Weekly Digital Roundup (9.23.13)

If you've ever worried about self-incrimination with a mere Facebook "like," forgot Bing existed, or wondered how to track offline conversions from search ads, we put all those thoughts to rest this week with the digital roundup. Without further ado, here’s what we found to be the biggest news, so you may comfortably remain snuggled under a rock.

Let Facebook Freedom Ring

Facebook "likes" have been deemed legally protected speech by a U.S. appeals court this past week. The case was brought by a former deputy sheriff in Virginia, who claimed he was fired by his boss in retaliation for liking a political candidate on Facebook. An argument made in support of the case was that “using the like button to express support for a candidate is no different from standing on a street corner and announcing one’s liking a candidate.” So you might be judged, but you won’t be convicted.

Twitter as a Tool

Papa John’s Pizza and Duane Reade have been crushing it on social media. The pizza chain geo-targets customers using a new Social Compass platform, and Twitter’s ad service has led Duane Reade to astronomical results. Learn more about why both brands believe Twitter is a valuable commerce tool.

Promoted Pins

We know brands have made big bucks through Pinterest, but how about on it? The social network started taking steps toward monetizing the platform, as its traffic moves from web to mobile. Promoted pins from a few select businesses are making their way into Pinterest search results and category feeds, with this new experimentation. It will be interesting to see how this service pans out, but it seems to be the industry standard, nowadays.

Bing Gets a Boost

In an interesting change of pace, this was a big week for Bing. The Google competitor rolled out a new logo, user interface, page zero links, snapshot, and pole position answers. Bing also started testing deep links in search box results and new video search features.

Google’s Conversion Import

Last week, Google AdWords announced that users will now be able to track offline sales coming from online search ads. The new feature is called Conversion Import. Check it.

SEO Hot Right Now

SEO trends are becoming…well, trendy. Search Engine Land published an article about why “search is in vogue.” Aside from Google Glass and Yahoo CEO, Marissa Mayer being featured in the iconic magazine this month, search itself is seeing some new direction.

Real-time Data to Tumblr

The blogging platform just signed a deal with analytics company DataSift to provide advertisers insights on what consumers are saying about their brand across the vast world of Tumblr. Data brings the dollars!

Go forth and prosper, friends.