What is Social Media? Part 3
Continuation of Part 1 and Part 2…
I thought the next step would be to identify for those of you who are new to Social Media, what some of the platforms and tools are and what they do. Needless to say, as technology evolves and people get more creative, we continually see new Social Media tools popping up every month. I thought I would start by identifying my top three personal favorites (listed in order below according to the order I started using them), and leave some room in the conversation for you, or others, to join in and add some commentary about your favorites in the comments section.
Facebook: A social media web site launched in 2004. Users must register and create a personal page or profile. This platform allows you to connect with “friends” new and old. You can share pictures, videos, and public or private conversation. Businesses and churches (as well as any other organization, club, or association) can set up Facebook Group pages to network people interested in their mission or organization. Users can also join Networks like ones that will exist for their local city. Facebook is a social media platform because it creates on-line conversation and networking. For a complete history on Facebook visit Wikipedia. I joined Facebook in June 2007.
Blogs: Blogs (derived from Web Logs) are websites usually developed by individuals to allow the creator to maintain an on-line diary of sorts to regularly write on specific topics or areas of personal interest. You are reading a blog right now (surprise!). Blogs can be simply personal musings or they can serve a business purpose to help the organization connect with its customers and potential customers. Often businesses will use a blog to share insights on their area of expertise or service. Blogs are social media platforms because they allow conversation to erupt by allowing readers to make comments on what is written. This facilitates the sharing of opinions, fact, and information. I have written an article on why a small business should blog. For more on blogs…see Wikipedia. I started blogging in January 2008.
Twitter: Twitter is a micro-blogging platform that allows the user to provide concise updates or posts in 140 characters or less…these are called “Tweets”. You “follow” people to receive their tweets and have “followers” who receive yours. At first glance this social media platform may seem inane, but I have come to discover that it does indeed have numerous business and learning applications. It certainly allows for a targeted flow of information. Twitter allows for a community of networkers to share short conversations back and forth. I have written previously on Twitter as a business application, what I like and don’t like about Twitter, and on Twitter’s connecting culture. I began using Twitter in April 2008.
OK, that is just a brief overview of the three I am most actively using. Now your turn. Please feel free to add some commentary on your favorites, or on additional ones that I have not mentioned so people can get your perspective on them as social media platforms…and maybe even their usefulness for business!
What is Social Media Part 3.5…
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http://www.MarketingTwins.com MarketingTwins-Randy
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http://www.MarketingIntegrity.ca David
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