Social Media 101 #01

Last Thursday, I spent my evening at a workshop on 'Writing for Social Media' which was part of Google's Digital Garage and Manchester Enterprise Centre's Startup Spotlight events. I really enjoyed it - and I'm not just saying that because they gave us free cakes and drinks.
As someone who is starting out in this field, I felt that the presenter spoke to me on a level I could understand. Let's face it, the internet and all it contains can be pretty overwhelming which isn't helped by the fact that the rules are changing all the time. Right from the beginning, Christine, our presenter, was very clear that this wasn't a workshop about the technical aspects of using social media. That suited me fine perhaps other people in the audience (it was a pretty good turnout given the size of the space) would have thought/felt differently. What she did offer - all the better as far as I am concerned - was a framework to critically think about our own circumstances and why we want to use social media.
Why use social media? It is a simple enough question but one that is often overlooked and perhaps difficult to answer. One reason why people use social could be because everyone else is using it. I am constantly having to navigate my way around a sea of people with downcast eyes and well-lit phones. That says something, doesn't it? Social media is an inescapable fact of modern life. And this workshop certainly made me think not only about how I use social media but also how I am being perceived by the people I engage with on the web.
As this was a workshop for entrepreneurs, startups, students with an interest in this field etc., a great deal of the content related to how you attract and sustain a loyal customer base for whatever product or service you are selling. It was also about branding - something that is equally relevant to individuals and businesses. These were the key messages that I took from it:

1. Know your audience/customer - speak to him/her whenever you write / post on social media;
2. Be authentic - think about what you stand for and try and live by those values; and
3. Use WIIFM ('what's in it for me?') - be concise when you write and always focus on the benefits for your audience/customer.

The most important message I think is recognising that there is no 'one size fits all' model when it comes to using social media for personal or professional ends. It is an iterative process. You have to be willing to learn and to try and test different approaches to find the best fit. Before 'Writing for Social Media', I was inspired to take the initiative to go to workshops, talks and other events on social media, digital marketing, and related areas. After the workshop, I am even more confident that this is the right approach to take in order to keep my knowledge and skills fresh and relevant.