Wow, I can’t believe a semester is about to pass me by already! It has been interesting getting accustomed to managing and posting on a blog for the purposes of school. Through this semester I have learned about bloggers and blogging and must admit I was a little nervous to embark upon this journey of blogging. We also talked a lot about the positive and negative aspects of using the internet for branding purposes such as public relations. The big takeaway I have gained from class is that brands can get in a lot of trouble if they don’t effectively manage their social media sites. I am sure if you are a reader of this blog you have noticed that I keep it pretty positive throughout the majority of my content. This being my first blog and a learning experience, I decided to play it safe on my personal opinion stating. Not to say that the brands I featured had problems I didn’t discus, but more to say that I picked brands who I assumed would have effective content already in place. That being said, I just want everyone to know I am conscious of this and feel like it was an appropriate decision being that I am student with a lot to learn about the world of brand and social still.
However, after taking a semester-long look at various brands and their social-media strategies I have come to gain a better understanding of what it takes to successfully run a company blog, Twitter, Instagram account, and Facebook page. These social media sites, as well as others, like Pinterest and Tumblr, are great sources for creating a reputation amongst large audiences. Audiences that already actively engage in social media on their own time and very valuable when they engage with the brand on their own time as well. And the brands I have looked at this semester have been smart to follow through with these type of connections. From fashion brands like Steve Madden, stores like Nordstrom, and food companies like Lays there has not been one dull brand I have looked through this semester. Each brand brought their own unique style and character to the social space. And each brand has taught me more about what it takes to generate audience interaction.
I have found common ways brands interact on Twitter, tweeting blog links, or company page links. Making sure they tweet during current events, hashtag usage, Facebook and Instagram linked tweets, and unique twitter pics. I also noticed the reoccurring retweets and other twitter accounts being tweeted from the company page. Rotating through these content methods on Twitter can help brands gain an engaging twitter following and hopefully generate follower retweets, favorites, and @replies. Every brand should have a Twitter account, no questions asked!
The commonalities I have found through Facebook pages is that most of the content is similar to Twitter. There is the same concept of posting links and pictures, as well as, posting their tweets. The Facebook page “likes” are unique to the social media site because it allows friends to see what other pages the brand likes, which could be brother or sister companies. For instance there is Dominos UK and Dominos Australia liked on the Dominos Facebook page. Once a Facebook user gains access to a page, like Dominos, they are able to see all the other pages Domino’s likes at the top of the page. I believe that Facebook isn’t as interactive as Twitter for brands, but feel that it is a great platform to inform large audiences with through posting, linking, and pictures.
Instagram is a photo based social media site that is more new to brands. I believe it has proved most effective for fashion brands that have more of an aesthetic appeal to them. However, food-porn is huge right now on Instagram and there is defiantly a place for food brands to begin utilizing here. Since this site is still a little new territory for many brands, it is fair to say that the fashion brands are paving the way amongst Instgram. Pictures are a key factor in advertising and online selling so the potential for brand building through Instagram is huge. Instagram is more limited on brand interactions and allows for posting, liking and commenting. The lack of writing and emphasis on the visual makes IG a fresh option in comparison to Twitter and Facebook.
However, the most unique way for a brand to engage and inform consumers by far is their own blog site. This is the platform that allows brands to create a style from top to bottom with their own discretion and appeal. This is where brands are allowed to be creative again, and create an online style that accents their brand image. Company blogs are by far the most interesting and intriguing to browse through. To name a few Steve Madden, Lays, and Whole Foods all maintain blogs that uniquely complement their brand image. There are also many links to the other social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest. Blog posts unique to current events and the brand are great ways to engage the consumer, Steve Madden’s emphasis on concert looks is such a hip way to intertwine this concept.
Overall I have looked through many brands and found many similarities on how to connect. I have learned that every brand has content unique to its own style and maintains a different following. While utilizing every social media medium is essential to gain a decent outreach, there is a necessity for company blogs more personal to their brand. Blogs are a great way to really tie all the pieces together from Facebook, Twitter, and Instgram. I hope to continue to blog after this class and continue to follow the bloggers who I have come to love. I also have a newfound respect for band efforts through social and hope that one day soon I can gain first hand knowledge of this process in my own career. Good luck to my fellow social media for PR bloggers and I hope that brands continue to engage us through social.
Until we meet again!