The Top 5 Things Scientists Need to Know about Social Media Amy Hays, Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Natural Resources

THERE ISN’T A SINGLE GENERATION THAT IS USING THE INTERNET LESS

Your outreach and activity should use the strengths for generations Who trusts/uses sites? Will a video be better? Should I select IM? Are they socially online? Where are they getting news?

NOT ALL TOOLS ARE USED EQUALLY

HOPING TO BE FOUND ON SEARCH ENGINES WON’T GET YOU FOUND

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Now Includes Social Networks

If your content is important, what steps are you taking to be found? Are YOU online Is your AGENCY online Is your CONTENT promoted – How – By whom Is your content CURRENT? Is your content WELL WRITTEN?

POORLY DEVELOPED CONTENT WILL PERFORM….POORLY

Good title Pictures [shares for social spaces] Links to resources**** Call to action *****

Become a Better Story-teller

Be Tactical What do you want to be known for? Can you plan with the seasons? Plan on a monthly theme Layout a posting strategy

Posting Strategy video webpage Highlight a Resource Show people Details Share a Success Link to their resources Congrats or news Share from a Partner Hold a contest Be fun Ask a Question What is their job Personal perspective Highlight a Staff member

Content Calendars

Summary Online users are increasing in number Choose your platforms wisely SEO alone is not enough Poor content needs to be purged or re-done Be a good story-teller

Amy E. Hays Emerging Technologies Program Specialist Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Natural Resources