Best Practices inSocial Media

NeighborWorks AmericaAugust 19, 2009

Farra Trompeterfarra@bigducknyc.com

What is social media?

It’s about reaching and connecting people

Ten ideas to keep in mindwhen it comes to

social media and your org

1. Take a deep breath, and let go.You're not in control anymore.

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2. Stop, look and listen.Tie your goals to what people need,

and meet your audiences where they are.

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Listening Online• Set up Google alerts, Technorati search,

Twitter searchhttp://socialmedia-listening.wikispaces.com/Tools

• Your organization’s name• Program or event names• Peer/competitor names and program/event names• Individuals connected to your organization• Your tagline or other key phrases• URL for any web properties (main website, blog)• Related issues/topics• Common misspellings

Source: Beth’s Blog, Beth Kanter

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3. Build your strategy around reality.Select the tools based on their purpose,

your audience, and what you can managere: staff time/$.

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Source: Beth's Blog: How Nonprofits Can Use Social Mediahttp://beth.typepad.com/beths_blog/2008/10/how-much-time-d.html

4. Remember what you learned in kindergarten.Be nice, share, and say thank you.

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5. Emphasize the social in social media.Use pictures + videos to share stories.Schedule calls, meetups, and events

to connect online communities.

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6. Get personal.Pick the right staff

and let them be themselves.

© candleshoe

7. Be flexible.Your community will move around;

the tools are going to change.

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8. Don't forget your website + integration.Bring all your online communications

together and repurpose content.

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9. Change how you define success.It's about content over numbers.

Building relationships v. “marketing”.

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Defining Success

• Increased awareness of your cause• Shift in your org’s perception• New program participants• Increased requests for your

info/programs• Pageviews/clicks/comments/etc.• New email addresses/contact info• Signatures/actions taken• Dollars raised• Mentions online

10. Pause and evaluate.Keep listening and give yourself time to

build community, trust, and conversation.

© Atelier Teee

ResourcesResources

• Big Duck- http://www.bigducknyc.com/resources/- http://www.bigducknyc.com/blog

• Beth’s Blog: How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media- http://beth.typepad.com/

• Common Craft - Social Media in Plain English- http://www.commoncraft.com/show

• Universal McCann - Wave 3 Research- http://tinyurl.com/6kur2y

• Groundswell (book)- http://www.forrester.com/Groundswell/

• Media Rules! (book/blog)- http://www.themediarules.com

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Questions?

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