If you are keeping up, a large amount of this blog’s subject matter delves into the realms of social networking. I firmly believe reaching out to people through internet websites like Twitter and Facebook is the way of the future. Public relations professionals are making this a priority in pushing brands and companies in different and new innovative ways. In the vast consumer market of the internet, more and more information is available in different and varying forms about companies. The biggest problem with this veritable flood of data is gaining a customer’s trust, and it’s how we employ proper uses of social networking. But how do we break into the growing practice effectively; making a good name for whomever we work for?
Enter Trust Agents, a book by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith. Both social media veterans, they detail some of the very best ways of utilizing their craft for the layman and experienced professional alike. The basic premise of the book is quite simple, it effectively shows how to add a human element on the web to whatever endeavor you choose; be it blogging, tweeting, podcasting, video etc. Brogan and Smith walk the reader through using these outlets to gain trust of potential customers or peers by “mastering the latest one-to-many communications methods” online and build a good reputation.
The book is quite easy to read, using real-life examples of people who attribute their business success to social media. With break-out types like Perez Hilton, a celebrity blogger, to Robert Scoble, a trustworthy former Microsoft executive; Trust Agents brings home the goods on how to hack your own system. Hack the system? This probably sounds like we are talking about the Matrix. In the book, the term “hacking the system” means finding short cuts to take though established barriers, making yourself recognized in whatever goals you want achieved while using social networking.
The reader can also find analysis on some of the better websites to use, and just how many people they can effect for their efforts. The reader definitely finds out the results can be quite astonishing. Being that I have read the book, I learned quite a good amount of building a network online and how much of a boon it is. I highly suggest this it to anyone wanting to understand the growing opportunity that is becoming the bread and butter of our chosen career field. Check it out!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Segue: A PR Professional’s Best Tools (Part 7)
It is finally that time, and no I don’t mean the holidays. The end of the second week of December has come! With but only a few minor assignments remaining, course work on my bachelor’s is just about finished. I write this as a man who has wanted a bachelor’s degree for years, and it feels damn good to finally attain a goal. So as any college student is want to do, so begins the epic job hunt. Well actually, my job hunt started last summer.
I fall in a different category than the average student. First off, I am 30 years old, and do have a decent amount of experience in government public affairs. Though government work is a great background on paper, it is still far from any type of corporate experience, where a vastly significant amount of the public relations trade resides. And so, my journey started to find myself a career in the field I choose to make a living in. Ever since leaving the military, this challenging economy makes it quite hard to find something worth it. Companies and corporations have their proverbial pick of the litter, as there are more people than available jobs. In fact, most of my interviews seem to only come from government positions I have applied for. It’s quite frustrating, but I persevere. Being my movement is toward a position in Dallas, TX, there are several websites I want to share. After all, segueing from studious education culminates in the practical application of what you have learned.
Of course everyone knows the big two, www.monster.com and www.careerbuilder.com. In my opinion, though decent, these websites are not specific enough for someone pursuing a career in public relations. Not only do you have to search several different titles to find the right positions, they are just too broad. I remember running a search on crazy job titles to find anything. Not many are simply listed under public relations, and those that are seem quite dated. Having the same problem as me? Fear no, for the ace in the hole is www.indeed.com. This website is actually a search engine in regard to other job websites. It compiles everything, and I mean EVERYTHING! Through Indeed, I found job websites I didn’t know existed like www.jobfox.com, and a few others. The jury is still out on Jobfox, as they seem to annoyingly request I pay them for service (dumb).
Another good one is www.dfwcommunicators.com if there is an interest for specific Dallas-based jobs. My college professor helped create the site, and it is run in tandem with the local PRSA chapter. And since I mentioned federal employment, also try www.usajobs.com for public affairs positions. Just make sure to book about three hours of time out of the day to make a profile. It is very involved.
I fall in a different category than the average student. First off, I am 30 years old, and do have a decent amount of experience in government public affairs. Though government work is a great background on paper, it is still far from any type of corporate experience, where a vastly significant amount of the public relations trade resides. And so, my journey started to find myself a career in the field I choose to make a living in. Ever since leaving the military, this challenging economy makes it quite hard to find something worth it. Companies and corporations have their proverbial pick of the litter, as there are more people than available jobs. In fact, most of my interviews seem to only come from government positions I have applied for. It’s quite frustrating, but I persevere. Being my movement is toward a position in Dallas, TX, there are several websites I want to share. After all, segueing from studious education culminates in the practical application of what you have learned.
