How to secure your Facebook account // Updates on AI tools // Earn money on Reels

Mari has the scoop for you... Greetings {NAME}, As the tech gets smarter, so do the scammers, it seems! The latest round of whacky stuff includes a [major scam](=) going rampant on Facebook. Thankfully, it seems to have quieted down now. But, just so you're aware, bad actors hacked large public Pages (some even with the blue-tick verified badge!). Then they change the Page name to 'Meta Ads' or 'Meta Ads Manager' and run scam ads. Or some ads seemed to be from Google Bard. Be very careful! Do not click on suspicious links. Report the ads and Pages if you see them! 12 Steps To Secure Your Facebook Account [12 steps secure Facebook]( In light of that latest round of mega scams, hacked public Facebook Pages, and scam Facebook ads trying to trick you into clicking links, or making purchases, etc. PLEASE do yourself a favor and PROTECT your Facebook Account. You might think it'll never happen to you... until it does. Ugh. Make sure EVERY single Admin of your business Page takes these security steps as well. 2FA (two-factor authentication) is critical. BUT, using an Authenticator app is *much* more secure than getting codes via text message, as the bad actors can attempt to spoof your phone number. The MAX secure method is setting up a USB Security Key. All the details are on this post that is well worth sharing again: [12 Steps To Secure Your Facebook Account](). Any questions, let me know! Let's stay strong and look out for one another! Are you using AI tools regularly to create written content, images, and videos? If so, which apps are you using successfully in your business? I posed this question on my Facebook Page and there are over [150 comments](=). Lots of folks using ChatGPT, of course. Who isn't?! Lol. Okay, maybe a few folks haven't tried it yet. How about Midjourney for image creation? (That's a tad trickier to get the knack of with using Discord as a server). Then for VIDEO creations, I’m really loving [PICTORY]()!! It’s super-duper easy to create SHORT video snippets from your long-form content!! Then publish as Instagram and Facebook Reels, YouTube Shorts, TikTok videos, etc. Have you tried it? You can [click here]() and sign up for a FREE trial plan that allows you to create 3 video projects, up to 10 mins long each. *affiliate tracking link Keeping Up With AI Developments Okay, first, don't even both trying to keep up - it'll do your head in. Haha!! Seriously, there's a new AI or AI-powered tool launching every nanosecond. It's dizzying. BUT, as a fellow marketer, my friend, you really DO need to at least be aware of what's happening in the world of AI. Here are some resources: - Take a look at this article (and podcast episode) on Social Media Examiner's site: [AI Writer and AI Design Tools for Marketers](- co-created by Michael Stelzner and Paul Roetzer. - Follow Paul Roetzer, founder and CEO of the [Marketing AI Institute](. Tune into his weekly [podcast](=) (or on [YouTube]() and sign up for his newsletter. - Check out [Futurepedia]( - founder Vivek Varma sends out a weekly roundup of the latest AI products and innovations - Consider signing up for [Ben's Bites](=) - daily AI product launches and news (might be a tad overwhelming, but you don't have to read every day!) - There's a bazillion more resources out there, I know. But please be wary of FOMO. Stay focused on what's important to you. - If you do have any favorite AI resources to share, feel free to hit reply to this email and let me know! Earn Money for Your Engaging Facebook & Instagram Reels [monetize FB reels]() Meta recently announced new updates to Reels: - Helping users control what they see + improving discoverability for creators. [Read more](=) on my Facebook post. - Updating and expanding Ads on Reels test, making it possible for more creators to earn money for their engaging reels. Monetization is currently for Facebook Reels on Pages, and personal profiles with Professional Mode enabled. Invitations for monetization via Ads on Instagram Reels will start in the coming weeks. Read more on [this Facebook post](=). Free Webinar: State of the Social Media Union Address If you missed my recent 'State of the Social Media Union Address' free webinar that I led with the AWAI (American Writers & Artists Institute), check out the replay! Jade Trueblood, Director of Training at AWAI, and I had such a wonderful time. Would you like to watch? [SM webinar](=) - [Watch on Facebook](=) (timestamps are in the first comment) - [Watch on YouTube](=) (timestamps are in the description) More Meta News - [Introducing the AI Sandbox for advertisers and expanding our Meta Advantage suite](=). Meta is testing new Generative AI tools that make it easier, and faster, for advertisers to create ads. They're starting with tools to automatically iterate on ad creative like: Text Variation, Background Generation and Image Outcropping. - [Introducing Meta Pro Team, formerly Facebook Marketing Experts](=). Get complimentary live support to help you grow your business on Facebook and Instagram. Meta Pro Team offers personalized guidance, on-demand, and easy-to-use service to help resolve many of your business challenges. That's a wrap for now! You're welcome to reach out anytime. Be sure to come connect with your fellow marketers in my active and super supportive [Social Scoop Facebook Community]() - celebrating 23k+ amazing members. Cheers 'til the next time, Best, Mari Smith CEO, Mari Smith International, Inc. Premier Facebook Marketing Expert Top Social Media Thought Leader Author, The New Relationship Marketing Coauthor, Facebook Marketing: An Hour A Day P.S. Btw, we had such an overwhelming response to my recent invitation to become a Certified Social Media Marketing Strategist. This is my own program I'm leading in partnership with the AWAI, American Writers & Artists Institute. The doors are now closed on that offer and I just completed class #4 of 10 today. However, I wanted to pop this wee note here to let you know that I heard you loud and clear!! Many folks were unable to register for the program due to timing, short notice, and/or possibly budget. Bear with me; I will have a special invitation coming for you just as soon as I can!! Any questions meantime, just let me know. ...cruising into the weekend like... [image] If you have any questions or feedback, you can reply directly to this email. If you prefer not to receive any emails from me, click to [Unsubscribe]( from all communications, including my Social Scoop newsletter. Mari Smith International 11956 Bernardo Plaza Dr., #201 San Diego, California 92128 United States