Using Social Media
One of my favorite parts of my job is hearing the words “well I like what I hear, now put a fence around it”. I’d like to think that this is easier said than done these days as most people forget one essential truth when it comes to Social Media:
Social Media is really only beneficial to a company as an extension of their existing infrastructure.
I personally don’t think of it as a new marketing technique because, well, marketers aren’t the only ones who can benefit from it. You can use it to help with customer relations, recruitment, product development, H.R., and the list goes on.
If we change the way we look at Social Media, we will be able to use it more efficiently.
Here’s a little list of don’ts to get you started:
- Don’t get a twitter account and follow 500 people right off the bat
- Don’t send an email blast out asking for diggs to your most recent post
- Don’t comment on a post just to receive the link back to your site
- Don’t post affiliate links on your favorite micro-blog
And here’s a little list of do’s:
- Be sincere
- Be original
- Be active
- Have a little fun
September 18th, 2008 at 11:27 am
I liked your idea of “Don’t get a twitter account and follow 500 people right off the bat.” Start small and let the viral nature of the web take off. Far too often we dive into social networks with the intention of gaining popularity and following too quickly.
There is something to be said for gaining early adopters and using their talents, opinions, etc in order to build a stronger product/brand.
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:58 pm
I agree, and it kind of falls into the concept that its about what you add to the web, rather than take from it. In other words, contributing your own insight, perspective, and quality content rather than loading up on pointless Facebook friends/Twitter follows just to gain status.
It’s neat because it becomes more of a real community that way, rather than a bunch of individuals trying to promote themselves to each other.