Introduction to Web 2.0 “Social Networking”

Dana Hughes, Communications ManagerPhillip Bergquist, Communications Specialist

Michigan Primary Care Association

What is Social Networking?

Its Simple…

We have long participated in social networking in person- for instance with groups of friends in neighborhoods, schools, or the workplace.

Now we are doing it online!

The Definition…

Social networks are online communities of people that share interests, activities, causes and friendships.

People use online social networks to connect personally, uniquely and for many purposes.

Why does this matter to you?

Remember 10 Years Ago When Everyone Had to Get a Website?

Social Networking Is Exactly the Same

The Logical Reasons…-Social networking is FREE-Social Networking doesn’t require any special software or skills-Communications are more personal, more interactive, more engaging-You can reach more people-Increase your visibility-Manage your image… or someone else will-Spark “two-way” conversations-Create consistent communications and top of mind awareness -The future is web-based

Why uses Social Networking?

Why uses Social Networking?

Government Officials

Legislators

State Agencies

Journalists / Press

EVERYONE

Setting Goals for Social Networking

1. Building Relationships

2. Increasing Advocacy

3. Expanding Interactivity

4. Greater Accessibility

5. Driving Web Traffic

6. Increase Exposure (Viral Nature)

7. Source for News and Information

Social Networking Options

There Are Over 200 Social Networking Websites on the Internet Today

You Can Achieve Great Things With Just 2 or 3!

-More than 200 million active users

-More than 100 million users log on to Facebook at least once each day

-More than two-thirds of Facebook users are outside of college

- The fastest growing demographic is those 35 years old and older

-More than 12 million active users

-Represents the fastest growing internet service

-Appealing because most users integrate with their mobile devices

-Expected to reach 18.1 million users by the end of the year

- Nearly 80% of users are adults age 18-49

- More than 15 million blog publishers

- Read by nearly 250 million people monthly

- Pages are viewed by 1.1 trillion people monthly

- 240,000 new blog posts every day

- Tens of Thousands of new users every day across multiple blog services

Search

Logo

Updates

Information

Fans!

Customizable

Updates

Information

Followers

Posts

Syndication

Pages & Info

Interactive

Easy to Update

Words of Wisdom

- Know what you would like to achieve before you sign-up

- Have a plan for keeping each social network updated

- Remember to talk with your supporters

- Promote your new online presence on everything

- Have everyone contribute

- Don’t let this become a distraction or a chore

- Enjoy the experience and have fun with your supporters

-Listen!!! Gather new ideas and new information, listen to concerns,

criticism, suggestions, and praise.

-Be honest and share information of value

It’s Easy to Sign Up

www.facebook.com

Click “Create a Page”

www.twitter.com

Click “Get Started - Join”

www.wordpress.com

Click “Sign Up Now”

Resources

Information and Guidance Documentshttp://www.slideshare.net/pjbergqu/slideshows

How-To Videoshttp://www.commoncraft.com/show

NACHC Free Webinar Trainingshttp://nachc.com/webcast-trainings.cfm

MPCA Marketing Networkhttp://www.mpca.net/communication%20forums.htm