Watch this short video – it’s Gary Vaynerchuk talking about how a restaurant might use Snapchat.
And it’s actually a good primer in how to use ANY new social media platform in a business setting (hint, hint – in libraries, too).
Some of Gary’s highlights in the video include:
- Have to have good content and a way to distribute that content.
- New social media tools, like Snapchat, can be easier to break into – because there’s not as many people there. Facebook is harder, because there’s a lot more noise to break through.
- Getting noticed – create content that’s good and interesting and funny. Gary suggests using charismatic or funny staff – he said “make a chef popular and viral on Snapchat.”
- Tell people you’re there – put your Snapchat info on the menu, on the front door, in everyone’s email signature, etc.
Translating all that to a library setting is pretty easy:
- Start with good, consistent content.
- Use the social media channels your customers/patrons/students use. That probably means Facebook. That might also mean Snapchat, or Twitter, or Instagram. Or the newest thing that appears out of nowhere next month. So you have to keep listening and learning about those new tools!
- Get your better writers and photographers making content. If you have funny or charismatic staff, put them in front of the camera. And for libraries, simply be helpful. Tips and tricks are always useful to customers.
- Tell people you’re there. Love the email signature idea. Use your public entrances, your e-newsletter, bookmarks, the website, etc to share your social media channels with customers. At the beginning of every class or event, remind people to friend your library on Facebook/Twitter/etc.
Content and distribution – things we can pretty easily accomplish!