Engaging with Social Media

An introduction to Facebook, Twitter & other social media

applications for arts organisations, galleries, and dealers.

Why engage with social media?

1st came phonebooks, then internet &websites, now Facebook pages & Twitter

accounts

Why engage with social media?

“If arts organizations want to reach their traditional audience, they can

find a substantial portion of them on social networks. If they want to build

new audiences, it’s nearly certain they must connect with them online.”

http://www.devonvsmith.com/2011/06/the-tangled-web-of-social-media/

From “The ART of Social Media in the Arts”, www.theartmarket.ca

Why engage with social media?“A common misconception and fear about using Facebook and Twitter is that it will drive traffic online, but not actually into your studio, gallery or

museum. However, using social media thoughtfully will build greater brand

awareness, increase audience base, increase traffic, educate visitors, and

reach new members or clients.”

http://www.theartmarket.ca/blog/art-social-media-arts

Join the conversation…

Inexpensive brand exposure (starting at $0)

Which social media sites should I join?

• Facebook and Twitter act as main hubs where content is shared

• Many organisations also have YouTube accounts for video uploading, and/or Flickr accounts to document photographs

• Foursquare, Gowalla, Yelp (location based applications) • Get listed! Create a free

profile on theartmarket.ca

Strategy: What should I share?

Not “what am I doing right now” but “what has my attention”

Photographs

Events

News Articles

Videos

It’s not always about you!

Start and join in on conversations, ask questions, and share interesting things you come across. Use links and mention other users whenever it makes sense to do so! This will encourage links back to you.

Twitter How-ToMom, this is how twitter works: http://www.jhische.com/twitter/

How often should I share?

Smith, 2011:Correlation between the frequency of posts and the amount of engaged followers you

have.

5 minutes at the start of your day, and 5 minutes at the end will go a long way.

Tip: Don’t take a short cut and link your Facebook account to your Twitter feed

Posts will look more dynamic, with images and content tailored for the Facebook layout, inviting

more clicks from followers.

Facebook group vs page

Facebook group vs page

Other businesses and organisations that have Facebook pages will not be able to join your network as that

business page, but will be prompted to continue as their personal account instead, which greatly limits your

network.

Custom Facebook URL’s

vs

Announce your social media presence on the HOME PAGE of

your website!

Conclusion• Get yourself on the social media map• If you can only commit to one initiative, make it

Facebook• Come up with a strategy• Don’t always make it about you (links go a long way)• Learn the lingo and general etiquette • Try to post something at regular intervals• Customise and update your accounts• Publicize your social media presence!• Have fun!

Ask me: communications@ad-ac.ca