Session about social media for academics and PhD students at Kings College London: http://www.historyandpolicy.org/news/article/policy-engagement-training-for-historians-and-social-scientists?platform=hootsuite
I feel like we can’t talk about social media unless we talk about the wider spectrum of digital technology and the way that is influencing how we spend our time. We know that people are spending more and more time online.
Digital technology has brought about a democratisation of information-sharing, and opportunity towards a share of voice. News is often not broken by international media agencies, but by individuals who happen to be at the right place at the right time, and have access to an internet connection and a mobile phone.
The way in which people seek, share and consume information is rapidly changing. Our screens are increasingly the preferred way for us to consume media. Which screens are we increasingly using? For many of us, our first screen is becoming our smartphone.
The average mobile user checks their phone 150 times/day. Many of us check their phones the first thing when we wake up in the morning.
All sorts of information is being shared and searched for online – from holiday tips to football scores to policy debate – and to remain relevant we must be aware of, and part of, this online conversation.
Spreading yourself too thin can be more trouble than it's worth. Not only do small-business owners have limited time and resources, but engaging every social channel is too time consuming for you too. It's important to research the specific social media channels your customers frequent and to target those channels. If you're new to social media, check out Facebook, Twitter and, LinkedIn--all have expansive demographics and usage rates.
Know where your audience is – it is unlikely that any policy debate is taking place on Instagram. Twitter, on the other hand. LinkedIn can be your professional brand – how many of us are on LinkedIn? We can find groups that match our interests, join them, follow opinion leaders, contribute our stories.
Know how your audience uses the medium; eg. Twitter chats
Go where people already are – LinkedIn groups, Twitter chats.
Our online brand is a continuum of our offline professional persona.
Social media as a vehicle of research development
The people already there will be the influencers.
As someone who spends more time on Twitter than is probably considered healthy, let me assure you you can get your message across in 140 characters.
1. Make it relevant to the audience
1.1 Is there a show about your research? That may be a good time to tweet! – Do not think that people will be watching tv – meerkat-ting
2. Make it easy for them to share and amplify your message
2.1 Infographics and GIFs work very well – break down data; understand the way in which people use digital technology
2.2 Data visualisation: Canva, Visme, Infogr.am
3. Mention yourself memorable
3.1 Add your Twitter handle in presentations – even the weatherman tells us their Twitter handle nowadays
3.2 Presenting at your conference? Have a hashtag for your event
3.3 Add session on Slideshare