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Creative Social Media - Some of the Basics

Actually, this post is about cheap and creative ways to use social media to get your message out. Some of the advice related to Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube might seem like old news but bear with me. I think things will hang together pretty well.

Your organization is using social media I hope? A Facebook page, Twitter Feed, and YouTube channel aren't substitutes for real-world engagement with people. As long as you realize that social media is part of an overall marketing strategy and may, in some cases, be a sensible backbone then you are fine.

So, assuming you are working hard in the real world and trying to make good use of social media too, here are some ideas you might like to try out.

Facebook - Do have a fan page. Like other pages and comment on their posts. Focus on allied organizations, and potential strategic partners.

LinkedIn - Create a group related to a cause or issue or challenge if there isn't one. Do join and make connections here. Look for people who could be good volunteers, interns, employees, and strategic partners.

Twitter - Find people who tweet consistently on issues that are central to your organization. Look for potential partners for future programs or advocacy efforts. Follow those people and retweet interesting posts.

YouTube - This is obviously one of the go-to sites for posting videos. If you don't have plans to document a project on YouTube, consider whether that would be a good idea for your organization. Make sure the YouTube channel gets mentioned on your Facebook page.

Do your officers and other staff, where appropriate, have your social media links in their email signature lines? Good!

Are you keeping people updated on your social media efforts? Use social media for this. Is your new YouTube channel mentioned on Facebook and Twitter? Use email and your Web page. Don't bury things either. especially if you are starting something new. Put that new YouTube channel "above the fold" on the home page.

Next time, I'll show you how to apply some real creative thinking to social media campaigns.
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