Social Media Essentials to Help You Spread Your Message Effectively Beyond Email Social Media Essentials to Help You Spread Your Message Effectively By Tracy Baxter November 2010
Email works, but it can be... Filtered as spam Deleted unread Expensive Intrusive/one-sided/stressful
Social media, however, is... Opt-in/targeted Low cost or free Inclusive/emotionally involving Fun!
Popular platforms
Why Facebook? (social networking) Create community Start conversations Get feedback Support a cause Publicize events
Why Blogger? (online journaling) Showcase your expertise Chronicle experiences Educate your readers
Why Twitter? (microblogging) Provide real-time updates Connect with like-minded users Monitor trends Organize action rapidly
Why YouTube? (online video sharing) Tell stories with impact Share expertise/passions Encourage conversations
Why Flickr? (online photo sharing) Share scenes from a special event Participate in photo pools in your area of interest
Whichever you choose, remember to... Cross-pollinate audiences (update one channel, announce it on another) Make time to keep content fresh (minimum two hours work per channel per week) Keep content relevant Use an all-in-one management tool like Hootsuite