Communication Services and Information Technology 

Earlier this week I was chatting with Karl Krist, and he told me that the number one question the Web Action Team gets is this:  "Do I need a Facebook Page?"

So do you?

I think the answer is - Maybe.

Facebook, or any of the other social media tools, should be looked at as just one part of a total marketing and communications strategy.  Facebook alone isn't going to solve all of your problems, or make you current, or help you reach a new audience.

The more important questions to ask are:
"Do you have something interesting to communicate?" and
"How often do you have something interesting to say?"

When I started this blog 2 1/2 years ago (Yikes!  Has it been that long?) I knew I wanted "tip of the week" in the name as a way to make myself post.  As I trolled through the graveyard of ANRblogs, I didn't want to see my blog languishing among those once great ideas. (As time has passed, my postings have gotten a bit off schedule.)

The point is that with any social media you need to make the commitment and schedule a time to post or update on a frequent basis.  I remember a couple of years ago I was sitting in a workshop with Jane Stevens and hearing with dismay that once a week posting was not enough!

One way to approach this is through shared authorship.

So, first step - if you can make a commitment to regular posting you're partway there.  But if it's been a year since you updated your web content, you probably should think hard before jumping into the social media fray.

Next - do you have something of interest and value to communicate on a regular basis?  Content is king - no matter the delivery method.  Keeping your posts customer-centric will keep you a welcome guest in the in-box.

Some situations, like fire emergencies or invasive pests, lend themselves better than others to more frequent posting.  And we've got some ANR folks using social media on other topics very effectively.

Finally - do you know where your audience is?  Facebook has the most impressive numbers - but other vehicles are out there.  And while you're exploring, don't commit to more outlets than you can manage.