Social media are websites and applications that allow users to create and share content or to participate in social networking. Social media is very popular especially amongst younger generations since many remote communities now have mobile coverage and smart phones are a household item.
Sending a message or meeting update via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram is also instant and subscribers to your organisations site will get the information quickly and in real time. Social media is also a cost effective way of communicating. It allows the PBC to reach not only its members but a wider audience who are interested in the corporation and its business.
Social media messaging is also direct. There are no intermediaries like journalists and the PBC is in control of the message. The PBC can also build relationships with the audience through a more informal conversation style of a two-way dialogue. The accessibility of social media also means that at times people might post something the PBC does not agree with which requires some management. Here are some tips on how to deal with and respond to negative comments.
Using social media as part of the work place may also require thinking about the boundaries between employee’s personal and professional social media activities which are usually explained in a Social Media Policy. There are a number of Social Media Policies reviewed and here are some guidelines to develop a Social Media Policy.
Posting on social media should always be part of the corporation’s overall communications strategy. It can be daunting and time consuming to post and answer messages on social media. Some important steps in using social media include ensuring there is a plan and schedule for content. This social media workbook might help in developing and managing content.
Further resources
- Social media workbook, PBC website, 2020.
- Social media guidelines, PBC website, 2020.
- Social media policy template, Play by the Rules.
- Social media strategy training for small business, Alison.
- The charity social media toolkit, Skills Platform.
- Twitter: mastering the basics and top tips for using Twitter, Media Trust.
- Raising your profile on social media, Media Trust.
- 8 ways to deal with negative social media comments, Sales Force.
- How should you respond to negative comments on social media?, QS Quacquarelli Symonds.
- Social marketing fundamentals (free courses), Left Bank.