As my career in PR is starting, I am increasingly trying to engage myself and my brand on Social Media sites.
While I have been an avid social media user for my years in high school, and in college, the content, message and overall theme and presence has changed. When I was young, I never thought the rules of social media like not posting things you wouldn't want to appear on the cover of the NY Times, applied to me. I used social media like every other high school student.
Once I found PR, and realized that Social Media is a tool that I will be using to engage my audiences and reach my publics, I changed my message. From song lyrics, and pictures of long weekends to clever photography and news updates.
The main message I am trying to get across here is that Social Media are awesome tools that are very helpful, however you have to be cautious of what you post, because anyone can see these even if you have privacy settings on your account.
Increasing your influence on social media is what will help increase your credibility with your audience and readers.
A great way to help increase your influence and credibility on social media sites is to find and connect with other professionals in your same or related fields. Check out what content is posted to their sites, and the overall theme and message. Use this as a model for your own Social Media sites. Connect and network with alumni from your school or major- this could be very beneficial when looking for internships, or jobs.
Also, these alum are usually very willing to help with regards to many things from questions, to answers of posts, and are great at engaging on sites. Use these people to your advantage.
Overall, Social Media sites are very helpful when used correctly. Just be sure you are aware of what is being said on your site, respond to posts in a timely manor, and engage! Use pictures, post videos, questions, and related articles to help increase influence.
These are a few things I have learned over the past few weeks.
"When I was young, I never thought the rules of social media like not posting things you wouldn't want to appear on the cover of the NY Times, applied to me"
ReplyDeleteGreat reflection! I think many of us were that same way! Not even 10 years ago social media was in it's infancy, and many of us had no idea how to use it, let alone what kind of impact it would have on the world! Now that it has begun to mature (and rapidly at that), we now see that it has a very large impact on our professional self as well!