Five For Friday: Death to G+, Facebook Video Calling, A Tech Movie Rec & More

May 8th, 2015 by Chris Henson

1. Schema Marks Up Gmail – Moz

Not too long ago, thanks to a pair of excellent blog posts from David and Ian, we learned all about schema—what it is, what it does, and how it can dramatically help a client’s online marketing strategy.

After that wealth of knowledge was handed down, it should come as no surprise that schema.org markup can improve your email, too. It aids in allowing people to take action on Gmail quickly and simply. The Moz blog gives a comprehensive introduction explaining who should be using schema markup in their emails and why.

2. Is Google Plus on its Deathbed? – Marketing Land

Mark Traphagen, a columnist for Marketing Land, addresses the persistent rumors that Google Plus is going to dismantle the network and its social media component because of its perceived lack of popularity. To counter, he offers several key points that show why these Google+ detractors are misguided.

3. Why Video is a Marketer’s Best Friend – Marketing Land

Search Influence has been using videos for online marketing purposes for as long as I can remember (i.e. the year I have worked here). As the Video Coordinator (<—- a fancy, self-given title) over on the Production Team, I have learned why and how videos are so important. For those who may not know, Marketing Land breaks down why video is the perfect medium to enhance all online marketing strategies.

4. Facebook Announces Video Calling – Search Engine Journal

Facebook announced on its blog two new updates to its messenger services: video calling and a new app called “Hello,” which functions as a caller id, call blocker and search tool.

5. SI Movie Recommendation: New Sci-Fi Thriller Ex Machina – The Independent

In the new sci-fi film Ex Machina, a tech genius and CEO of Bluebook (a fictional Google-Facebook hybrid) has managed to successfully create a robot with artificial intelligence using the data collected by his worldwide, all-knowing search engine. The film touches on some really intriguing themes, such as consciousness, voyeurism, technology and human-machine “singularity.” It is a really interesting and exciting film that, as an employee at a tech company, really resonates—and it’s getting rave reviews across the board!

The film is rated R for language, nudity, and some violence. It stars Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson and Alicia Vikander. It is written and directed by Alex Garland (28 Days Later, Sunshine and The Beach).

Image sources:

Missy Elliot Gif

Ex Machina