Transcript
Page 1: Using social networks as reporting tools

SOCIAL NETWORKS AS REPORTING TOOLS

Page 2: Using social networks as reporting tools

TOOLS

Use a people finder

Searches the “deep Web”

Page 3: Using social networks as reporting tools

FINDING SOURCES

Search for key terms on Facebook and Twitter within content of posts

Find user profiles and reach out directly Seek out user groups

Contact members Post open messages Just ask for insight (think Kevin Bacon)

Page 4: Using social networks as reporting tools

TOOLS

Track the conversation over time by searching Tweets

Enter your search at Google.com, then click “Updates”

Page 5: Using social networks as reporting tools

FINDING STORIES

Follow your users Encourage users to reach out

Ask questions (they don’t have to be open-ended) “What issues do you think are important during the next

election?” “Did the Council make the right decision with the smoking

ordinance.” Seek out expertise

“Are there any experts out there who understand how road construction works. Call us: 555-5555.”

Grab person-on-the-street quotes “Tell us what you have to say about the Lions’ win. We’ll

print a few responses in next week’s story.”

Page 6: Using social networks as reporting tools

TOOLS

Monitor keywords and phrases Search at

Twitter.com or Facebook.com

Use an app such as Hootsuite

Page 7: Using social networks as reporting tools

GIVE CREDIT

Reward your tipsters “Twitter user Jake White informed the Times

of the issue on Facebook last week.” “News reader Jack Johnson submitted this

photo via Facebook.” Attribute responses from social media

“Smith said in a post on his personal Twitter account.”

“Doe wrote in a comment on the Tribune’s Facebook page.”

Page 8: Using social networks as reporting tools

BACKGROUND SOURCES

LinkedIn and Facebook often contain employment histories

Look for common connections to facilitate difficult conversations

Have accounts before you need them

Page 9: Using social networks as reporting tools

CROWDSOURCE CONTENT

Ask for pictures and video Users can upload content to YouTube and

send you links Pictures can be emailed Items can be posted as “fan content” on

your Facebook page

Page 10: Using social networks as reporting tools

MONITOR TRENDS

Stay updated on developing trends Let others do your research for you Find experts before you need them


Top Related