Marketing through Social Media Presented by the Monroe County Public Library

What is social media? Social media is “a term used to describe a variety of Web-based platforms, applications and technologies that enable people to socially interact with one another online. Some examples of social media sites and applications include Facebook, YouTube, Del.icio.us, Twitter, Digg, blogs and other sites that have content based on user participation and user-generated content (UGC).” (Source: webopedia.com)

Introductions Me: Austin Stroud, instructional designer at the Monroe County Public Library and adjunct faculty at Ivy Tech Community College –Avid social media user from the beginning. –Experience assisting with or managing the social media/online marketing presence for libraries and organizations. You: –How do you currently use social media (websites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)? –Are you using it for both business and personal lives? –What are you interested in learning more about today?

Personal vs. Business Keep your personal life out of your business/organization’s online presence. To do this effectively, it’s important to have a personal and a professional presence on social media websites. It’s fine to have some ‘fun’ with your business’ online presence, but keep the personal life separate to protect your privacy and reputation via social media. If you want to cross personal and business, share posts from your business’ account to your personal account (but not vice versa).

What is Twitter? Twitter is “a free social messaging tool that lets people stay connected through brief text message updates up to 140 characters in length. Twitter is based on you answering the question "What are you doing?" You then post thoughts, observations, and goings-on during the day. Your update is posted on your Twitter profile page through SMS text messaging, the Twitter Web site, instant messaging, RSS, , or through other social applications and sites, such as Facebook.” (Source: webopedia.com) Twitter does not have a clear designation between personal and business accounts like Facebook.

How Can I Market with Twitter? Share news releases or media stories/videos that relate to your business (almost all news stories have a tweet option to share to Twitter). Network with clients, colleagues, or competitors (follow those you are interested in, retweet interesting posts they make to your followers, have some ‘fun’ with it – connect with your clients/consumers). Post pictures (both that relate to your brand and random). Link back to your website as much as possible. Use hashtags # (the pound sign). Consider advertising (not for everyone). I recommend a business casual approach to Twitter. Don’t be too serious or too comfortable.

Good Twitter Examples Target: RadioShack: Home Depot: Starbucks: Southwest Airlines: Zappos: American Red Cross: There are many more good examples, these are just a few that are using Twitter in an effective way to market their services. The library’s account can be found here:

Creating a Twitter Account Twitter does not have a clear designation between personal and business accounts like Facebook. For help on creating a Twitter account, checkout a few of the below links: (Video Tutorials) (Twitter Help/Support Center)

What is Facebook? Facebook is “a social networking site (SNS) that connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them. People use Facebook to keep in touch with friends, post photos, share links and exchange other information.” (Source: webopedia.com) Facebook is the most popular social media website to market on, but Twitter (mentioned previously) is not far behind. Facebook has clear designations between personal and business accounts.

How Can I Market with Facebook? Share news releases or media stories/videos that relate to your business (almost all news stories have a share to Facebook option). Network with clients, colleagues, or competitors (like those you are interested in, share interesting posts they make to your fans, tag other businesses/partners, have some ‘fun’ with it – connect with your clients/consumers). Post pictures (both that relate to your brand and random). Link back to your website as much as possible. Use hashtags # (the pound sign). Consider advertising (not for everyone). I recommend a business casual approach to Facebook. Don’t be too serious or too comfortable.

Good Facebook Examples Starbucks: HubSpot: Verizon: Ben & Jerry’s: Livestrong: There are many more good examples, these are just a few that are using Facebook in an effective way to market their services. The library’s Facebook Page can be found here:

Creating a Facebook Account If you wish, you can just create a business page and not have a personal Facebook account (I recommend you have both). For help on creating a general account for personal or business use, checkout these helpful websites: (Video Tutorials) (Facebook Help/Support Center)

Creating a Facebook Page Why not a Facebook Group instead? Groups are more closed off and private when compared to Pages: To get started with creating a Facebook Page, go to this link: Facebook Pages glossary: Managing a Facebook Page:

What is LinkedIn? LinkedIn is “a professional, business-oriented social networking site. Here, users can create a profile that is akin to a resume. Your LinkedIn profile summarizes your current and previous professional experience, your company and its industry and affiliates, your educational background, and any Web sites you own or are affiliated with.” (Source: webopedia.com) Many people use LinkedIn more on a personal level, but companies can also use this to post jobs and network in groups with similar companies or organizations.

How Can I Market with LinkedIn? Post job openings. Join groups related to your profession. Join groups within your community. Connect with colleagues and clients. Share industry news. Gather recommendations from clients/consumers. Create a company page.

Good LinkedIn Examples PR 20/20: Red Shoes: Overdrive Interactive: Voices.com: HubSpot: ClearRisk: These are just a few examples of companies utilizing LinkedIn in an effective way to market their services.

Creating a LinkedIn Account For help on creating a general account for personal or business use, checkout these helpful websites: (Video Tutorials/Overview of Features) (LinkedIn Help/Support Center)

Additional Social Media to Consider If your business or organization is more visual-based in product (photographer, artist, baker, cook, etc.) consider one of these social media websites to market your services: Pinterest: Tumblr: (doubles as a blog) Videos are also a good way to connect with an audience. Keep your videos short (no more than 2-3 minutes). YouTube: There are other social media outlets, but all of these mentioned seem to be ‘hot’ right now. Find what works best for you!

Marketing through Social Media Do’s Go all in or not at all. Engage with your fans/followers. Post a minimum of once/day, but don’t post too much (three times/day is ideal – morning/afternoon/evening). Check social media at least once/day (more ideal), and respond to comments/messages. Utilize scheduling tools when away (HootSuite-type products). Have some ‘fun’ with it.

Marketing through Social Media Don'ts Don’t spam your fans/followers. Don’t use social media just to share events and news about your business/organization. Mix it up. Don’t be boring (entertain your followers). Don’t be too comfortable (avoid controversy). Don’t link your social media accounts to post to more than one at once. Each one has a unique audience and should be treated as such.

Contact Me Available for free, one hour one- on-one appointments at the library: