Using Social Media to Educate

Blog Articles

Although technically a blog article is not social media, the two are intrinsically linked. You can write short and snappy articles that your readers will find interesting. Provide ‘Top Ten’ articles with the best ways to apply for a job, or information on the latest apps your clients can use for business. Look for different people within your company to share in the writing. Using a platform like WordPress allows you to incorporate it directly in to your website. After a bit of customisation, it won’t cost you anything to use, and the ability to share your content is priceless. Google LOVES blog posts too!

Twitter

So, you get 140 characters… how can you possible help your clients and candidates in a few short sentences? Share links to your blog articles, and links to your client or vendor posts. Consider using hashtags on a regular basis. For example, the Bond Training Twitter account uses several throughout the week to provide support and insight for users of Adapt. #BondHour, #BondQTT and#BondGreets are used on different days of the week to share new content. For events, they use #BondOnline throughout webinars to encourage attendees to tweet throughout the session.

Facebook & Google+

Facebook and G+ are both great channels to use to share your blog articles too. You can also use these social networks to post photos and images to share with your followers. These can be educational in a different sense, and help introduce your team members to your circles. Share a weekly photo, like #BondGreets, or post photos of charity events, or conferences. These are also great platforms for posting infographics, or graphs depicting valuable information for your ‘viewers’.

LinkedIn

Along with posting your blog articles (sensing the theme here?), you can also use LinkedIn Pulse and post additional original content to your followers. For recruiters, this is a great way to set yourself apart from your peers, sharing valuable advice and providing knowledge about the industry. While posting to a LinkedIn Company page is a great idea, market yourself too by sharing content and posts on your own LinkedIn profile. This will help you stand out among the millions using this social tool.

YouTube

Finally, YouTube. One of the fastest and preferred ways to absorb new information is through a video. It’s captivating, and if done well, can help us learn very quickly. Consider creating some inexpensive videos, simply using a good quality phone camera. Once uploaded to YouTube, you can then share out through all of your other social media channels. Alternatively, find videos already created that you know will offer value to your clients, candidates or vendors. Share those via LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.

Training isn’t just for the classroom

So remember, you don’t have to be sitting at a desk in a classroom to learn. Think about what your listeners want or need to know, and share it with them. Build your knowledgebase up, and you will become a helpful resource for the readers you are trying to reach. How else can you educate via social media? Would love to hear your ideas!