Social Media 2009
January 7, 2009 by John ZimmermanI gave a webinar recently on Social Media for Non-Profits and Associations and what companies should be considering in 2009. It’s a new year, a down economy, and there are still a ton of opportunities so let’s turn a frown into a smile. 
Here is a snapshot at my recommendations.
- Take advantage of the social networks that already exist out there instead of recreating your own. Very few companies have created their own successful community. If they have done a good job – it is because of the demand for the content not the technology.
- Video is in.
- Podcasts are out.
- Don’t spend tons of money on high-end commercial videos. They cost way too much and it’s going to take a while to recoup the expense. Guerilla marketing is in – it’s more trusted today than commercials. Use a basic video cam and do it yourself.
- Add social media bookmarks to your site. (AddThis.com has them all)
- Facebook. Fastest growing segment. Ages 35-55. Not teens. Who knew? Approaching 200 million really quick. I project it will hit it in April.
- Discussion Forums should be public. Paid models do not work very well as people expect to network for free. Your members will go and find a free resource to connect else where. Consider giving away your forums and just increasing membership dues for your other added benefits.
- Expect 10% of your members to participate in Social media. Similar to association annual trade shows.
- Most popular: YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Wikipedia.
- Remember, social media sites are for marketing. They are a marketing channel. They do not belong to IT, they belong to marketers.
- Define your social media goals upfront — the purpose of each site you will actively participate on.
- Get on these sites before one of your members does and owns your brand on the site. Start small now.
- There is an opportunity to sell ads on these sites in your alloted space.
- Do 1-2 hours of research each week on your company on the Internet. Who is posting anything about your organization?
- User generated content and images.
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