I’m now officially over two months into the new gig: Interactive Media Manager at a local news station. As a quick learner and avid researcher, I can officially offer up what I’ve learned. 
In the weeks leading up to my first day on the job, I read, read and read topics on social media and web-based journalism. Best book? The Complete Social Media Community Manager’s Guide: Essential Tools and Tactics for Business Success
The things that have helped me the most, though, were insider tips – things that were specific to newsrooms – and those were difficult to find.
The problem with generic digital marketing tips and social media for newsrooms tips is that your market is always going to be different. We have a heavy 25-34 age range, but one of our sister stations is 55-64. They will need to focus their attention on Facebook and the website, but we have to have greater breadth.
In an older age bracket, though, like our sister station, you really need to think about how to target teens. That really should weigh on everyone’s minds. So, when you hear about a new app that kids are using, play with it, research it and have one of your younger reporters try it out.
Below is a quick guide to all of the platforms we currently use for stories and trade tricks I’ve picked up along the way.
To get even more in depth, I created an optimal workflow for the newsroom. Traditionally, it has always been broadcast first, so breaking out of that will be difficult. We’re not there yet, but trying to get as many people on board with this plan below will work wonders for productivity, reducing job overlap and overall viewer/user satisfaction.
Lastly, have fun. The social media universe is a weird place. Moderating comments is hilarious – yet heartbreaking.
My key? Have a tab for all of those platforms open in your browser. Put them in the order that you use them. Mine are:
- The website main page
- bitly
- Tweetdeck (re-tweet from staff list as stories come in)
- our CMS
- Google +
- Tumblr
- Storify
- YouTube
- My mobile phone has Instagram and SnapChat ready
What do I use for analytics?
- Google Analytics
- Facebook Insights
- Twitter Analytics
- Sprout Social ($20)
- Trending lists (Google -What’s Hot, Twitter #s, Buzzfeed, Yahoo trends)
- Free Cyfe
- Free Sum All
What do you all use for analytics? What trips and tricks have you picked up on in the field?
Happy tweeting!
Oh, and the key to a great morning? Coffee with whipped coconut cream. Because taking care of yourself at a desk job is oh-so-very important.
March 16, 2015 at 12:27 pm
I liked the coconut cream part.
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Ha. At least you liked something about it.
Figured it wasn’t a generic audience post.
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