What does social media mean to PR?
December 15th, 2008Author: John Ratcliffe-Lee
Frank Gruber calls us to action, asking via video, to define what social media means to each of us:
I hope that this video thread can become the most comprehensive definition of social media we have seen to date so join the conversation and post your video response today.
The comments, so far, have been pretty focused on the basic sea change and personal benefits social media technologies have brought to the web. Rightfully so, a lot of end-user focused definitions. How we communicate, how we consume, etc.
What does social media mean for public relations though? Is it turning us into content creators? Conversation arbiters? Or maybe even dinosaurs? A quick glance around shows that it’s still a pretty good coin toss. Jason Falls says it best:
Social media is a method of communications. Social media tools facilitate these communications. To be effective in social media, whether as a marketer or just an ordinary participant, you must, first and foremost, communicate well.
So there is where the line in the sand is drawn: the message. Social media breaks down the traditional walls of publishing and anyone’s voice can be heard louder, quicker and (sometimes) clearer. PR can use these tools but gone are the days of strict amplification and one-way broadcast. Participation, honesty, transparency and immediacy are all the new pillars for brands to stand on.
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Tags: Communication, PR, Social Media
