Short Staff…No Problem

Here it is week #3 of this benchmark bit and there is an overwhelming amount of information to bring to you. I am going to continue to limit myself to one or two different ways to venture into the digital marketplace with your station and limited staff.

This week I want to focus on creating web promotions that are light lifting for all involved and could really be buzz generator’s.

You’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day soon right? Oh come on, you’re audience doesn’t need an excuse to drink but they’ll be out in force. There might be some low key affairs, but for the most part we’re all Irish for one night in the middle of March. So you’ll be celebrating at a bar or a pub that night, but what about leading up to it. Here are a couple of ways to get your audience engaged with this holiday that is always fun for everyone involved.

1.) Turn your site green: How the hell are you supposed to do that? Talk to your web person (if you don’t have one, this one might not be for you) and ask him or her to create a green station logo, turn the background of your site green and you’re golden. In most cases this change is a simple code change that shouldn’t take more than five minutes.

2.) Create a Kiss Me I’m Irish badge for listeners to use on their Facebook/MySpace page. Make sure to include copy on the badge that says something to the effect of “I’m celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with XYZ station” (Here’s an extension of this that might take a little bit more work, encourage listeners to use this badge as their profile picture and if you spot them with it as their profile picture they will win free drinks at the bar you’re broadcasting at on St. Patrick’s Day.)

3.) You’re blogging on a regular basis right? Well if not, GET ON IT!! Here’s a perfect first post. You’re post should say something to the effect of, I’m celebrating Irish heritage and you can too, here are some links to check out for St. Patrick’s Day. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick’s_Day  http://www.st-patricks-day.com/  http://www.blackdog.net/holiday/pat/ (and there are plenty of others.)

Put together these few things will connect your station to one of the most popular “holidays” of the year and you’ll get some good mileage out of it, rather than a one night live broadcast at McMurphy’s!! (shout out UMass)

What is Facebook?

Seems like the answer to this question should be fairly obvious, but think about it again. 

What is Facebook? 

Yes, it is a social networking site that all the “kids” are using, but it’s also more than that.

Are you on Facebook?  You should be.  If you’re not, literally stop reading this post and go sign up for an account.  Then come back and finish reading.  (**Cheap plug – while you’re there make sure to join the Conquering the Developing Marketplace group**)

Back to the question at hand, what is Facebook?

The answer: Facebook is old news.

WHAT?  Facebook is old news?  It’s true.  Yes you should be on facebook.  Yes you’re audience is still using Facebook, but guess what, Facebook is on it’s way out.

Do you remember MySpace?  Everyone was on MySpace.  There wasn’t a person you knew that wasn’t on MySpace right? 

Then what happened?  College students started using Facebook instead.  Then 20-somethings started using Facebook.  Now you’re mom is on Facebook.  Honestly, when was the last time you updated your MySpace page? 

Three sure signs a new media site is on the decline.

1.) Your parents are on it (check)

2.) It has been featured on the Today Show (check)

3.) It has become a verb, “I’ll facebook you.” (check)

So, what to do?  Should you stay on Facebook?  Of course you should, that’s where everyone is right?  YES.  Stay on Facebook and interact with your audience who is on there, but…keep your ear to the pavement to hear where the next stampede of college students will go, because trust me, that is where your next profile will be.

The trick is to stay one step ahead of the game and if you want a heads up on the next thing you should be on early and often, bookmark this blog and we’ll clue you in.

In the meantime, join Facebook, share photos, post on a friends wall, comment on a friends picture and most importantly TALK ABOUT IT ON YOUR STATION!!