Workshop: Use Social Media for Audience Development

Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - 9:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
Columbia College Chicago
623 South Wabash, Hokin Hall, Rm 109
Register Here!
Price: $45 (NPO budget <$250k); $65 (NPO budget > $250k/ for-profit/ individuals)

Speaker: John Armstrong, Senior Community Manager, Astek

Let's "get real" about social media. It's not free and it's not easy. At its worst, social media is a loud speaker pushing undifferentiated noise few will understand or even care about. At its best, it is the most effective and efficient way to have a meaningful conversation with you patrons and add value to their relationship with your company. This relationship is the foundation for building new audiences, attracting volunteers and developing long-term donors. At this workshop, you'll join John Armstrong in a discussion about creating targeted, resource-friendly campaigns designed to build loyalty and your brand. In addition, case studies will be presented from two organizations at different stages of development that have used social media beyond the traditional strategies and engaged their audience in a uniquely memorable way.

At this workshop, you'll learn:
- The myths and misconceptions of social media that create barriers to successful use of this creative marketing channel;
- How to target a social media strategy for two purposes; reaching a new audience and making your current audience more loyal;
- How to move social media from the computer screen into real-life and activate your audience (and your brand);
- Examples of both small and large campaigns that have created engagement, entertainment and brand awareness;
-How creating a simple social media campaign can be a fun, collaborative and mission-building experience.

Online registration will close at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 9.