Is Twitter really worth all the hype? What type of ROI will I get through Facebook? How do I find relevant blogs for my industry or topic? These are just some of the questions that ran through my mind as I drafted a social media plan for my nonprofit organization. And I’m sure you have many more.
We hear a lot about social media these days or new media, Web 2.0, but how important is it to building your organization’s brand? I would venture to say that social media is just as significant a tool as the printing press, broadcast media and design. But — the key to effectively using social media is integrating it with the rest of your communication efforts. And, to do that, you first need to know what people are saying about you. Simply put, you have to listen.
Here are FREE tools to help you do just that:
Google Alerts
Technorati
Blogpulse
Social Mention
TwitterSearch
BoardReader
Backtype
Those should get you started. Or, if you have the funds for a professional tool, industry experts like Beth Kanter recommend Radian 6.
So, go for it! Be a social media butterfly, but before you spread your wings and fly, take a moment to listen.
Next Topic: Creating Your Social Media Message
3 Comments
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Susan,
Thanks so much for the Radian6 shout out! And of course thanks muchly to Beth for recommending us too.
Cheers.
@davidalston
Radian6
Sure thing, David. We will be calling you guys for more information!
Susan-
Thank you SO much for the great start of your series. Although I have already been using Technorati and Google Alerts, I didn’t even know what Social Mention was, or that there is something called TwitterSearch…I know I am not using Twitter to the best of it’s ability (or mine for that matter)
Thanks again, and see you soon!
Lisa