1. Why Tuesdays Suck for Social Marketers
By Paul Sutton on thesocialweb

If you’re like most marketers, you probably use social media tools to promote company news and announcements. While there are varying rules of thumb for disseminating information, many businesses are increasingly subscribing to the idea that there is no such thing as a bad time to get the word out at a time when information is accessible – and consumed – 24/7. However, according to Paul Sutton, if you want your information to be consumed and shared through social media channels, it’s best to steer clear from releasing news on Tuesdays.

Takeaway: In the absence of formal research, Sutton raises the great point that 9 to 5ers are likely heads down and in the weeds on Tuesdays as the focus on getting work done to survive the week begins to take over. On Mondays, people often spend more time scanning the web (and alas, goofing off) as they get back into the swing of things after the weekend. Keep this in mind when timing announcements through social tools. If Sutton’s theory isn’t scientific enough for you, try posting identical content on a Monday and a Tuesday to see how your followers respond.

1. Why Small Businesses Should Care About Mobile Payments
by Zachary Sniderman on Mashable

Mashable’s Zachary Sniderman rightly argues that mobile payments are the logical extension of online shopping;, providing customers with opportunities to make purchases while they’re on the run.  But the technology offers added benefits that make it a powerful purchasing tool for small businesses.

Takeaway: The potential impact of mobile payment technology on small businesses is significant, but Sniderman breaks it down into a few simple points. The most significant points that businesses of every size should pay attention to are 1) the increasing ubiquity of mobile devices and their impact on the way that consumers access information and 2) the impact on the information you collect about your customers and the way you collect it. It’s also important to note that mobile devices are inherently social, enabling users to share content and purchase behavior with their connections at will. So if your business isn’t thinking about the impact of the mobile revolution on your bottom line, it’s time to start.

1. Why you must keep track of your online profile
by Dan Griliopoulos on Techradar

By now we’ve all heard plenty about the importance of monitoring your company’s brand online. Understanding your advocates and detractors and the conversations around your business online are of critical importance in the digital age. But what about your personal brand?

Takeaway: You are just as much a brand as the company your work for, the college you graduate from or the toothpaste you use. You’ve undoubtedly seen the frequent articles and blog posts warning job seekers to play it safe with their online footprints, but managing your personal brand online goes much deeper than that. Whether you’re a new graduate looking for that first job or a veteran marketer pitching a client, online reputation management requires long-term diligence. Make sure you know what’s out there and that you are careful with the information you can control.  You never know who is searching for you or watching your social network profiles. To paraphrase and old rule of thumb, if you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see it, you probably shouldn’t post it online.

1. The Coupon Network: Everything You Need To Know About The Web’s Hottest Business Model
By Alexia Tsotsis on TechCrunch

With the growth of deal sites like Groupon and Livingsocial the white-hot popularity of online couponing is undeniable. In this post, TechCrunch walks businesses looking to get in on the action through the most important points to consider for this business model.

Takeaway: This article is all about takeaways so we’ll stick to the most significant. One of the most important points here is that customization is key. No blanket approach can be taken here. Consumer targeting, a 360-degree marketing approach and a thoughtful user experience (avoid point-of-purchase hassles) are also critical.

1. The State of YouTube [Infographic]
by David Teicher on Legends of Aerocles

If you have some questions about the current state of this popular video sharing site, Ad Age’s David Teicher has you covered on his personal blog Legends of Aerocles. Last week he shared a handy infographic summarizing all of the most significant stats for the site.

Takeaways: YouTube hasn’t received a ton of press lately, but the site shows no signs of slowing down. Its continued growth and potential staying power are good reasons for marketers everywhere to think about how they can incorporate video into their marketing strategies.