Social media can not only be used effectively in positive events (PR campaigns and events for example), but it has become a common communication tool in crisis communication. Yes, social media can be used effectively in getting information out to people in a timely manner.From releasing press releases via Twitter to audience members about food recalls to announcing and sharing a video of a press conference either on Facebook or Twitter after a chemical plant accident– there are just so many ways to communicate these messages across social media. However, one of the issues that may come up is what happens if people are NOT on Twitter or Facebook– how will these agencies and organizations get the message out to these individuals? Even though more people are joining these social media sites, not everyone is on– and these organizations have to take that to account when in a crisis situation. So, the best strategy of course would to include social media as part of their crisis communication plan, but not rely 100 percent on it. 🙂
It appears that more national agencies (ex. FDA) are incorporating social media strategies to reach their audience members effectively. For example, CDC even has a Twitter account that has links for people to go to for further information about the Peanut Butter recall. Amazing! The only suggestion that I would make to the FDA and CDC is to design a more personalized Twitter background that includes their logo and contact information (web site, email, etc.) 🙂
In other words, social media is changing the way that Public relations professionals and other communicators conduct business. The business world is indeed becoming more “social” as we say– from PR firms to Marketing agencies to even researchers– we are just going to have to adapt to the ever changing environment and make sure that we are addressing the needs and concerns of our customers and other primary stakeholders.
Hope you all have a great day!
Best Wishes,
Karen
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