What is Social Media?
Social media integrates technology, telecommunications and social interaction. It is using technology to connect with people.
This might be online communities, text messaging, blogs, Facebook, Linked In and Twitter... but you should understand these are examples of social media tools, NOT communications strategies.
Social networks are not new. We (as people) used to gather for Saturday afternoon picnics or Sunday dinner. We used to have coffee at the kitchen table... then Starbucks and Friends came along and showed us how we needed to socialize in coffee shops.
So, again, what is social media?
Online communities
Shared pictures
Two-way communications
A little bit social
A little bit professional
Personal connections
All of the above... Social media is about using technology to connect to people.
Why should you care?
As I write this, statistics show:
220 million US web users
120 million blogs
200 million FaceBook members
38 million LinkedIn members - including all Fortune 500 companies
10 million Twitter users
You have to 'fish where the fish are.' The numbers don't lie. If you are fishing for people, they are online in social media. Rest assured that this is not a fad. It is a trend that you can jump on now, or catch up later.
And how can you get started?
Before you get started, you need to evaluate how social media fits into your strategic communications plan. It is easy to get lost in all the cool blogs and applications... which could lead to burnout and definitely wasted time.
Before you write your first blog, start flipping through WordPress blogs to see what people in your industry is talking about. You'll get a good sense of what you can write about and the tone that is successful.
C2 Communications is available to train you on the most popular social media networks and how to use them to advance your business. If you need a nudge in the right direction, or a full marketing plan email me directly or call (239)571-3174.