Of course everyone knows the big two, www.monster.com and www.careerbuilder.com. In my opinion, though decent, these websites are not specific enough for someone pursuing a career in public relations. Not only do you have to search several different titles to find the right positions, they are just too broad. I remember running a search on crazy job titles to find anything. Not many are simply listed under public relations, and those that are seem quite dated. Having the same problem as me? Fear no, for the ace in the hole is www.indeed.com. This website is actually a search engine in regard to other job websites. It compiles everything, and I mean EVERYTHING! Through Indeed, I found job websites I didn’t know existed like www.jobfox.com, and a few others. The jury is still out on Jobfox, as they seem to annoyingly request I pay them for service (dumb).
Another good one is www.dfwcommunicators.com if there is an interest for specific Dallas-based jobs. My college professor helped create the site, and it is run in tandem with the local PRSA chapter. And since I mentioned federal employment, also try www.usajobs.com for public affairs positions. Just make sure to book about three hours of time out of the day to make a profile. It is very involved.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
A Little Ranting: A PR Professional’s Best Tool (Part 6)
I have a professor and mentor who is very established in the public relations field, and I can remember my first class with her. She related her background, and went on detailing a truthful anecdote-based explanation of the trade. Of the number of talking points, one thing she said rings true in my ears to this day: “PR does not stand for press release.” Now being I worked in military public affairs for the better part of a decade, I cackled somewhat when I heard this because it reeks of truth. The biggest misconception of PR seems to be all we do is sit around in our lush corporate offices waiting for some big company event, and then guess what? We write a press release. My friends that, I say, is balderdash.
People seem to not realize PR encompasses every facet of the media arts. For those unfamiliar with the list of media arts it is as follows: journalism (print/broadcasting), graphic design, photography, public affairs/public relations, videography, website design and even social networking. Though diehards in all of the fields listed would say I am talking crazy, let me be the first to say take it to the bank. PR professionals do their own fair share of writing, including press releases, speeches, guidance plans (emergency/media) and a multitude of others. We also use cameras. A degree in PR usually is a journalism degree. I took numerous photography classes, and also had need for photo-support for several…press releases. Graphic design is another primary use in the field. I can’t even count the amount of informational pamphlets, newsletters and event books I produced over the last decade. Though not as often, there is a need for proficiency in use of a video camera. An entity, being corporate or government likes to have records of involvement in events and functions. If there isn’t a huge budget to hire or contract the job off, guess who is going to be behind the lens? This also includes web design for those who don’t have dedicated professionals who do it full time. The newest facet adding to the field is social networking innovation. If you read other blogs out there, many report corporate and private entities are coming forward with necessity to have a presence on the web. It builds customer and public trust with easy accessibility to business information. Customers get a warm fuzzy when getting direct interaction with their favorite widget-maker. Do some searching on Google. It’s spreading faster than VD. I know, bad joke.
I have done all of these things and more, and so have many I keep a professional relationship with. Though a fair share of PR professionals work for firms and do account work only, there are just as many who are one-person media events superstars. They are unsung heroes. And it is quite all right, because it goes with the job. The biggest thing needed in so many trades are people skills. PR types need to be able to juggle and coordinate with others in both business and the community. The ability to sell yourself can go a long way with making relationships needed to make a good name for your employer.
So when you think PR professionals are a bunch of fake, stuff-shirt types who do nothing, know that plenty do work for a living. And those who do sit around making the rest of us look bad, take note. Its fast-paced tech-savvy and information-based society we live in. It doesn’t take much for it to pass you by.
