Social Media: Fad or the Future?

What is Social Media?

Hundreds of websites like Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, YouTube, and LinkedIn have been created to help people connect with each other, from anywhere, at anytime (so long as there is an Internet connection). And many more are being created each day. For many, keeping up with the hottest new social media tools is daunting, let alone using these tools for their benefit.

So is social media just a fad? Considering that many Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and non-profits are utilizing social media for marketing purposes, it seems that it's is not going away any time soon. Let this blog entry be a tool for you to evaluate if you should get in on the social media action.

Which Social Media Tools Should I Care About?

With new social media tools popping up by the minute, it can be difficult to know which ones matter. Here are the three social media tools you should know and consider using first.

	Facebook: This social networking website allows users to create an account, personalize it with pictures and information, add friends, and comment on other people's profiles. With over 400 million active users worldwide, Facebook has become one of the most powerful tools for mass marketing out there.
	Twitter: Users create an account and "micro-blog" posts of 140 characters or less. Many corporations, celebrities, and businesses have used Twitter to build their name and post links back to their websites.
	YouTube: After Google, this video posting website is the second most used search engine on the Internet. In this media-driven age, video is more important than ever for getting your message to the masses.

What Are The Benefits Of Social Media?

Social media tools are great ways to expand your reach on the Internet. They can be used in partnership with your website to make your name known and spread your ministry's message. Each channel can be a unique way of connecting with people. And isn't that the goal of your ministry? The best thing about the Internet is that you can touch a life in Africa as easily as you might across the street from your ministry. With social media, that possibility is only a few clicks away.

How Can Social Media Be Used?

By now you're probably asking "Why should I know about these tools?" All social media can be used to garner interest in your ministry and as a host to links back to your website. It is to be used as a supplement to your website, not as your primary Web presence. The ultimate goal is driving traffic to your website.

Think of it as a megaphone for your website. A way to amplify your message on the Web.

In upcoming blog posts, we will explain how to achieve this goal on each of the above social media channels.

Should I Sign Up?

No matter the size of your ministry, using social media tools can help you achieve your mission of reaching others for Christ. What does it take to achieve an effective social media presence?

• Strategy: Make goals, figure out how social media can help you achieve them, and decide which tool will be most effective.
• Time: You know the old saying: "Anything worth doing is worth doing right." If you don't have the time to do your best, it may be better not to start.
• Content: To make yourself stand out in the crowd, you need interesting things to say and stuff to link to on your website.