Peer Media 101: Tips and Terms

 

Visual communications technology is expanding every day, especially through the versatility of social media. As communicators continue to expand their reach, these portals will become more frequently used in place of, or in cooperation with, traditional communication methods. Younger audiences are adept at using social media and are becoming more and more reliant on interactive mediums to receive information and make their voices heard.

 

At the recent IABC International Conference held in New York City, Aaron Uhrmacher with Text 100 Public Relations laid out the basics of peer media tools:

 

 

Peer Media Tools

•       Blogs: user-built pages where entries are made in journal style, often authored by one individual.

•       Forums: bulletin board style web pages where users interact by leaving comments in threads for specific topics,

        typically moderated by the group.

•       Micro/Mobile Blogging: simpler, mobile version of a blog.

•       Video: Original content uploaded, shared and viewed through websites, which can then be downloaded to a

        computer, phone or portable MP3 device.

•       Wikis: a website that allows visitors to collaboratively add, remove, edit and change content.

•       Social Networking: communities of people who share interests and activities, or who are interested in exploring

        the interests and activities of others.

 

Peer Media Best Practices

•       Identify yourself and the capacity in which you are participating – as an individual or representing your company

•       Don’t disclose financial, confidential, proprietary or other sensitive information

•       Show courtesy and respect to colleagues, customers and competitors alike

•       Be yourself – let your voice reflect your personality

 

Peer Media Engagement Tips

•       Never post anonymously

•       Respect your audience

•       Read what others have posted

•       Write in the first person, not the royal “we”

•       Make sure you have your facts straight

•       Clearly distinguish fact from opinion

•       Provide context for your comments

•       Acknowledge potential conflicts of interest

•       Admit when you’re wrong, fully and without delay

•       Honor copyright laws

•       Disagree respectfully

•       Add value to the conversation, don’t just make noise

 

Anatomy of a Great Blog Post

•       Clear Headline

•       Brevity

•       Images

•       Solicit Feedback

•       Share Links

•       Be Yourself!

 

Types of Blog Posts

•       Memes

•       Guest Posts

•       Weekly Themed Post

•       Graphics/Charts

•       Debates

•       Video Posts

•       Lists

 

Blog Post Ideas

•       News articles

•       Tradeshows and events

•       Industry trends

•       Other blog posts

•       Interview colleagues, leaders in your niche

•       Share photos with stories

•       Ask questions

•       Notes from a conference

•       A video you find on YouTube

•       Press releases

 

How to deal with negative comments on your blog

•       Refer to your comment policy

–      Delete comments that do not meet your guidelines

•       Constructive Conversation

–      Use negative comments to demonstrate how you handle customer concerns

 

Commenting Etiquette

DO • Comment early • Extend the conversation • Share relevant examples • Disagree (when appropriate) • Ask questions

DON’T • Comment anonymously • Leave one or two word comments • Use excessive self linking • Engage in personal attacks • Comment before reading the entire post