Social Media Authenticity: More Than Just a Hashtag, It's Business
My mantra is “Public Relations is not a Campaign, it is a Business Model…” and you will see this displayed prominently in PRMR Inc.’s office. Alright, let's talk about the newest communications tool at the public relations practitioner’s disposal, social media. Everyone's on it, from your niece to your grandmother, and yes, your business needs to be there too. But simply showing up online isn't enough anymore. You see countless companies trying to "do" social media, slapping on a hashtag and calling it a day. That's a waste of time and digital space.
What truly matters is authenticity. Forget the glossy, over-produced campaigns that scream "corporate." Your audience, your customers, they're smart. They crave genuine connection. They want to know the real you, the real company, not just the marketing facade.
So, how do you nail it?
- Be Real: Show the faces behind the brand. Share your wins, sure, but also your challenges and how you're tackling them. Humans connect with other humans, not just logos.
- Listen, Don't Just Talk: Social media is a two-way street. Engage with comments, respond to messages. Show you're actually listening, not just broadcasting.
- Stay True to Your Core: Your values should shine through every post. If you stand for quality, show it. If you stand for community, embody it. Don't chase every fleeting trend if it doesn't align with who you are.
- Provide Value: It's not just about selling. Educate, entertain, inspire. Give your audience a reason to follow you beyond just your products or services.
Authenticity isn't a strategy; it's a way of being. It's about building trust, and in today's digital world, trust is your most valuable currency. Get real, and watch your social media presence become a true asset to your business.
