January 13, 2011
Staying savvy about social media can be challenging when the platforms and applications are constantly changing, so it’s important to occasionally regroup and discuss best practices and tips. With this in mind, I recently attended a Publicity Club of Chicago luncheon to discuss some hot topics in social media. Here were some reminders that bear repeating:
- Take advantage of “geo-location” tools. This tool, most popular on FourSquare, allows users to virtually “check in” their locations in real time. The feature is handy for companies or organizations for many reasons. You can identify and reward your most frequent guests, offering specials or coupons for those checking in. Or you can use the “check in” process for a promotion. At retail, for example, you could hold a grand opening contest, awarding the first 100 customers to check in with a discount or prize. Once you know where customers are, there are countless ways to reach them.
- LinkedIn isn’t just for individuals. A corporate LinkedIn page increases your company’s search engine optimization and allows you to manage hires, referrals and view recommendations. The page also allows employees to become brand advocates by linking their individual pages to the company’s, creating even a wider range of awareness for your company.
- Go social beyond Facebook and Twitter. There are many niche social media sites tailored toward specific interests. For example, there are social networks dedicated to entrepreneurs and small business owners, such as Biznik and Fast Pitch. Meanwhile, those in the janitorial industry gather at MyCleanlink. And consumers meet in more specific ways, too, with sites like CafeMom and BlogHer bringing moms together.
Follow these tips to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your social media platforms!