If Facebook is at the tip of every marketer’s lips, Twitter follows closely on its heels. As one of the largest and still fairly new social networks, the micro-blogging service has attracted a huge amount of attention amongst the media. A large part of its popularity is with young adults and it is known for its ability to instantly spread news (or false rumors like the supposed deaths of numerous celebrities). So it’s good to know if your audience is on Twitter or not. If your primary target is either teens or seniors, Twitter is not the place you’re going to find them.
In the age of now, Twitter delivers with alacrity. Many of the same principles for interacting on Twitter can be applied from Facebook, but with a few different twists. Remember the three C’s of Facebook were community, content and consistency. Community on Twitter is less about group community and more about personal interaction with a brand. The sense of community just isn’t there, but being able to have direct contact with a brand and spread positive or negative impressions about it is huge.
Content is as big a driver for Twitter as it is for other outlets. Many users have Twitter as nothing more than a modified RSS feed. But because of its 140 character limit, Twitter is a “push” network for content – meaning it links content from other sources such as a blog, Facebook or news site and distributes it to followers. Be sure you are pushing good content on your feed that is relevant to your base.
Consistency is definitely important with Twitter as well. The frequency of your posts and how often you interact with other users will help increase the interaction and awareness you’re looking for. It’s ok on Twitter to post much more and not be 100% consistent, but we recommend posting often and without long breaks in between. Follow some of these rules and you’ll have a better handle on this micro-blogging medium.
Facebook is a great way to keep in touch with friends, check in on your favorite causes, and even market your small business. But are people becoming too obsessed with Facebook? Check out the following infographic from Mashable and let us know what you think in the comments:
Facebook. It’s probably the one word brought up in every marketing meeting in every company across the country and even around the world. Whether your company has a robust presence on this social media goliath or you’re contemplating how to get your brand’s feet wet for the first time, everyone is talking about Facebook. And they should be. With over 500 million members, its own blockbuster movie and one of the most targeted ad buys in the country it’s no surprise why everyone wants a part of the conversation here.
So the first question every company has been asking themselves over the past few years is, “why aren’t we on Facebook?” Perhaps the better questions should be, “why do we need to be on Facebook?” Before a company jumps on they should know why. What are your goals with Facebook? Is it brand awareness, increased sales, to talk to your consumers or just to be there? Of course, most companies want to push new product. But that’s probably not what you’ll do here. Facebook has been regarded by many top marketers as a place for your existing customers, not new ones. Consider Facebook another way to keep your customers interested in your product and create awareness, but not a direct sales method.
It boils down to three C’s on Facebook: community, content and consistency. The first is why Facebook has been so successful. Social media is about community – whether it’s the 24 million people who have fanned Michael Jackson or a micro-community of health care workers – Facebook helps people connect with others who share their interests. In order to have a successful brand presence, you need to create a feeling of community and open dialogue. It’s about symbiotic relationships, not asymmetrical pulpit pits.
The second C, content, is what keeps people interested. Are you providing content that is interesting to your customers? You have to know your audience. Without content, the rest of the pieces fall apart. Creating online surveys can be a great way to tap into your customers interests.
The last C, consistency, is how you stay active in your fans Facebook home page. Facebook’s algorithm rates content higher that many people have liked and interacted with. It’s how the system determines which posts to feature in each user’s “Top News” section of their home page. If you post irregularly, there’s the chance your bran will slip out of this area and be lost to some customers. The better tactic is to post on a consistent schedule.
At GCJPR, we work with our clients to create an editorial calendar, much like what would be used at a magazine. This allows us to create interactive content ahead of schedule for a page that targets the interests of the fans on that page. It’s our way of meeting the demand of the three C’s of Facebook. Come talk to us anytime to find out how we can help you meet them too.
This morning at a University Medical Center press conference, Bill Hileman recalled that he and his wife chose to move to Tucson because it is a melting pot. When reflecting on the aspects of community that play a strong role in his life he said “that’s my Tucson.”
As someone who grew up in the Old Pueblo, I couldn’t help from echoing Bill. “That’s my Tucson,” I repeated to the television as I watched him calmly discuss the events that took place Saturday morning in front of a north side Safeway.
Bill’s wife, Suzie Hileman, was shot in the chest, stomach and hip. She was holding hands with nine-year-old Christina Green, a family friend and victim who died as a result of the shooting.
The Green and Hileman families are an example of the melting pot that gives Tucson some of its strength. Having met after the Greens asked for help with yard work, the families spent a good amount of time together, including this last Thanksgiving, according to Bill.
Suzie brought her young neighbor to U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ Congress on the Corner after Christina’s recent election to her own student council. Although a tragedy has marred the civic engagement Suzie and Christina shared and with everyone in attendance that morning, we should remember the unity that brought them together and will take us forward.
Arizona is a place where people from different backgrounds, states and beliefs come together. If that is ever a question just go down to the annual Tucson Meet Yourself!
There is an opportunity here not to dissect our differences and disagreements but rather continue the spirit of engagement that the Greens and Hilemans started in their neighborhood. Challenge yourself to meet everyone in your community, not just those who live on your street. It is through personal interaction, civic engagement and true community that we will continue to create a richer and more secure Arizona.
Watch a special message from Gordon on the GordonCJamesPR YouTube channel
Wishing you and yours Season’s Greetings and a Happy New Year!
GCJPR is thrilled to have capped a wonderful year with the firm’s 20th Anniversary. Thank you to all our friends, family, associates and clients who have shared in this celebration and other moments throughout 2010.
During December the GCJPR blog reflected on our work during the last two decades. The look back has been a reminder of why we are thankful, especially during the holiday season. Links to each post can be found below.
Facebook. It’s probably the one word brought up in every marketing meeting in every company across the country and even around the world. Whether your company has a robust presence on this social media goliath or you’re contemplating how to get your brand’s feet wet for the first time, everyone is talking about Facebook. And they should be. With over 500 million members, its own blockbuster movie and one of the most targeted ad buys in the country it’s no surprise why everyone wants a part of the conversation here.
