Facebook vs. Twitter in 500 Words or Less!

My dear friend @lizanndunn recently asked me, “What’s the difference between Twitter posts and Facebook posts?” The first key difference is I could not respond to that question in 140 characters or less, thus a blog post was necessary.


Note: this post is based on my experiences both professionally and personally with Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook

Facebook is the most inclusive social media platform I have experienced. From video and photo sharing capabilities to direct communication with consumers, Facebook does it all (except, location… yet!) A Facebook post serves as a means to communicate new information and generate customer conversation. Most people check their Facebook news feed. Posts that catch their eye or spark an interest usually can draw attention and interaction. I use the rule of limiting Facebook posts to important information, specials, current events and others that I deem appropriate. Facebook posts should be limited to 2-5 posts per day depending on the interest level in your topic, fan page, group, etc. Too many posts on Facebook from one account is like cluttering someone inbox. And let’s be honest Facebook is probably the next task on the to-do list after checking email. (you know it’s true even if you don’t want to admit it!) However, with Facebook you can jazz up your posts by instantly adding links, video, pictures. While you can do these on Twitter as well, on Facebook the presentation and appeal is much cleaner and attractive!

Twitter

If your home page to your website is the front of your business/personal office, then Twitter is bar across the street that you hang out at after work. Welcome to the world of non-stop communication and conversation in a comfortable atmosphere. In Twitter, like Facebook, you have the power to listen to who you like and shut off whoever talks too much. Unlike Facebook, however, talking too much usually does not hurt you or grant you the dreaded “unfollow!” With Twitter you have 140 characters to effectively communicate information to your list of followers. This helps you get your message across quickly. The goal of a Twitter post is to provide relevant and interesting information to those who follow you. If you are a Chef, talk about a new ingredient or dish you are preparing. Usually, your followers will be culinary enthusiasts wanting to learn more from you. That’s just one example though. Everyone has their niche. Find you audience and speak to them. Just remember in Twitter it is an ongoing news source of information you’ve asked for by following certain people. With the news you receive, you should share with others and make comments. With the news you provide, you should respond to comments and encourage others to share.

What would you add to Facebook vs. Twitter?

#PR vs. #SocialMedia in 400 Words or Less!

My handy dandy “The Media of Mass Communication” MC 2000 textbook by John Vivan gives a good broad definition of “public relations” as a persuasive communication tool that people can be used to motivate other people and institutions to help them achieve their goals.


To define social media would clearly carry some scrutiny because everyone’s opinion varies, but here’s my (@wbreaux) best shot- the art of building relationships with your audience through two way conversation and intriguing interaction through social media platforms. (There ya go! if you disagree tell me your definition)

So the rumbling question at least in my PR community is “Do PR and SocialMedia compete or complement each other AND are PR practitioner’s best suited to perform/strategize for #SoMe?”

Just as over reaching marketing efforts launched #SocialMedia (@brsocme), public sentiment and disfavor with big business brought forth the PR industry.

Here’s what I think:

As a PR practitioner and a SocialMedia strategist, the two definitely complement each other when it comes to a company reaching its ultimate communication and sales goals. In its purist form, PR can assist an organization in managing and controlling its perception. PR can effectively put out a burning fire caused by a bad reputation. I find PR also utilizes the mass media more than #SocialMedia to convey messaging and build awareness. I love Public Relations and all that it stands for, but SocialMedia is a totally different horse that requires a different set of skills.

SocialMedia is truly an art form that requires a delicate dance of conversation and interaction to initiate true two way communication directly with a target audience. In a matter of seconds, a message can be sent out to thousands of followers, friends and fans and you can instantly receive a response. SocialMedia allows an organization to build a “real” relationship with its audience based on trust, factual information and the notion that someone is always willing to listen (at least when done correctly).

I believe PR is similar to your front office of your company. You want to put on your best presentation; the office should be will kept and a few plants here and there to enhance the environment. But, social media is CHILLAXED, back room, bar simulating conversation that’s comfortable and generally not formal.

So if you ask me (which maybe you didn’t) there is a strong difference between PR and SocialMedia. Can PR practitioners effectively use SocialMedia? Absolutely, some can. But it should NEVER be assumed that a PR practitioner is inherently also a SocialMedia strategist.

Do you think PR and Social Media are complimentary and competitors?