A blog entry by Anna Söderström, Mynewsdesk’s new Media Relations Coordinator
As a tool for journalists and communicators, the web continuously evolves and develops. According to Mynewsdesk’s latest user survey, journalists still demand easily accessible and impartial company information.
At the same time, social networks have changed the playing field, profiling journalists on a very personal and very visible level – journalists are not just identified through bylines in newspapers, but also through profiles on Twitter, Facebook, and their own blogs.
When it comes to talking about new media and journalists, the discussions that arise no longer question the relevance or need of social platforms such as Twitter or Facebook.
These discussions now focus on how to use these social networks optimally and effectively, helping us learn and progress on a daily basis.
Search, Communicate, Convince
Journalists use social networks as a research tool to find sources and stories, as well as tips and pitches. On top of that, journalists use these same networks as a promotional channel, sharing and spreading their own published articles. The Next Web writes about how journalists use Twitter and concludes that it has become a tool that is impossible to live without.
In-Depth and Transparent
Social networks have transformed the journalist from an anonymous entity on the other end of an email blast, to a real and easily accessible personality. These social media channels also allow journalists to broaden their coverage and offer valuable extra material that did not fit the tight constraints of a printed article or a televised news program. Brian Solis published an extensive interview with news anchor and journalist Katie Couric, in which she shares her experiences with social media.
Reaction and Relationship
Actively social journalists make it easier for you to create a network with those you consider important for your business. Learn how journalists use social media. Invest some time to find those journalists that are already interested in you and your company, as well as new media contacts, and build relationships with them. Maintain your relationships continuously, not just on the day you release a news update – make sure to anticipate and to follow up.
Four Easy Steps to Build Your Network
- Find your press contacts on Twitter and follow them
- Use Google and Twitter to find new press contacts
- Follow and listen to those that monitor your business or industry
- Engage with your network – not just when you release a news item, but continuously.
Do you have tips or experiences on how to develop your network? Please share them with me!
Best regards,
Anna Söderström
Email: anna.soderstrom@mynewsdesk.com
Telephone: +46 (0)8 509 00 219
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