technological enablers to assist your library's marketing strategies: the power of social media...

TECHNOLOGICAL ENABLERS TO ASSIST YOUR LIBRARY'S MARKETING

STRATEGIES: THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA

PRESENTED BYMS MOSHIANE RAMAUBE

MS MANDISA LAKHENI

Introduction – what is social media

It is a group of Internet based-applications It builds on the ideological and technological

foundations of web2.0It allows the creation and exchange of user-

generated content

(wikipedia)

Why social media?

Fastest growing information sharing platform in the 20th century.

In 2012, social media became one of the most powerful sources of news updates through platforms such as twitter, facebook and youtube, instagram etc.

Inclusive of all age groups.It closes geographical barriers

Social media and marketing

powerful tool for instant engagementIt provides current marketing and

promotional strategiesEasily accessibleProvides Social media integration to librariesKeep your reputationMaintain professionalism

Social media marketing strategies

Know your target marketAlign to the core business objectivesHave the key controllers (Marketers and

system admins)Pick your social medias and master themInternal policiesStay current

Use of Social media in library marketing

• To promote libraries• Events can be posted on SM• Share what is happening at the library.• New material can be posted on SM• Enhance interaction and communication

between professionals.Library users can also be proactive and

communicate with the library staff about challenges, suggestions etc.

Use of Social media in library marketing (cont)

Instead of using banners and pamphlets and brochures only; electronic medium can be effectively used. e.g. A virtual video can be created, showing the library’s location (GIS) and collection.

• interact internally via group chats on Gmail, Linkedin and facebook

Marketing enablers

Virtually visible Read-able Like-able Entertain-

ableInformati

ve

1. Virtually visible

Library should be more than a physical structure

Find-able on search enginesSearch-able on social networks – functioning

linksDefined public and secured pages

2. Read-able

Grab attentionWebsite and social pages– easy to navigateOnline newsletters – must be user friendly Link the user with the relevant content

(always have a user in mind)

3. Like-able

Action-able by getting: Followers Comments Likes Friend requests Trending

Share-able

4.Content calendar

Pages for Key calendar of events#Hashtags

National library week World Book Day LIASA conference

5.Entertain-able

Surprises

• Competitions

• Games

Cell phone apps

Stay current

Conclusion

Libraries need to keep up with the modern marketing tools

Digital social inclusion is important

Thank you