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Some Social Media How-To’s

January 25, 2011 / 4 Comments
Recently I attended a workshop by some experts on how to maximize social media. And I’m going to pass along some of the highlights, even though I’m still working to incorporate them (in other words, I’m not yet totally practicing what I preach.) 
 We began by watching the Youtube video titled “Social Media Revolution 2 (Refresh).” It gave us info like this: Ashton Kutcher and Britney Spears have more Twitter followers than the entire populations of Sweden, Israel, Switzerland, Ireland, and Norway. If we had any doubts that social media is here to stay, the video stats cleared up that little misconception. Here are a few more factoids, in case anybody still needs convincing:
  • Of the top ten U.S. newspapers, nine have seen dramatic circulation decreases. Only one increased, and that was only by 4,000 (USA Today).
  • Facebook dominates market share at 61.75%, with YouTube a distant second at 18.56%.
  • If Facebook were a country, it would be number three in population right behind China and India.
 Okay, we’re convinced. Sure, we need to harness social media. So how do we capitalize on it? Here are some suggestions they gave us for posting. 
  • Have a rhythm. Recommended intervals for Facebook are a few times a day; for Twitter, go for eight to ten. For LinkedIn post less frequently, maybe about once a week. When posting about an event, include one or two announcements two months out; three to five announcements one month out; five or six announcements on the “day of.” After the event, post teasers with event photos or quotes from speakers to keep traffic coming back.
  • Schedule for optimum impact. People tend to check in during drive time, so if your ministry is national rather than regional/local (or if you want it to be), schedule posts and tweets for rush hour in the Eastern US time zone. Also know that Friday nights and Sunday nights are heavy-use times. On Friday evening people are checking in with their friends for the weekend, and on Sunday evening, they’re gearing up for the business week. So be sure to post during those times. Take advantage of sites such as socialoomph.com that allow you to create posts and set days/times for them to run. 
  • Ask questions. Don’t just make announcements or talk about your latest project or event. Start an interactive conversation with some substance.
  • Comment. Once people respond to your posts, don’t leave their comments hanging alone out there like “orphans.” Answer comments, and do so with more than “thanks for the comment.” Ask another question or give a thought-filled response.
  • Include Grandma. Seniors are the fastest growing segment on the web. 
If you have a large organization, expect to spend about two hours a day using social media—one hour in the morning and an hour in the evening.
 For excellent examples of how to do it right, check out the Facebook page and Twitter sites for Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson.
 And feel free to share additional suggestions here so others can benefit.
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Sandra Glahn, who holds a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) and a PhD in The Humanities—Aesthetic Studies from the University of Texas/Dallas, is a professor at DTS. This creator of the Coffee Cup Bible Series (AMG) based on the NET Bible is the author or coauthor of more than twenty books. She's the wife of one husband, mother of one daughter, and owner of two cats. Chocolate and travel make her smile. You can follow her on Twitter @sandraglahn ; on FB /Aspire2 ; and find her at her web site: aspire2.com.

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