Tag Archives: social media

Facebook: New Media Teacher

Posted on by jesskry
2

logo_facebookIt happened again: Facebook updating its home feed look and added other functionality. As you can imagine, this sparked yet another rebellion by hundreds of thousands of angry users. But, given the outcome of past rebellions against its updated look and feel, does it pay to even rally? Yes, the TOS rebellion went the users way (at least a little bit), but that has nothing to do with the ease of use of the site.

Here’s something to consider: perhaps Facebook is doing us (and themselves) a favor. They force us to change the way we use the medium. They try out new ways of viewing content on us and we adapt. Maybe instead of feeling jilted at the loss of the status quo, we should be thankful for exercising our media use savviness.

Since it seems the majority of social network users  spend the most of our time in Facebook, it makes sense that it becomes a familiar freind. Something we take for granted until it is changed. But wouldnt it make sense for us to embrace these changes, enhancements, as a learning experience? Since some of people use only Facebook, the changes being made could aid in being media savvy, and help when they do venture out into other networks. Not only will they be mentally agile, they’ll also be able to have the expereince of different streams of information and functionalities.

Social Media Strategy, Or Not?

Posted on by jesskry
5

Lately, everyone’s been talking about creating a social media strategy. Ok. Not lately, but for the past year. :) I went back and forth on this for a while. Yes, you DEF need a strategy. No, you kinda dont need one. Back and forth, back and forth.

Well I’ve settled: YES. You DO need one. Why? Well, without one, whats the point? You are just ‘doing to do’. You may end up with some positive outcomes but overall, did you achieve your goal, or just a goal in general? Did you move the needle or just do a good job at what you started at?

While I was thinking NO the reasons were because everything changes so fast. Some days, one account has a curious uptick with no internally based promotion. Others, things you think may have worked to increase traffic tanked. Maybe going with the flow, with no real set plan is the way to go. Again, what would be the purpose? A certain number of followers/fans/group members doesnt mean anything when those numbers are just that. The point from this: a good strategy allows for mid campaign change without waiting till the end. You must be agile.

What is your purpose? I know this has been written about several times and ways but its truly the bottom line: What does your success look like? Is it an uptick in applications/accepts/enrolls? Is it a campus that feels more engaged and connected? Both have different strategies and knowing that and planning around them is the main “light bulb moment” that people need to have.

For instance, which is more valuable: a Facebook group with 1400 members and 143 posts or a group with 850 members and 400 posts?

My answer? Both. Depending on the goal. If its just to communicate information to a large audience in a niche way, maybe its ok to not have as much engagement. Although much is crammed down our throats about ‘millennials’ some are just ‘watchers’. If its to create a sense of community on an urban campus, perhaps less people with more posts (and posters) is a win.

Thoughts?

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Tweet Style: How Does Your Brand Do It?

Posted on by jesskry
2

Last week, I began to ponder the style of a branded Twitter account with fellow Twitter peeps @lanejoplin, @timnekritz, @radiofreegeorgy, @thanhancock, @bradjward. Supposedly, as channel/community manager, you’re taking on the brand persona, right? Or are you putting your own persona into the brand? Do you have a plan for your tweets or are they random? The more this was discussed, the more a blog post it deserved.

Personally, I’ve been putting on the University brand, primarily, touting University events, related news stories and of course, Boston updates. One thing I’ve not been doing too much of is interacting. Being someone who endlessly preaches ‘interaction, integration and two-way communication’ I cant really sit idle any longer: Its time to Tweet.

As I move forward in discussing and commenting on students and other follower/followees there’s a line to draw. How much is too much? Is too little robotic? Can I really chime in on how much I loved the Cuddy/House drama last week (Thanks for the input, @lanejoplin:) )?

I’d love for branded tweeting to take on a more personal touch, but how much of that touch is one person’s idiosyncrasies and lovable quirks versus a unified branded approach? Can both live simultaneously in harmony? What happens when the (hopefully, luckily) loved persona moves on or becomes too busy?

I’m thinking the answer is a little bit of both: stay true to the university brand and persona while also injecting a little personality to keep things interesting. Of course you wont get political or attach links to stories that’ll stir the pot, but generally, you’ll be able to have fun while providing information.

That’s what social media is all about, right? :)

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