There is no denying that social media has exploded over the horizon and that almost everyone has at least some passing knowledge or understanding of some aspect of this field. Financials are discussed in the commercial media, and conversations have reached the point of not only seeing it as a passing fad, but rather how the model could be better monetized, adapted for mobile sites, and used more widely in fields as diverse as politics. news, business reports and a variety of cross promotions. How often have you watched a TV show, news report, or a host of other things discuss your Twitter hashtags or ask you to follow them on Facebook? While social media, if used skillfully, can be effective and engaging, in many other cases they appear to be almost antisocial in nature, because it often appears that someone is hiding behind social media, insisting on using it as their method almost exclusive communication. release. While social media is an important part of an overall campaign, it loses much of its power when alone. We need to examine this area by asking some basic questions: How is it used? What is the attitude of the user? Is it used synergistically or is it intended to be used alone? And, what other ways / methods do you use to communicate?
1. Before embarking on a social media campaign, an individual, group, business or organization must first decide and determine what their goals are and what they want to achieve. Do you hope that this campaign will make up for weak efforts in other areas and that it will miraculously be the panacea for radical change? Or, do you approach it as another weapon in your armor to improve your communication, or get your message (or a part of it) to a certain potential segment of your audience, or as a link to your website, promote special offers, etc.
2. What is your attitude? Do you believe in the social aspect of social media or are you just trying to sell something non-stop? Are they willing to really interact with others and use it properly as an important potential networking tool?
3. Social media works exponentially better when used synergistically as part of a general media, marketing and communications forum. Those who come to this field because they see it as an economic methodology, or. Worse yet, as an excuse to interact less personally, they often end up disappointed in what they perceive as their results and potential.
4. Lastly, social media should be examined as a component of an overall plan or program. Review and improve your efforts and other ways to get your message across.
Social media works best when it is, in fact, social and interactive. Too often the desired results are not achieved due to the way they are used, the attitude of the user, the overall plan and focus / message, and the appeal of the message.
