Use these tips and guidelines to get your social media initiatives on the right track:
TOP TIPS:Twitter
Tweet regularly, but don't overdo it.
Aim for one or two tweets per day.
If multiple employees are using Twitter, assign a specific role or subject for each person.
If someone follows you, consider following them back. This can be a quick way to build your network.
Instead of 'What are you doing?' answer the question, 'What has your attention?'
When promoting a blog post, ask a question or explain what's coming next, instead of just including a link.
Tweet about other people's news to show that you are part of the community.
Make your info useful. Give advice, blog post links, and similar.
Remember that you don't have to log in to Twitter.com to use it. You can send and receive updates via your mobile phone, RSS, email or an application like Twitterrific or Facebook. For more information or downloads visit http://twitter.com/downloads.
TOP TIPS:Facebook
Assign an employee to create and manage your company's Facebook page. It's important to post new information, photos and videos regularly to keep it fresh.
Respond to messages and questions left on your page's discussion board and 'wall' within 24 hours.
Provide special offers, give-aways or other incentives to attract fans.
Promote your Facebook page outside of Facebook, eg, by adding a line to your current marketing or PR materials, such as 'Find us on Facebook to learn more.'
Facebook also offers a 'share' button that you can add to your website to make it easier for your content to be shared on Facebook.
TOP TIPS:YouTube & Flickr
Invest in a digital camera or camcorder and basic editing software, such as Windows Movie Maker, to produce content about your company and its people, products and services.
Assign someone to create and manage your company's photo and video libraries on Flickr, YouTube and other destinations.
Use Flickr and YouTube to share content with media and digital influencers. It is faster and more convenient for you - and for them - than posting this content to your own website or emailing the files.
TOP TIPS: LinkedIn
After you are up and running on the LinkedIn network, bulk up your profile. More information about you and your profession makes it easier to find others in your line of work, and for them to find you.
Build your profile by adding references, your resumŽ and hobby information.
TOP TIPS:Crowdsourcing
Make sure you are ready to seriously consider all ideas and be genuinely open to change. This type of campaign cannot be for show or publicity value.
You might not be able to implement every idea your customers suggest, but you can still build goodwill by communicating transparently about why you can't implement an idea. Through an open conversation and a little give and take, you are also more likely to reach a mutually beneficial solution.
