Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Blogging can be an invaluable tool, supplying new and engaging content for website, social media networks, press releases, newsletters, and more. Here are some examples of how our transit agency uses blogging to connect with our community.
Citation preview
Blogging as the backbone of
social marketing
How one transit agency engaged its riders and
grew an award-winning blog in just six months.
Juno Kughler [email protected]
Rialto man charged with stabbing Omnitrans bus driver
Autistic passenger attacked on bus in San Bernardino
Omnitrans fires union leader for criticizing agency
Omnitrans bus riders brace for more hikes
Omnitrans software upgrade stirs concern
Old headlines live forever on the Internet.Important to tell your own story.
Omnitrans Ridership:16 million
The agency provides over 55,000 passenger trips each weekday across the San Bernardino Valley.
The concept:For Valentine’s Day, spotlight one of our employee couples.
Interview notes:
Marianne is a uterine cancer survivor
She and Larry have an autistic son
They do outreach at his school,
teaching the kids how public transit
will help them be independent
Omnitrans is like family to them
“Our little story has reached so many people and the feedback has been incredible.”
The concept:Write about a family that uses Omnitrans regularly.
Interview notes:
Kathleen’s world turned upside down
when she began to have mini-blackout
seizures
Riding the bus led to a healthier
lifestyle. She lost 100 lbs. her first year
of riding! Was able to prove in a custody battle
that she could meet her kids’ needs
using public transportation
“Omnitrans has made it possible for us to enjoy life in ways we never would have imagined.”
The concept:Interview a college student who saves money by riding the bus.
Interview notes:
Been riding the bus since she was
12-years-old.
Donated a kidney to a total
stranger –and used Omnitrans to
help her do it!
Studying to become a minister.
“Krystle is a true heroine.”
Dick RiddellOmnitrans Board Chair
The concept:Spotlight a wheelchair user who also rides Omnitrans.
Interview notes:
Renee became a recluse after she was
disabled, afraid to leave her home
Overcame her apprehension of riding
the bus
Now volunteers as a tutor in Microsoft
Office to help those in need of
workforce training“For 14 years after I became disabled, I almost never left my home.”
The concept:Profile a cyclist who also rides the bus.
Interview notes:
Christine is a cyclist and doula
She successfully uses a combination of
bike and bus to assist mothers with labor
and delivery as well as pre-natal and
post-natal support
She and her musician husband enjoy the
freedom of an active and simple lifestyle
—no mortgage, no cable, no car
“One of the nice things about public transit is that I can be flexible in the way I travel.”
Coach operator JoJo shared a sweet thank you note from
two little girls.
Feature a Destination
Independent local businesses appreciate
the support.
Say it with pictures
Behind the scenes photos can help build social buzz.
Omnitrans A Great Solution for this
Newlywed
Why is blogging now a cornerstone of our
marketing strategy?
Builds online brand reputation
Defines who we are and what sets us apart in our industry
Identifies brand ambassadors
Humanizes us as an agency
Encourages social sharing
Provides content for our website and social media networks
Creates partnership opportunities
Forms the basis for press releases
Breaks customer stereotypes
Our blog now receives more than 9,000 visits per month
Our blog is now the backbone of our online marketing
PRESSRELEASE
ConstantContact
Rider Alerts
Listen:When interviewing people, listen for interesting side stories that go beyond your original concept.
Network:Think about what social partners might be natural tie-ins for your article.
Some tips for blogging success:
Share:Add a tagline at the end of your blog articles to encourage sharing:
Do you like this story and want to use it for your blog or newsletter? All our stories may be freely re-posted and shared with others!
Do you have a great Omnitrans story to share? Let us know!
Email [email protected]
“I would enjoy being employed by someone who cared as much as Omnitrans does about your team and passengers” – Oratio
Comments from our readers:
“I was struck by how cut off from our community we can be when we ride in our individual automobiles, and also how much cars keep us from moving our bodies and getting fresh air. Thanks for an inspiring story.” – Susan