[end/rant]
People seem to not realize PR encompasses every facet of the media arts. For those unfamiliar with the list of media arts it is as follows: journalism (print/broadcasting), graphic design, photography, public affairs/public relations, videography, website design and even social networking. Though diehards in all of the fields listed would say I am talking crazy, let me be the first to say take it to the bank. PR professionals do their own fair share of writing, including press releases, speeches, guidance plans (emergency/media) and a multitude of others. We also use cameras. A degree in PR usually is a journalism degree. I took numerous photography classes, and also had need for photo-support for several…press releases. Graphic design is another primary use in the field. I can’t even count the amount of informational pamphlets, newsletters and event books I produced over the last decade. Though not as often, there is a need for proficiency in use of a video camera. An entity, being corporate or government likes to have records of involvement in events and functions. If there isn’t a huge budget to hire or contract the job off, guess who is going to be behind the lens? This also includes web design for those who don’t have dedicated professionals who do it full time. The newest facet adding to the field is social networking innovation. If you read other blogs out there, many report corporate and private entities are coming forward with necessity to have a presence on the web. It builds customer and public trust with easy accessibility to business information. Customers get a warm fuzzy when getting direct interaction with their favorite widget-maker. Do some searching on Google. It’s spreading faster than VD. I know, bad joke.
I have done all of these things and more, and so have many I keep a professional relationship with. Though a fair share of PR professionals work for firms and do account work only, there are just as many who are one-person media events superstars. They are unsung heroes. And it is quite all right, because it goes with the job. The biggest thing needed in so many trades are people skills. PR types need to be able to juggle and coordinate with others in both business and the community. The ability to sell yourself can go a long way with making relationships needed to make a good name for your employer.
So when you think PR professionals are a bunch of fake, stuff-shirt types who do nothing, know that plenty do work for a living. And those who do sit around making the rest of us look bad, take note. Its fast-paced tech-savvy and information-based society we live in. It doesn’t take much for it to pass you by.
[end/rant]
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Linking-In Some Professionalism: A PR Professional’s Best Tool (Part 5)
Social networking has evolved quite a bit since I became involved circa 2003, and my amusement in tracking the trends over the last several years grows and grows. My first experience with the movement was www.friendster.com. I had never heard of a website to keep track of friends, look at pictures and all the other inane things we as people love to follow online. In time Friendster became old news, but interest and pseudo-addiction to social networking blossomed in my consciousness. About six months later, a good friend suggested www.myspace.com. Once I created an account, there was no turning back. I stayed on myspace for quite a few years until upgrading to www.facebook.com, which I covered in an earlier entry. So why am I spending valuable words and time explaining websites to catch my eye over the years? Why bother explaining trends?
Well just like people, the internet tends to mature with age. Things a person found interesting six years ago are definitely not the same as what they would now. For instance, I look at myspace as quite juvenile in terms of communication and website satisfaction. I associate it with a part of my life more focused with dating and drama, than actual clean fun and keeping up with friends. And so my focus and goals are now more on professionalism and making an impact in my chosen field of work. Though I still continue to use facebook in a variety of capacities including business functions, there is a new website introduced to me fitting a better capacity based solely on professional networking. Though www.linkedin.com is not very new, it offers great options to those wanting to extend their career with another muscle in the long arm of social networking.
The premise is quite similar to facebook, but where one puts personal information, a user instead details business and work highlights. Instead of friends, it is wise to hunt for coworkers from the past and present to add “direct connections” to your “network.” By adding to your network, you then gain what is called “secondary connections,” or people in your direct connection’s networks. The network can help find jobs, but also has many other functions. Keep in mind this is not a simple job website! Yes, your resume does have information integral in completing your Linked-in profile, but there is a lot more to it. Also remember many businesses are searching this website to see if potential employees have a profile. With information actively available about professional history, it makes you more marketable!
Linked-In also provides great opportunities for professional branding. Many businesses have their own company profiles, and the site even allows direct question/answer sections; quite a good tool for building good reputation. The website also allows members to form groups for specific communication between specialists in a given trade. This can create a good place for “inbound marketing,” something any product-based business should take an active interest in. For the novices like myself, inbound marketing is permission-based marketing, or hooking a customer without making him feel pushed into making a purchase. Using the group, other professionals promote the brand for you; at least on paper, anyway.
Regardless, I am still working on my Linked-In profile and building my network. It’s slowly becoming a great tool to add to my public relations drawer. Take a look and judge for yourself!
