Getting Started with Social Media discusses how social media is no longer just for kids and is widely used by businesses and workers for both strategic and tactical reasons. It recommends companies start by complementing their existing communications strategy, determining objectives, identifying their audience, selecting the right platform, and measuring and evaluating effectiveness. A roadmap is provided that suggests starting with one tool, building an audience, integrating additional tools, and monitoring for network effects. Frequently asked questions are also addressed, such as whether small companies can use social media and what the costs, risks, and technical requirements are.
When we think of who is using social media, one of the common misperceptions is that it’s just teenagers connecting with each other on teenage type issues like what are you going to wear at school tomorrow. The reality is very different. Recently, IDC, a respected technology research firm, found that 57% of all people accessing social media sites at work are doing so for business reasons.
While teen-agers were certainly instrumental in driving the growth of social media, the average age of users is now 37 – and getting older.
In fact, if we look at the age distribution of users more closely, the fastest growing segments are within the 35 to 54 year-old segments. As I note earlier, most of this age group is doing so for business related reasons.
So what are some of the reasons why businesses are starting to embrace social media? They are many… From a purely tactical perspective, some are doing so to disseminate or distribute news to a broader audience Others are trying to recruit qualified staff Some are trying to sell more products Others are taking advantage of the interactive capabilities of social media to engage in dialogue and build relationships with their stakeholders
There are hundreds of social media networks currently in use. I want to spend a couple of minutes talking to you about the most popular. Facebook is the fast growing network site today. In fact, there was some data published recently that suggests that Facebook is now the most visited website – even more popular than Google. Facebook is growing in popularity because of the number of different communities that users can connect with. Twitter is also very popular. It gives users the ability to provide very brief updates – of no more than 140 characters at a time – to followers. LinkedIn is currently the most popular business networking site. Many companies are using it to build their profile, recruit staff, sell or in some cases identify suppliers.
As I mentioned, social media is now being used increasingly by businesses. Let’s take a look at who is using social media and why.
Here’s an example of how a mining company is using Facebook to reach out to different communities. The company is using Facebook to provide information on its products, take comments from individuals and bring together assorted stakeholders online.
China Wind is making use of Twitter for a number of different reasons. Their most recent Tweet, for example, lets the investment community know about its marketing to the street. Note how the posts are driving traffic back to the company’s website. Note as well that more than 400 people are following the company’s updates.
Here’s an example of one company, TVI Pacific, that is using Youtube to provide additional information about its operations. In each case, the company is allowing users to provide comments or feedback.
Labopharm is an example of a company that is using LinkedIN to build its profile to a build community online. As I mentioned, many companies are using LinkedIn for recruitment purposes – sometimes posting jobs or using their networks to find the right candidate.
One final example I want to show you is of Boyuan Construction and its use of a blog. This blog is being used to educate investors of the Company’s operations, China’s real estate market. In this particular example, the company is drawing attention to its upcoming quarterly results conference call.
As I mentioned, social media is now being used increasingly by businesses. Let’s take a look at who is using social media and why.
If there’s one thing that I’d like you take away from this presentation is this… Social media should complement your existing communications strategy. In other words, treat social media as another platform to reach audiences with objectives you have already identified. Do not develop a strategy for social media. Treat social media as another arrow in your communications quiver. A key component of any communications strategy is the need to measure or evaluate results. One of the major benefits of social media is that accurate data is provided on who is reading, viewing and responding to your communication efforts – unlike traditional channels.
Now that we’ve shared some examples, you’re probably wondering… Companies – Social media levels the playing field Costs – minimal or none Risks – follow your disclosure policy Tech-savvy – If you can turn on a computer or cell phone…