Social Media Tips and Knowledge From Experts at PAWA 254

Thursday June 5^th saw the great Social Media debate continue at Pawa 254. The discussion was lead by social media mavens David Girling and Mark Kaigwa. Kaigwa, the local voice, runs a consulting agency called Nendo, which focuses on strategies for social media and digital storytelling. The company also recently released a Social Media Trend Report for East Africa which is available for free on their website. To download the trend report and find out more about the start-up, click here. The international guest, David Girling, is a Chartered Marketer and lecturer at the University of East Anglia and boasts over 20 years of experience in the commercial and non-profit sector.

The evening began with a presentation from Girling. He spoke about his background, gave case studies and a general update on the state of social media today and what it can do for people. Kaigwa then took to the podium to lead a Q & A session between the audience and the experts. The following are some comments and suggestions that came up in the discussion:

Social media can be used for mobilizing strong campaigns and movements but it can also spread a lot of ill-informed mass hysteria. We need to start realizing our personal responsibility on social media channels. Which side of the line do you want to stand on?

When attempting a social media campaign of any kind—viral or not—it’s imperative to know what your objectives are.

You will need to ask questions such as: Why are you running the campaign? How is it different or unique?

If you are going to tell an emotional story, that’s fine, but always make sure there’s a positive angle in the end or a positive purpose for the campaign

DO YOUR RESEARCH…

Before you put your campaign out into the world, make sure you do your Twitter research. Find out which people and what brands relate most to your message.

Do not overlook people who have a following of 1500 or 2000. Contact everyone you think would advocate your cause. Big or small, it all adds up in the end.

Follow people who might just follow you in return.

BE EXTREMELY THOROUGH…

Always ask yourself WHY?WHY?WHY?

Why you?

Why are you different from others in your field or with the same opportunities or disadvantages?

What do you intend to do once you’ve received the help you need?

Why will a friend of your friend care about your initiative?

What is the strongest BRAND you can create around you and your story?

That’s all you’ll get from us. I would strongly urge interested parties to get clued up on social media trends and begin to deeply understand how you can get that system to work for. Visit David Girling’s HIGHLY INFORMATIVE blog. The knowledge can be crucial to taking your campaign to that next level. There’s so much to learn about the world of social networking. There are no excuses. If you look in the right places, the information is all there and it’s all free. Get clicking!

By Liz Maelane