Well just like people, the internet tends to mature with age. Things a person found interesting six years ago are definitely not the same as what they would now. For instance, I look at myspace as quite juvenile in terms of communication and website satisfaction. I associate it with a part of my life more focused with dating and drama, than actual clean fun and keeping up with friends. And so my focus and goals are now more on professionalism and making an impact in my chosen field of work. Though I still continue to use facebook in a variety of capacities including business functions, there is a new website introduced to me fitting a better capacity based solely on professional networking. Though www.linkedin.com is not very new, it offers great options to those wanting to extend their career with another muscle in the long arm of social networking.
The premise is quite similar to facebook, but where one puts personal information, a user instead details business and work highlights. Instead of friends, it is wise to hunt for coworkers from the past and present to add “direct connections” to your “network.” By adding to your network, you then gain what is called “secondary connections,” or people in your direct connection’s networks. The network can help find jobs, but also has many other functions. Keep in mind this is not a simple job website! Yes, your resume does have information integral in completing your Linked-in profile, but there is a lot more to it. Also remember many businesses are searching this website to see if potential employees have a profile. With information actively available about professional history, it makes you more marketable!
Linked-In also provides great opportunities for professional branding. Many businesses have their own company profiles, and the site even allows direct question/answer sections; quite a good tool for building good reputation. The website also allows members to form groups for specific communication between specialists in a given trade. This can create a good place for “inbound marketing,” something any product-based business should take an active interest in. For the novices like myself, inbound marketing is permission-based marketing, or hooking a customer without making him feel pushed into making a purchase. Using the group, other professionals promote the brand for you; at least on paper, anyway.
Regardless, I am still working on my Linked-In profile and building my network. It’s slowly becoming a great tool to add to my public relations drawer. Take a look and judge for yourself!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Tweeting Like a Bird: A PR Professional’s Best Tool (Part 4)
Oh Twitter! How I have such a love/hate relationship with you. You are quite young, Twitter. No one really knew you existed until the bigwigs like Oprah, Ashton and Demi held your hand, bringing you up to the equivalent of a great white shark on the proverbial social networking food chain. Your tweets are more numerous than even the morning birds who love to wake me up on Sunday mornings; even if you have to learn a shorter version of the English language to fit the 140-character limit. You sing your tweets to the tune of almost everything, from portraying corporate messages to our favorite celebrities’ inane daily routines. You’ve come a long way, and are only getting bigger. What’s next Twitter? How more could you affect social networking as a whole?
In a nutshell, that is my sarcastic view of one of world’s most popular websites www.twitter.com. Now all sarcasm aside, Twitter is probably the hottest of all when it comes to social networking. Started in 2006 by Jack Dorsey, the site’s usership grew exponentially, up 1500% in 2009 alone! Twitter is the easiest website to use in real time, with many users “tweeting” from their cell phones and laptops. In fact, several world events have had coverage on Twitter long before newscasters were on scene. Good examples are the most recent coverage from tweeters on the tsunami to hit Samoa, and even several like disasters of plane crashes.
Well how does it work? Twitter is probably the easiest to use of all social networking websites. The main function is writing a 140-character “tweet” (message) of what you are doing. This could be anything from doing the dishes, to the trials of running a business. Tweets are visible on your profile and accessible by others if they choose to “follow” you. You can follow others, and their tweets are available to you through a simple time-descending newsfeed. Though its sounds boring and pointless, it is quite the opposite. Twitter has a search function that allows access to almost anything people are tweeting about. You can then follow fellow tweeters who have similar interests as yourself across the globe, making for an interesting exchange of ideas.
So how does this relate to PR? In a business capacity, Twitter quickly takes the cake in showing brilliance for public and customer relations. A person can start an entity or business profile, and start tweeting about products or news. Then Tweets in direct relation to your business or product subject matter are found by using the search function. This allows instant access to customers, and even trouble-shooting if people are tweeting negative reactions. The profile then gains followers etc., creating a mini-community for your business. This dominates the most important aspect of social networking: conveying a positive entity or business message! Over time it builds a great reputation and trust. Major companies like Dell Computers and TechirgySM2 Software have completely turned around their customer service efforts by using this strategy. Twitter applications are endless for anything needing a direct message to the masses. Its good business practice!
Now keep in mind, there is more to twitter than just the aforementioned tweeting. The best way to learn is by opening an account and starting to explore. I see Twitter as more a business application than for personal use, though many probably disagree. Regardless, it’s quite a sharp tool to put in your drawer marked “public relations.”
