This document discusses tools for managing social media presence, including Hootsuite and Tweetdeck. Hootsuite allows users to monitor and publish to multiple social media accounts from one location and schedule posts in advance. Tweetdeck allows viewing and managing Twitter and other accounts through customizable columns. Both tools have mobile apps and are browser-based. The document also provides overviews of key social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn and how businesses can benefit from using social media.

1. Managing Your Social Media Presence using Hootsuite and Tweetdeck October 10 & 11, 2011 Shannon Scanlan Business Services Librarian Arlington Heights Memorial Library sscanlan@ahml.info

2. Why Social Media is Good for Business Social media is a constant source of ideas, resources and recommendations. Twitter is a tremendous tool for connecting and networking with users who share your interests, job skills, geographical area, business products etc... Twitter and Facebook users can get instant results on what is being communicated about your business and products. Customers can go to Twitter and Facebook for service and technical support. Social media updates are short and concise showing that you value your customer’s time.

3. Twitter A social networking site for communicating and "micro blogging“. Over 200 million registered users. Users “tweet" short messages of 140 characters or less. Users "follow" other users, once followed their tweets will appear on your homepage. Direct messages can be sent between users who are following each other. A good choice if a user would like to send a private message to someone instead of sharing it with everyone. The use of hashtags (#) allows people to find similar topics and tweets such as #Chicago or #WhiteSox.

4. Learn the Twitter Lingo @ include the @ symbol before a user's Twitter name to mention them in a Tweet. RT stands for "retweet", use when retweeting another user’s message. d, include "d" in front of a user's Twitter name to send them a direct message. # is a hashtag such as #Follow. Hashtags connect topics.

5. Facebook Launched by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004 As of July 2011 had over 800 millions users Users have “profiles” and businesses, groups, individuals and organizations have “pages” Facebook users can post status updates, pictures, videos, links, send private messages and connect with other users

6. Linkedin Business related social networking site Launched in 2003 As of June 2011 over 120 million users Used for professional networking, job seekers, recruitment and job postings Users connect with direct connections, connections of connections and connections of a connection’s connection

7. Why Use a Social Media Tool? Manage multiple accounts in 1 location No need to sign in to each of your accounts via separate websites URL shorteners, say more than 140 characters Hootsuite allows users to create reports Allows for scheduling of updates and tweets in advance

8. Tools for making it easier Hootsuite Monitor social media accounts, schedule messages and more Tweetdeck View and manage Twitter accounts as well as other social media sites such as Facebook and Linkedin SpoutSocial Social media management $9 for individuals a month or $49 for businesses Google Alerts Monitor your web mentions, news or business

9. Hootsuite A browser based tool that allows registered users to publish to Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, MySpace, Foursquare and Wordpress Apps for iPhone and Android phones Includes a URL shortener In use since December 2008 You can access your Hootsuite account from any computer with an internet browser

10. Tweetdeck A desktop application for use with Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Linkedin, Google Buzz and Foursquare. Users view updates in customizable columns iPhone and iPad versions In use since July 2008

12. Hootsuite Setup

13. Scheduling on Hootsuite

14. Hootsuite app on iPhone

16. Other Tools for Social Media Nearby Tweets Search for tweets about particular topics in selected locations Twtpoll Create polls, get feedback from your customers Twitpic Share pictures and videos YFrog Another service for sharing pictures and videos Splitweet Allows users to monitor multiple Twitter accounts and brand mentions