SOCIAL MEDIA 101: WHAT’S ALL THE BUZZ ABOUT?

Nikki Voelzke

Community Relations Specialist

Valley Transit

AGENDA

Introductions What is social media and why does it matter? Social media tool box Implementing your social media plan Pitfalls to avoid Resources Q&A

SOCIAL MEDIA REVOLUTION

WHAT IS SOCIAL MEDIA?

Social media is a conversation online.

Look who’s talking:your customersyour employeesyour criticsyour fansanyone who has internet access and an opinion.

SOCIAL MEDIA CONVERSATION POWERED BY Social Networks News & Bookmarking Blogs Video Sharing Photo Sharing Message Boards Wikis

Social media has the power to shift fromcorporations and institutions to individuals and communities.

THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA Learn what people are saying about you Create buzz for events & campaigns Increase exposure Identify recruiters to spread your message Get your message out fast Retain riders by establishing a personal relationship

Start with the basics; listen to your customer

JUMP IN Experiment personally before professionally Try a variety of social media tools Be yourself, make friends, share

MAKE A PLAN

1. Listen

2. Prepare

(people, policies, strategy)

3. Engage

4. Go offline (events & promotions)

5. Measure success (monitor and adapt)

Source: http://mashable.com/2008/07/10/how-to-develop-a-social-media-plan/

PITFALLS

Be transparent and honest Don’t just push your message – it’s all about the conversation Don’t create a page and fail to maintain it Don’t ignore conversations about your agency/business Carefully select employees responsible for content Don’t delete or remove criticism (it will just make it worse) Admit shortcomings Resolve issues quickly

RESOURCES www.gosocialtransit.com www.mashable.com http://newmedia.hhs.gov/ http://govfresh.com/ http://www.whitehouse.gov/ http://www.govloop.com/

Connect with us:

Website: www.MyValleyTransit.com

Twitter: @ValleyTransit

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