When PR Practitioners Become Social media Experts
I have started to notice some preferences for specialised communication experts who would not only dish out information but work 24/7 in monitoring and responding to information on various social media platforms.
For some years I have enjoyed regular newsletters sent to me by Ragan and PRWeek some of the best publications on public relations practice. They have been quite very generousfor keeping me abreast on latest thinkings and trends in PR. I remember having to tell them, while in Nigeria before coming to UK for a study, that I wish could afford the hard-currency subscription, being a youngman from a developing country. In some of their recent postings I discover a new trend in some advertised vacancies. In one such request an organisation asks for a Social Media Cordinator whose responsibilities will include to “maintain social media community (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc.) by ensuring all gnc.com promotions are communicated effectively to drive traffic and community involvement; develop and implement programs and content such as sweepstakes, contests, and events that increase online community awareness and participation; scan site posts for potential moderation (i.e. inappropriate videos, posts, customer service-related questions, profanities, etc).”
The vacancy also states that the successful applicant as Social Media Cordinator will “coordinate with pertinent departments to ensure content is compliant, meaningful, and current; solicit, track, and report community feedback to internal departments; strategize and implement initiatives to improve member communication and recognition; stay abreast of industry trends, particularly social marketing and community sites.”
In conclusion it goes on to state that the officer will “track social media growth, performance, and participation; assist in defining online community purpose, strategy, and creative direction and establish, monitor, and enforce standards within the community to minimize conflict.”
Education and experiences demanded by the recruiting organisations are largely on integrated marketing communication fields that include PR. It is a mandatory that the applicants have demonstrated experience in digital marketing, blogs, online communities and use of social networking tools like Facebook, Myspace, WordPress, Twitter among several others.
Now here is the main challenge. A PR person whether a student or an agency must be up to date on online technologies by familiarizing with emerging trends in social media. And Guess. I will strongly recommend subscription to Ragan or PRWeek for the enormous and current information on those latest applications. I am yet to miss any important and breaking news on social media and PR. Though still enjoying free subscription, I hope to definitely pay back some days for being so kind to me.
YAShuaib
yashuaib
