store. But, they’re already working on versions for Android and the Web to debut later this year.
Snack-sized content is on the rise, we’re seeing this with the popularity of Vine and Snapchat and people love the ability to respond in real time. We’re seeing this with Periscope, Twitter and Facebook Live. So, following those trends, Anchor is set to really take off for audio content.
So how can you use it to your advantage? For starters, jump in on the ground floor now before everyone else joins. But, here are a few more ways bloggers can use the anchor …
Here Are 5 Ways Bloggers Can Use the Anchor Audio App
1. Create Teasers
Once your blog post is up, head over to Anchor and record a 2-minute teaser about your post. Then, invite everyone over to read the rest. Be sure to drop the link to your post (I’d suggest keeping the link short by using bit.ly) in the caption and enjoy!
2. Ask Questions
Asking questions is a great way to generate crowd-sourced content for your website. You can ask a question and then later embed your wave, and the replies you receive, into a blog post. You can also use it to general content ideas. The answers you receive could inspire some great content you may not have otherwise considered.
3. Encourage Conversations
We always try to end our blog posts by asking a question to keep the conversation going. Anchor is the perfect social network for creating conversations, because once you share your waves, (add hashtags to make them more discoverable!) they become public, and searchable within the app. You’ll find yourself getting replies, and you’ll be inspired to reply as well. Since it’s all happening in real time, it’s very easy for conversations to grow and include multiple participants. Plus, you can share your waves on Twitter and Facebook and pull even more people into a conversation.
4. Broaden Your Horizons and Build Relationships
Participate in popular topics. You can search Anchor for what’s trending and what hashtags are popular. Jump in on those conversations and share your thoughts. You’ll meet new people and have a great time making new friends. I love that Anchor is full of international users. I’m following people from the UK, Scotland, Japan, Australia and more!
5. Share Your Knowledge, Be Helpful
As a blogger, you probably blog about a specific topic (business, parenting, fashion) or a select few across a particular theme (recipes, food, restaurants) so you’re in the know about your topic of choice. Why not go ahead and share some of what you’ve learned about your niche and help others. Share tips and offer your advice and opinion. What you know could help someone else just starting out, or help someone who’s been stuck in a rut.
In closing, however you choose to use the Anchor Audio App, is entirely up to you. Are you using Anchor yet? If not, what’s holding you back? If you are, how are you using Anchor? What would you add to this list? We’d love to hear from you! Add your thoughts in the comments below or join us on Anchor at NC Blogger Network and kick off the conversation there!
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Jen Busfield says
Really excited about this…but I don’t have an iPhone…or a modern iPod (mine are ancient) — and technically, the iPad belongs to the kid. (He bought it from me fair and square…and I am trying to respect his ownership by not hijacking it). Sigh. But this sounds really cool (no pun intended), and I am looking forward to using it.
Thom Reagan says
Great ideas! I like how you think! I love the idea of moving from a one-way monologue to a two way (or more!) conversation!
Thanks for the tips!
@ThomReagan on Twitter AND Anchor!
Trish Forant says
Exactly, Thom! It’s social media, it’s supposed to be social. If people were interested in broadcast-only they’d get the newspaper, listen to radio or watch TV.
Gabriella L. says
Great tips! This motivates me to also share on other live streaming apps! I would love to connect with more mom bloggers. You can find me on Anchor at the Independent Mompreneur (@SinglemomsBFF) For now I share Monday motivation, but I will be adding new content in the coming weeks. Thank you so much for this post.
Trish Forant says
Thanks so much for jumping in and joining us! Great to have you here commenting and sharing your thoughts. Looking forward to our continued connection.
Michelle says
I am michellearoberts.com on anchor I am a dating strategist I talk about dating and relationships love anchor and blogging
Mohawkmomma says
Thank you for capturing these important elements. I’ve been using Anchor and integrating it with my blog/website and on my other social platforms, and it has definitely enriched and increased intimacy within my tribe and helping it to expand. I’m also inviting guest bloggers all fall to contribute to my blog, as I take a sabbatical from blogging. I plan to share an excerpt of their posts on my Anchor station as an Anchor video preview, as well as post it to my blog and theirs. I believe we go much farther in community and solidarity.