Social Media Etiquette for Start-Ups Wanting Media

Research

Know your audience, know your media outlets Traditional media: local TV news,

newspapers, magazines, radio stations Specialized/ Independent media: blogs,

newsletters, on-line magazines, digital series

• Take the time to watch/read content by the above media to know if there’s a platform/fit for your business, event or message Ex: Georgia based F-U T-shirt company

Build Organic Relationships

Hire a Publicist (PR) Established

connections Media guidance Professional

appeal

In house PR Save money Direct

Connections Passion Social media

engagement

Hire PR vs. DIY

Hiring a GOOD PR professional makes a difference, period!

If budget is an issue, barter or get a consultation

DIY take the risk of Making a bad first

impression Calling local news

media at the wrong time

Sending blind e-mails Non-compelling press

release Negotiating coverage

Pros Cons

Social Media: Friend or Foe

Assume you’re BFFs Assume you’re entitled to press Contact newsroom before newscast Tell media how to do their job Photo bomb Tweet at 2am Repeatedly ask a question already

answered Ignore a “NO” Post a blind video link Blind “Likes”, Retweets, Favorites Write a dissertation

Write in all CAPS use “!!!” in positive tone

Be professional with personality! Ask permission to post Tweet, but not after Happy Hour Turn a “No” into an opportunity

to ask for suggestions Explain how video link relates to

topic Engage media with organic

conversation K.I.S.S Remember your manners Thank You Note

Don'ts Dos

Resources

The Golden Rule still rules

When in doubt, remember the Golden Rule… ”Treat others as you would like oth

ers to treat you.” http://www.emilypost.com/

Manners in a Digital World by Daniel Post Senning

The-Emily-Post-Institute @EmilyPostInst

Thank You!Michelle Madison @MychelleMadison