Defining Your Voice on Social Media

As I get more involved in the hardwood flooring industry, there’s one thing I’ve come to learn: This industry is filled with all kinds of personalities. (Just read our online comments if you need proof.) And when it comes to social media, there’s nothing wrong with letting that personality shine through. Before getting into marketing, I served as the social media manager for Wood Floor Business' parent company, AB Media. I would travel to trade shows and people would often ask me what tone or “voice” they should be using for their business’s social media accounts. The answer to that is simple: your own! If you’re funny in real life, be funny! If you pride yourself on being professional and straight-laced, take that approach. What is your company’s story? What kind of impression are you trying to make? Whatever it is, make it authentic. Your social media followers (think, customers or potential customers) will see right through you if you’re trying to be somebody you’re not. Now, not everyone is a comedian. And a Twitter feed full of jokes, for example, isn’t going to help you grow your business. But a witty remark or creative photo caption related to your business can help put a human face on your business. ​ This is social media after all. A little personality can go a long way. So next time you’re over-thinking that Facebook post or sweating over your next 140 characters, allow me to be the voice of reason: The only voice you need to worry about is your own.

Print Really Dead?

It’s hard to read the news these days without coming across an article predicting the demise of print publications, whether they are newspapers, magazines or books. But in practice, print publications are still an important part of our lives, whether for business or pleasure. We’ve heard about digital media killing print for so long now that it seems it must be fact, but research doesn’t back that up. In fact, a study by media consultant Martin Akel & Associates discovered some interesting facts about business publications and their readers. The study showed that 93% of professionals said that they feel print publications are a desirable way to access information. That’s an overwhelming number. The top reasons they gave were:

• They’re portable and can be read anywhere, including while in transit.

• They’re a reliable way to be updated on my area of work.

• They’re tangible; I enjoy physically thumbing through them.

• They’re convenient.

• I spend too much time on a computer, so print is welcome. ​

In fact, 71% of those same professionals said that, far from being too busy to consume professional media and information, they spend more time with all types of professional media than they did three to five years ago—demonstrating that they have time for all types of media, from print to digital. ​ That’s why, although I always advise clients that digital advertising is an important part of their marketing plan, print is still a vital piece, as well.