Next update covers Linked-In; something I am still quite new to. Stay tuned!
In a nutshell, that is my sarcastic view of one of world’s most popular websites www.twitter.com. Now all sarcasm aside, Twitter is probably the hottest of all when it comes to social networking. Started in 2006 by Jack Dorsey, the site’s usership grew exponentially, up 1500% in 2009 alone! Twitter is the easiest website to use in real time, with many users “tweeting” from their cell phones and laptops. In fact, several world events have had coverage on Twitter long before newscasters were on scene. Good examples are the most recent coverage from tweeters on the tsunami to hit Samoa, and even several like disasters of plane crashes.
Well how does it work? Twitter is probably the easiest to use of all social networking websites. The main function is writing a 140-character “tweet” (message) of what you are doing. This could be anything from doing the dishes, to the trials of running a business. Tweets are visible on your profile and accessible by others if they choose to “follow” you. You can follow others, and their tweets are available to you through a simple time-descending newsfeed. Though its sounds boring and pointless, it is quite the opposite. Twitter has a search function that allows access to almost anything people are tweeting about. You can then follow fellow tweeters who have similar interests as yourself across the globe, making for an interesting exchange of ideas.
So how does this relate to PR? In a business capacity, Twitter quickly takes the cake in showing brilliance for public and customer relations. A person can start an entity or business profile, and start tweeting about products or news. Then Tweets in direct relation to your business or product subject matter are found by using the search function. This allows instant access to customers, and even trouble-shooting if people are tweeting negative reactions. The profile then gains followers etc., creating a mini-community for your business. This dominates the most important aspect of social networking: conveying a positive entity or business message! Over time it builds a great reputation and trust. Major companies like Dell Computers and TechirgySM2 Software have completely turned around their customer service efforts by using this strategy. Twitter applications are endless for anything needing a direct message to the masses. Its good business practice!
Now keep in mind, there is more to twitter than just the aforementioned tweeting. The best way to learn is by opening an account and starting to explore. I see Twitter as more a business application than for personal use, though many probably disagree. Regardless, it’s quite a sharp tool to put in your drawer marked “public relations.”
Next update covers Linked-In; something I am still quite new to. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Twitter and a Bio: A PR Professional’s Best Tool (Part 3)
As we enter this installment of a blog that evolves as I write and gather information, I want to take a little time to talk about myself. Now I promise it won’t be much. I am not one of those super-ego types who just can’t get enough of themselves. I just want to throw a little info out there so people know where I am from, and then hit my second topic of the sensationalized website www.twitter.com.
My name is Ed Mekeel. I am 30 years old, and am desperately trying to break into the realm of public relations. There, I said it. It sounds like I am going to AA for the first time, if you were to hear me speak it out loud, that is. My experience starts with joining the U.S. Navy in 1998, and working in public affairs. I did this for almost ten years. Though I was in for too long, I am quite proud of my service, as I am sure others probably tire of hearing my incessant ramblings over Navy “sea stories.” I will leave those off this blog due to their “colorful” nature. Regardless, I ended my career with the military in January, 2008, on not the best of terms. My head wasn’t in the game, and the military does take its toll. I wasn’t ready to sacrifice anymore: simple as that. And so I did what any prior servicemember who enlisted at the age of 18 must do, returned to school. I started with community college, and then worked my way up to a real school, Tulane University. I am proud and pumped to say I graduate with a Bachelor’s in December.
Bored yet? Well there is a point to this. Since I ended my active duty service to the military, I have fruitlessly tried to find a job in public relations. No one seems to want to hire me! I know the biggest issue was not having a college degree, but I also think military public affairs experience doesn’t directly equate to civilian PR experience. I am not bitter, but I truly didn’t understand for the longest time. Over the last few months, I was lucky enough to have a mentor who is an extremely talented PR professional. She has opened my eyes to a number of websites and practices that I knew nothing of during my time in the Navy. The military hasn’t embraced practices like social networking in their training process. Oh sure, there is a presence, but they don’t teach it in the curriculum. It’s something you MAYBE learn later. Thankfully that same mentor is a professor, and made it a point to teach cutting-edge methods of communications to her students. Learning about social networking web 2.0 websites, the first she taught was Twitter.
