FtcWindsor

I have recently taken the opportunity to analyse some local websites using WORDLE. As you can see they make the most frequent words large. Here are some comparisons:

Cork Chamber

Waterford Chamber

News and Star

Munster Express

Social media has changed the way media works. If you watch Vincent Brown, you can see he reads out tweets that are sent to him. He also tell people about special editions are on. On the right hook, twitter is used in a similar fashion. While people like David McWilliams use it to announce his blogs and shows, the blogs relate back to articles he has written for newspaper print.

The addition of social media to live shows has empowered the audience – as previously they were not able to comment on a live show, now they can. If the presenter is so inclined a comment from the audience can be discussed and can even change the direction of the show.

Additionally, social media allows media presenters and writers to publicise their shows and / or articles. More importantly presenters and writers can become a more ’rounded’ person in the audience eyes by discussing personal things. When an audience associates with a presenter or writer on a personal level they become more loyal. Presenters and writers can also get ideas for future shows and articles from their audience.

Overall, the audience is empowered by social media, and presenters and writers gain ideas and potentially loyalty.

Social media allows small businesses to create an imitate relationship with there overseas clients, relationships which in the past would have cost a lot more to cultivate – trips overseas etc. Additionally, social media allows small business to capture customers that would have been inaccessible previously.

Social media ensures that firms expand their network globally. This network provides access 1) to knowledge (e.g. international standards in their industries) and 2) to potential suppliers (thus cost savings and/or improved quality).

Overall, social media can improve a firms international profile and make the firm more efficient and effective.

1. Social Media Today – http://socialmediatoday.com
2. The Social Media Guide – http://thesocialmediaguide.com.au/
3. The Social Media Examiner – http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com
4. Mashable – http://mashable.com/
5. Chris Brogan -  http://www.chrisbrogan.com/
6. Social media Biz – http://www.socialmedia.biz/
7. Socialnomics – http://socialnomics.net/
8. Copy Blogger – http://www.copyblogger.com/
9. The Social Times – http://www.socialtimes.com/
10. Problogger – http://www.problogger.net/

Does your firm have any social media goals for 2011? A lot of firms would answer ‘NO’ to this question. This is because social media is often launched into with no particular goal in mind. (Note, this is not the case for all firms.) When no goals are set you often find that the firm uses social media infrequently and only to sell or briefly provide information. Thus I suggest for 2011 I suggest review of your social media goals. Here are some goals you might consider:

1. Increasing the awareness of the firm or specific products.
2. Convert followers to customers.
3. Increase the number of followers
4. Generate activity – on you social media sites
5. Get your customer to become followers
6. Integrate social media with you main stream marketing
7. To have X uptake of offers you make
8. To increase your website traffic using social media