Extended Essay

Social Media Reputation

Social media has become an important channel for customer service and feedback. Companies use it to their advantage in order to excel.

There is a risk that companies take when they ignore the true benefits of social media. They risk their reputation and sales. According to the Zeno Group, Inc. communications firm’s research, about 71% of executives at larger companies say their CEOs consider their company’s social media reputation when they conduct business. It’s essential during decision-making to large corporations. As mentioned in my previous post, Preparation for Social Media Disaster, company’s react fast to a damaging article or social media post. There’s a rule of thumb to never let any negative comments go unanswered.

You must not ignore your social media reputation as it might hurt you in the future. You must make sure you have a positive presence on social media and monitor and respond accordingly. Your reputation depends on it; you might even gain some important business insight.

Social Media Attracts Good Employees

Social media reputation goes a long way. It attracts good employees. The attitude of a company’s twitter or Facebook can definitely influence people’s perception.  It’s important that the corporate mission statement is clear through the company’s social media practices and beliefs. Personally, the company’s online reputation matters as much as the job offers. Social media plays a vital role in the candidate’s view of the company.

The posts, tweets, photos, and company events reflect what’s happening internally. If employees are satisfied with the online reputation then they should be happy within their work environment.

For instance, Goggle is advertised through many social media platforms as a “A Place to Work and Play”.

A place of play indeed, the above slide is connected to the 1st and 2nd floor

Other companies compliment on Google’s culture and workplace norms.

The above tweet expresses how others view Google

Company culture is also important. Social media portrays the culture of the company through its post. That can be the deciding factor in choosing one company over another. Respondents must be effective at communicating its corporate mission, goals, and beliefs, as we seen with Google. Overall, a strong social media program and a good company culture are ways to easily attract employees.

Universities Joined the Bandwagon

Colleges are now creating applications that inform students that they have been “Accepted”. You no longer have your typical e-mail or letter in the mail. You don’t even have to log into your computer and visit the admissions website; instead you can access it immediately from your phone.

The University of Georgia has an app that has been downloaded more than 700,000 times. This is a prime example how technology adapts to the time. Students who are applying for colleges now spend so much time on their phone. They made it easier for the applicants to stay updated with any/all campus notifications.

University of Georgia Application 

This app is to be relatable and relevant in today’s communication environment.  According to a study by the Center of Marketing Research at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, 90% of admissions officers say their investment in social media efforts has produced positive results.

Universities use social media to reach out to potential and current students. You may already see universities utilizing platforms such as: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, Pinterest, and Spotify. It’s as simple as launching a Facebook page and watch the quantity of applications come in.

Each college has different approaches to online recruiting. I find it interesting that Morehouse College has “Morehouse Monday’s”, where perspective students can use Facebook’s group chat feature to talk with everyone from financial aid officials to the schools presidents in real time.

All is in an attempt to broaden the schools brand and image. Students who are looking for an authentic perspective on a school they can easily access a Facebook or Twitter account. Social media platforms are well established tools for student engagement.

Social Media Changing Disaster Response

When cell phone service is unavailable, Facebook is the next thing. Pages were created in the aftermath of several natural disasters in hope to raise awareness and funds for families and people in need. Two weeks after a storm, a Facebook page would have about 6,500 “likes” and would still grow every day. Facebook pages are the quickest way to get information, as survivors and their relatives relied on social media as they have once leaned on Red Cross. The biggest part of using social media is not only about receiving help from the government but from the public as well. Prior to these platforms you were left trying to figure out what you needed and now the need is quickly met. Social media is the primary source of communication following many natural disasters.

Social media platforms can be used to inform a specific area of a storm warning or any other weather alert, for instance,

This tweet is informing people of breaking weather news

Social media is made for social interaction and is highly accessible. Companies, universities, politicians and many more use social media as a mean to communicate to consumers, employees, potential employers and voters. They use it to create, share, and exchange information and ideas virtually. 

what do you think social media will be used for in the near future?