Web Communications

Social Media Starter Kit

So you've decided you want to dive into the world of social media — that's great! But before you create your Facebook fan page, make sure you've done your homework and are ready for the journey ahead.

How to get started

  1. Meet with Web Communications
    Web Comm can help identify options as well as bring you up to speed on university guidelines. Send your request to web@callutheran.edu. Please include your department/office name and a brief summary of what you're looking for.
  2. Create a plan
    Get your goals down on paper and develop a strategy to achieve them.
  3. Set up and configure the tools
    Get the technical things taken care of so everything is synced and working properly.
  4. Populate your accounts with some initial content
    You don't want people to see a blank page. Make sure your account looks alive and inviting.
  5. Spread the word
    Drive traffic and build a fan base using your existing communications.
  6. Measure the impact
    Find out what works and what doesn't to avoid becoming irrelevant.


Starter Kit

Getting Started with Social Media

Additionally, use these resources for inspiration and guidance.

Blogs you really should follow

Make it easy on yourself to follow these blogs. Use Google Reader to stay organized »

5 effective social media principles

  1. Be human. Talk like a person, not a corporation. Share things that are actually interesting. Don't pump out content no one cares about.
  2. Be responsive. Reply when people talk to you. Don't ignore them.
  3. Be consistent. Don't turn your social property into a ghost town because you forgot about it.
  4. Be prepared. Have a plan that you can follow. Create an editorial calendar so you don't have to come up with content ideas at the last minute.
  5. Be informed. Measure what you're doing to see if it's effective or not. Make sure your activities are aligned with your goals.

Tips from the pros

  • Stop talking about your products and services. People don't care about products and services; they care about themselves.
  • We share lots of things that most companies would keep internal. By sharing both the good and the bad, you build trust and influence.
  • Consistency demonstrates commitment. You're going to earn trust because you're consistent.
  • People either identify and connect with your story or they don't. Have a story that's worth telling.
  • Share good content consistently.
  • It is not about digital. It's about people. It's about passion conversations, not product conversations.
  • Don't worry about getting attention from other people. Make something worth talking about.
  • Think about the authenticity and consistency of your voice across your entire online and offline presence.
  • Learn to be a storyteller. Narrative — it's what makes us human. Big media does it great. You have to as well.
  • Think about social media not as its own strategy, but a strategy to enhance your existing marketing and business goals.

Questions?

Contact Web Communications for tips, tricks, recommendations and other help for your social media program. Send your request to web@callutheran.edu.

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