If you have no experience with www.twitter.com, you are way behind the power curve. I don’t mean that in a bad way, but seriously, get out of the Stone Age. I have heard the growing concerns of my senior peers who think too much information over the internet is not good, but we are in an information age. The kids coming into the fold ten years younger than myself spend more time on the internet than any other, estimated at 31 hours a week. The most harmonious website for direct information with quickness is Twitter. Even though that annoying 140-character limit is a drag, it’s still the best way to find information about people, products, businesses and entities.
How, you ask? I will cover it in my next update. I am sure the suspense will kill you. : )
My name is Ed Mekeel. I am 30 years old, and am desperately trying to break into the realm of public relations. There, I said it. It sounds like I am going to AA for the first time, if you were to hear me speak it out loud, that is. My experience starts with joining the U.S. Navy in 1998, and working in public affairs. I did this for almost ten years. Though I was in for too long, I am quite proud of my service, as I am sure others probably tire of hearing my incessant ramblings over Navy “sea stories.” I will leave those off this blog due to their “colorful” nature. Regardless, I ended my career with the military in January, 2008, on not the best of terms. My head wasn’t in the game, and the military does take its toll. I wasn’t ready to sacrifice anymore: simple as that. And so I did what any prior servicemember who enlisted at the age of 18 must do, returned to school. I started with community college, and then worked my way up to a real school, Tulane University. I am proud and pumped to say I graduate with a Bachelor’s in December.
Bored yet? Well there is a point to this. Since I ended my active duty service to the military, I have fruitlessly tried to find a job in public relations. No one seems to want to hire me! I know the biggest issue was not having a college degree, but I also think military public affairs experience doesn’t directly equate to civilian PR experience. I am not bitter, but I truly didn’t understand for the longest time. Over the last few months, I was lucky enough to have a mentor who is an extremely talented PR professional. She has opened my eyes to a number of websites and practices that I knew nothing of during my time in the Navy. The military hasn’t embraced practices like social networking in their training process. Oh sure, there is a presence, but they don’t teach it in the curriculum. It’s something you MAYBE learn later. Thankfully that same mentor is a professor, and made it a point to teach cutting-edge methods of communications to her students. Learning about social networking web 2.0 websites, the first she taught was Twitter.
If you have no experience with www.twitter.com, you are way behind the power curve. I don’t mean that in a bad way, but seriously, get out of the Stone Age. I have heard the growing concerns of my senior peers who think too much information over the internet is not good, but we are in an information age. The kids coming into the fold ten years younger than myself spend more time on the internet than any other, estimated at 31 hours a week. The most harmonious website for direct information with quickness is Twitter. Even though that annoying 140-character limit is a drag, it’s still the best way to find information about people, products, businesses and entities.
How, you ask? I will cover it in my next update. I am sure the suspense will kill you. : )
Friday, October 30, 2009
Facebook: A PR Professional’s Best Tool (Part 2)
The invention of social networking sites over the last several years has hit the world by storm. If the average person has not heard of these numerous websites, they are probably living in the Dark Ages. As mentioned in the first part of this series, one of the most popular to come down the pipe is www.facebook.com. According to their website, Facebook is a social utility that helps people communicate more efficiently with their friends, family and coworkers. Focusing on actual communication with people, instead of the endless personal webpage accessory and customization utilized by the competition, Facebook’s popularity and membership grows exponentially each month.
Probably the most advantageous facet of Facebook is its use in business applications, especially for corporate communication and public relations. Enter the Facebook Fanpage: a way for an entity to not only communicate news, events, advertising and a message; but also track demographic metrics in monitoring who is interested in their establishment. With a fan-page, the possibilities are endless in terms of communicating information to a very wide audience.
For the layman, the basic premise of Facebook is quite simple. A user has a “Wall” for communication of messages, pictures, web links and videos between people and organizations. It is a simple time-descending news feed that is updatable day or night, with the option of fans to comment. For example, if the administrator of the page wanted to update on a company event, they could type a message detailing who, what, when etc. This will then show up on all fan news feeds of the entity. Above the “Wall” are several tabs used for information. These tabs entail subject matter as follows: Info, Photos, Discussions and Events. The Info tab gives basic information such as address, phone number etc. The Photos tabs detail all of the photos posted on Facebook, and also includes any fan photos. With the Discussions tab, there is an option for fans to discuss topics in an internet message board fashion. By posting a topic, others can comment and share their experiences. The Events tab is a customizable calendar used to track events the organization host. Other types of tabs are also available for customization.
