Project: Course Project Stage 3: Tailoring Messages to
Specific Social Media Channels
Jenny operates a small baking business out of her home. Though,
currently, her business is small and local, she makes avid use of
social media for promotion. She is conscious of the specific
features and opportunities offered by each social media channel
and any constraints they might put on her message. Jenny’s main
hub of activity is her profile on a popular social network site
where she posts photo galleries of her culinary creations and
allows customers to post testimonials and suggestions for new
treats. However, she also makes frequent use of a microblog for
up-to-the-minute quick communication. She lets patrons know
when new treats have been delivered to the corner coffee shop
or when she has leftovers from catering jobs for sale to the first
patrons who respond. Occasionally, Jenny also uses a video
sharing site to post brief demonstrations direct from her kitchen.
Like Jenny in the scenario, as you develop your Course Project,
you should recognize the importance of identifying the
appropriate social media channels of distribution and
understanding how those social media channels might impact
your message. For example, some popular social media network
sites facilitate interaction between friends, families, and
companies, often blurring the lines between the in-person and
virtual worlds. They allow users to share messages in the form of
words and images and do not limit users’ ability to express
themselves. In contrast, microblogs constrain the number of
characters included in a single message, with an emphasis on
speed and instant updates. They share the moment, but in a
different way. You can consider each social media channel a tool
in your toolbox. Each tool has a use and an application, but the
tools are not all the same. If your emphasis is on a professional
activity for a consulting agency, you may want to consider the
resources and tools at a social network site for professionals. If
you are creating your own company you may find channels
tailored to that purpose are more effective.
To prepare for Stage 3 of the Course Project:
Locate informational resources on social media channels that
may be appropriate for your Social Media Plan Course Project.
, Select four channels to include in your Social Media Plan.
A 3- to 5-page paper that includes the following:
An explanation of how each of the four channels you
chose best suits your Social Media Pan.
An explanation of how you plan to use each channel to
achieve your goals and communicate your messages
including:
A description of the images and words (nonverbal and
verbal messages) you will communicate.
An explanation of how those words and images may be
perceived by different audiences, including ethical and
legal considerations.
,
Three references (two Readings and one additional Walden
Library resource) that support your choices and decision.
, Be sure to adhere to APA style guidelines and include proper
citation.
.
