Social media technology is constantly being developed and used in different ways to capitalize upon its benefits, for both brands and individuals. It’s a perk for both parties (companies have new ways of reaching customers, and as personal users we get a whole new range of apps and features) and the developments help emphasize the whole reason we’re on social media to begin with – community.

This week, Instagram users are able to find your photos more easily thanks to a new crop of third-party search engines, two Romanian widows helped cure people’s loneliness via Facebook, and today, Snapchat explores Boston through the eyes of those who live here.

1. The Instagram Search Engine Wars: Why Machine Vision’s the Next Big Thing for Brands

by Neal Ungerleider via @FastCompany

Several companies have sprouted in an attempt to tap into the sea of free and royalty-free images on Instagram. Going beyond hashtags and user handles, EyeIn is a notable contender which searches for relevant images and different perspectives of Instagram user engagement.

2. Dinner With the Sunday Grannies: When Marketing Campaigns Really Work

by Aaron Miles via @socialmedia2day

The Sunday Grannies campaign was created by Vodafone in Romania, in which two elderly widows used Facebook to connect to anyone who wanted to share company and a home-cooked meal. The campaign was wildly successful and the Grannies even inspired the creation of a Facebook app allowing other Romanian grannies to connect in the same way. Smartphone and Facebook use for Romanians over 65 increased dramatically. The Sunday Grannies campaign is an excellent example of the power social media marketing can hold, not only to sell products, but to strengthen communities.

3. Boston Will Be the Featured City on Snapchat Today

by @ejleven via @BostonDotCom

Today, Snapchat plans to bring users around the world a glimpse of Boston from the cameras of other Snapchatters. The photo-sharing app will collect pictures of the city and post them for all to see for 24 hours as part of the “Story” function. Snapchat is excited to show users around the world a day in the life of real, historic Boston.

4. Here are the 12 Best Facebook Marketing Campaigns From the Past Year

by @GarettSloane via @adweek

Despite the constantly decreasing organic reach for brands on Facebook, there are still a few success stories that prove the social network isn’t yet a lost cause for marketers. Take a look at the year in review via the best viral campaigns

5. Top 8 Benefits of Social Media Marketing for Small Business

by @JomerGregorio via @B2Community

The past six months have shown that brand identity and engagement through social media is an integral part of communication with customers and clients. It’s possible to generate maximum impact at minimal cost, proving that social media is invaluable to growing businesses to generating brand awareness and loyalty. If you’re not online by now, you’re certainly getting left behind.

Metter Media LLC is a Boston-based social media management company that implements community-based, localized social engagement strategies for small businesses and corporations alike. Need help with your social media? Email Lauren today.