On the page, there are also permanent ways to communicate information that won’t be on a descending feed. On the left-hand column there are several features. The most important is posting links. A section box is available to post links to web addresses to connect to the entity website, press releases and such of that nature. The box shows the top three links, with an option to see more. Below the links box, is another box detailing events. Fans can go to the Events tab mentioned prior to see the full list.
When using a fan page as an administrator, an ever larger amount of options are open. Facebook offers full demographic information on all of the fans that joined the page. The site keeps track of age groups, gender, top geographic locations and even page viewership in forms of percentages. With these tools at the hands of a public relations professional, the possibilities are endless to use in conjunction with the entity website and other communications networks.
Once learned and a fanpage is created, it can be quite a tool for any public relations professional. Other than Twitter, Facebook is the fastest growing social networking site on the internet. With over 300 million users, and at least 50% of users logging in every day, the website is a powerhouse (Ref www.facebook.com). It is highly suggested an entity fan-page run in tandem with the website homepage. Posting dual links on both pages should increase over-all viewership. Posting pictures, press releases, event benefits, exhibits, workshops etc. can all be main focus points for the page. The only thing limiting it is the administrator’s imagination. It is also highly suggested for fan-page optimization that a dedicated professional be able to update on a daily basis or at the very least every other day.
Stay tuned for the next installment on social networking for Public Relations professionals: Twitter!
Probably the most advantageous facet of Facebook is its use in business applications, especially for corporate communication and public relations. Enter the Facebook Fanpage: a way for an entity to not only communicate news, events, advertising and a message; but also track demographic metrics in monitoring who is interested in their establishment. With a fan-page, the possibilities are endless in terms of communicating information to a very wide audience.
For the layman, the basic premise of Facebook is quite simple. A user has a “Wall” for communication of messages, pictures, web links and videos between people and organizations. It is a simple time-descending news feed that is updatable day or night, with the option of fans to comment. For example, if the administrator of the page wanted to update on a company event, they could type a message detailing who, what, when etc. This will then show up on all fan news feeds of the entity. Above the “Wall” are several tabs used for information. These tabs entail subject matter as follows: Info, Photos, Discussions and Events. The Info tab gives basic information such as address, phone number etc. The Photos tabs detail all of the photos posted on Facebook, and also includes any fan photos. With the Discussions tab, there is an option for fans to discuss topics in an internet message board fashion. By posting a topic, others can comment and share their experiences. The Events tab is a customizable calendar used to track events the organization host. Other types of tabs are also available for customization.
On the page, there are also permanent ways to communicate information that won’t be on a descending feed. On the left-hand column there are several features. The most important is posting links. A section box is available to post links to web addresses to connect to the entity website, press releases and such of that nature. The box shows the top three links, with an option to see more. Below the links box, is another box detailing events. Fans can go to the Events tab mentioned prior to see the full list.
When using a fan page as an administrator, an ever larger amount of options are open. Facebook offers full demographic information on all of the fans that joined the page. The site keeps track of age groups, gender, top geographic locations and even page viewership in forms of percentages. With these tools at the hands of a public relations professional, the possibilities are endless to use in conjunction with the entity website and other communications networks.
Once learned and a fanpage is created, it can be quite a tool for any public relations professional. Other than Twitter, Facebook is the fastest growing social networking site on the internet. With over 300 million users, and at least 50% of users logging in every day, the website is a powerhouse (Ref www.facebook.com). It is highly suggested an entity fan-page run in tandem with the website homepage. Posting dual links on both pages should increase over-all viewership. Posting pictures, press releases, event benefits, exhibits, workshops etc. can all be main focus points for the page. The only thing limiting it is the administrator’s imagination. It is also highly suggested for fan-page optimization that a dedicated professional be able to update on a daily basis or at the very least every other day.
Stay tuned for the next installment on social networking for Public Relations professionals: Twitter!
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