Forums that give good advice for social media
[Originally posted on Third Sector July 07 2010 by Jude Habib]
I am often called by people wanting advice about issues related to digital media. I am always happy to share my ideas but often the best advice can be found on web forums led by their peers.
If you haven’t come across it before the charity web forum is a fantastic example.
In a recent post, the digital marketing manager at the RNIB asked for advice from her peers about their use of audio, video and audio slideshows as part of her preparations for a fundraising conference focusing on digital storytelling.
She was particularly interested in their thoughts on key performance indicators around digital media activity, in particular finding out how many downloads/views her charity counterparts think would show that a piece of content has worked.
She also shared examples of what she thought were good examples of content and offered an example from her own organisation.
Although there is growing research around the success or otherwise of digital media campaigns, it still is a growing area, so when looking for key performance indicators the best people to turn to for answers or support are those who no doubt have been in a similar situation.
This forum provides an ideal opportunity to share ideas, thoughts and best practice, especially around all things online. It is a fantastic resource, active and most importantly it’s free!
Another fantastic resource, with more than 1,200 members is the Third Sector PR and Communications Network on Facebook.
Again, it’s a resource set up by people working in the sector (Rob Dyson PR manager at Whizz-Kidz), for people working in the sector.
Many of us work in small teams and especially in the world of digital media find ourselves having to make a business case for this ‘new’ (yes, still to some) media.
Peer-led online forums like these provide a wealth of advice and ideas. As budgets and resources are tightened, informal peer-led forums like these will continue to provide invaluable and cost-saving advice and support.
Thanks to Bertie Bosrédon at Breast Cancer Care who posted a message on the charity web forum I’ve found out about the Osocio a website dedicated to social advertising and non-profit campaigns which has hundreds of videos. Definitely worth a look.
