Sirius Media News | April 16, 2009
a brief introduction to social media
Social media is the buzzword for 2009 and it's not just for kids any more. From Twitter to Flickr to Facebook, this rapidly expanding new array of technologies provides communication choices that never before existed.
With so many new options, it can be hard to know where to begin.
Each type of social media has a unique focus and audience. Before committing too much time or energy to any one social site, take a look at the alternatives to see which one offers the best fit for you and your message.
Getting started
To get to know the neighborhood, just do some visiting. Drop in to the social media site you are interested in and take a look around. Watch how people communicate with others, look for groups you are interested in, search for topics you'd like to discuss. When you feel ready to participate, just sign up.
Once you sign up, you will create your profile. Choose a screen name and add a few bits of personal information, your interests and goals. Apart from your messages, your profile will be the main way people learn who you are, so make it original and descriptive. And do include your photo. Seeing a friendly face generates trust and interest.
Once your profile is created, you will be able to add updates, share information with others, get messages and add friends to your page. You are now part of a community, so do participate to get the full benefit. Communicate and enjoy!
Next: go out and explore the territory
Twitter: finding your followers.
This network allows you to send a short 140-character message, called a tweet to everyone who is following you on the service. A great way to share your voice with the world, this brief message can be used for marketing, but is most effective when your tweets interact with others, share useful information, and allow your personality to shine through. Followers are gained through sending interesting tweets and engaging in conversations.
Facebook: social media central.
Originally designed by and for college kids, now increasingly used by all ages. Created for online socialization, it is used as a communication hub for groups, home page for individuals and marketing vehicle for companies, brands, and government. Facebook is a place to find friends, share interests, and interact.
LinkedIn: connections for busy professionals.
This is the place to post your resumé, join a professional group, demonstrate your expertise, and interact with others in your field around the globe. Expand your professional network without leaving the office.
Delicious: sharing tasty bookmarks.
If you've ever been frustrated by looking for a bookmark you left on the computer at home, you'll love this site. Bookmark any page on your Delicious page and it's immediately accessible from anywhere. By adding brief page descriptions and tags, or keywords, when linking a page, you are able sort information you have linked and share it with others. See who else is also tagging your linked sites to find others with your interests and new resources.
YouTube: make your movie and maybe reach millions.
Now even members of Congress and Joe the Plumber are broadcasting their weekly video message. Whether you have a personal story, a talent to share, a community meeting or lecture to broadcast, you can do it on YouTube. With a simple message and your video camera you, too, can be broadcasting today.
Flickr: share your online photo gallery.
Tag your photos with words that describe the photo, set permissions for how the photo can be used, and link to online location maps. Find great photographs by searching by topic, style, photographer, or location, and comment on your favorites. Join groups, make collections, and download some photos. Photos found on Flickr may be copyrighted by the photographer to protect them from unauthorized use, but some are placed under Creative Commons, which allows anyone to use the photo for free (within certain guidelines.)
Ready to Learn More?
If you'd like to find out how to incorporate social media campaigns into your web or marketing communications plan, just give Sirius Media a buzz. We'll explain the options available and which ones could be a good fit for your audience. budget, and message.
Know someone who'd find this information useful?
fellene gaylord | www.sirius-media.com | portland, oregon | 503.780.1054