〽️ Slag Tag Media Weekly Wrap-Up
Happy Friday! This week brought new ways to build professional relationships, more control over what appears in our feeds, and another reminder that social media can help connect online discovery with real-world business.
Here are three developments worth knowing, one trend to watch next week, and a few practical ways to put these lessons to work.
1. Facebook Is Giving Users More Control Over Their Feed
On October 13, Meta announced new AI-powered tools called Your Algorithm, allowing Facebook users to tell the platform, in their own words, which topics they want to see more or less of in Feed and Reels. Meta says recommendations can respond to this feedback in real time. The feature is rolling out, so availability may vary. Read Meta's announcement. Facebook
What this means for businesses: You cannot control every user's feed, but you can make your content more relevant to the people you want to reach. Share useful information, demonstrate your expertise, and give people a reason to watch, respond, or share. A fabrication shop might show how a project comes together, while a local service business could answer a question customers regularly ask.
2. LinkedIn Is Expanding Opportunities for Creators and Professionals
On October 15, LinkedIn announced new networking and monetization features, including personalized digital business cards, a new creator dashboard, and paid one-on-one Advice Sessions.
Some features are already available to eligible users, while others are rolling out or being tested. In-Stream Ads, for example, are being tested with selected U.S. creators and advertisers. Advice Sessions are available to U.S. Business Premium subscribers. Read LinkedIn's official announcement. LinkedIn Pressroom
What this means for businesses: Your knowledge can become part of your business offering. A consultant might offer paid advice sessions. A skilled tradesperson could share educational videos that demonstrate expertise and attract professional opportunities. You do not need to qualify for every new feature to benefit from building a credible professional presence.
Start by sharing what you know and connecting with people who value it.
3. Snapchat Is Positioning Its Map as a Business Discovery Tool
Snap published new research on October 15 examining how people use digital maps. Its survey covered more than 17,000 users ages 13–44 across six markets. The findings suggest that social maps can help people discover places through friends, recommendations, and browsing, rather than simply finding directions. Snapchat for Business
However, this research was commissioned by Snap, and the findings do not mean Snapchat replaces Google Maps or other navigation tools. Social Media Today noted that only about 29% of the surveyed map users reported using Snap Map to discover businesses. Read the research and analysis.
What this means for businesses: Local discovery happens in more than one place, but that does not mean you need to be everywhere. Keep your Google Business Profile accurate, maintain your social profiles, and consider whether platforms such as Snapchat fit your customers and location. Focus your time where your audience actually spends it.
One Trend to Watch Next Week: Short-Form Stories Are Becoming More Like Television
TikTok announced a partnership with Made By Us Studios on October 14 to develop creator-led vertical micro-series for TikTok and its PineDrama app. The deal builds on TikTok's investment in scripted, story-driven content. Its earlier series, Screen Time, has reportedly accumulated nearly 580 million views across the two platforms. Read the coverage from Social Media Today. Social Media Today
The lesson for small businesses is not that everyone needs to produce a television show. It is that a story can give people a reason to return.
Instead of posting one isolated project photo, a metal artist could share the design, the build, the unexpected problem, and the finished piece across several videos. A restaurant could show the preparation behind a signature dish. A service business could document a transformation from start to finish.
Next week, watch for more signs that platforms are investing in recurring, story-driven content. You can experiment with a simple series without expensive equipment or a complicated production plan.
What This Means for Your Business
The common thread this week is that social media is about more than publishing posts. It is about building relationships, demonstrating expertise, helping people discover your business, and giving them a reason to come back.
You do not need to chase every update. Choose the tools and formats that support your goals, then use them consistently.
A strong professional connection, a useful video, or an accurate business listing can be more valuable than another post created simply to stay active.
Today's 5-Minute Task
Reconnect with one professional contact.
Open LinkedIn and choose a customer, colleague, business owner, or industry connection you have not spoken with recently. Send a brief, genuine message asking how their current project or business is going. Do not lead with a sales pitch. The goal is to strengthen a relationship, not immediately ask for something.
Small actions like this can keep professional relationships active long after the original connection request.
Follow Friday
This week, we are highlighting two names from the welding community that deserve a closer look.
Al / The 575 Shop
Al Theriault shares welding and fabrication knowledge alongside the experience of building a custom fabrication business. His work covers custom projects, TIG welding, finishing, and the business decisions behind running a shop. His recent appearance on the WELD podcast also explores pricing, craftsmanship, and building a sustainable business.
Worth following if you want practical shop knowledge alongside lessons about turning technical skills into a business.
Instagram · YouTube · WELD podcast interview
1898 Leather
Quality gear matters when it is part of your everyday work. 1898 Leather produces welding gloves and leather aprons, with an emphasis on materials, construction, and durability. Jonny has specifically recommended the company for its welding gloves and commitment to quality.
Take a look if you are interested in well-made welding gear and companies focused on serving people who work with their hands.
Follow Friday is about recognizing people and businesses doing worthwhile work, sharing useful knowledge, and contributing to their communities. If you know someone who deserves a future feature, send us their name and profile link.
Follow Slag Tag Media
Stay connected for more practical social media lessons, industry updates, and ideas you can put to work in your business.
Thank you for being part of Slag Tag Media+. The goal is to keep learning, share what works, and help each other grow. If there is a platform, feature, or social media question you would like us to cover, get in touch. Your questions help shape future articles.
Have a good weekend. Keep building, keep creating, and keep connecting.
-The Slag tag Media Team
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