Didn’t make it to Social Media Bootcamp 2014? Here’s a taste of what you missed…
“Think Like a News ‘Preditor’” was the opening keynote presentation by Erica Hanna of BringMeTheNews. As Social Media Engagement and Branding Director at BringMeTheNews, along with previous experience as a producer, writer, shooter, director and editor (preditor) for WCCO, Erica uses her diverse talents to actively engage with her audiences. Erica’s presentation was centered on the idea of using social media to listen to your audience and provide them with the content they want.
“Sometimes the content you want to use, or should be using, is right under your nose.”
Erica used three different case studies as examples of how, where, and when you should listen. Some key takeaways were:
Case Study 1: #TweetNMeet
Absorb data. Act quickly for maximum benefit.
Listen. Never stop listening.
Case Study 2: BringMeTheNews
Don’t be afraid to ask your audience what they want to hear/read.
Posting photos that don’t look perfect humanizes your brand and makes it relatable.
Case Study 3: charity: water
Leverage what you CAN do, to make a difference.
Create the reach. Tag. Talk. Give pats on the back.
Be human. A decent human.
Jeff Neidt of Neidt Writer presented “Getting the Story Straight,” a discussion about content strategy. With a strong background in poetry Jeff is, by nature, a storyteller. Combined with his understanding of what strategy can do for a brand, Jeff made the case for weaving storytelling into content strategy.
“We seek out stories—they are inherently, social. Stories are social in their very nature.”
“Brand storytelling is sharing a message in a way that engages the audience and prompts action.”
Jeff provided bootcamp participants with examples of brands succeeding- and failing- at storytelling. He stressed that through storytelling, brands should not make themselves out to be the hero. Rather, the audience is the hero and the brand is there to help him/her realize this.
Three Key Truths:
- When exposed to a story, your brain simulates the action.
- People trust stories more than facts (even if they aren’t true)
- Stories are emotional. So are we. That’s why we love each other.
Wrapping up the afternoon was The Social Light’s very own Martha McCarthy with her presentation “Content Development & Promotion.” As co-founder of The Social Lights, Martha has a keen understanding in developing and implementing digital marketing strategies for a variety of brands. Martha used this knowledge to provide key insights on how to organize and gain additional value from content.
“Don’t just set it and forget it – regularly revisit your content strategy to make sure you’re on track.”
Martha explained that it is vital to test and continually track results to make sure the content you are posting aligns with your strategy. By using multiple social media platforms, you have the ability to reuse and reshare content to your audience. Each platform has certain aspects that make it unique, and valuable, to a brand and its goals.
Content Remains King
Repurpose. Reuse. Repackage. Repeat.
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