Evans, Dave. Social Media Marketing: An Hour a Day. Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2008. ISBN: 978-0-470-34402-6.
Meet the Author
Dave Evans is a social media expert whose passion is tapping the power of the social web and applying it to business. In 1994, Dave cofounded Digital Voodoo, which provides strategic marketing services for clients wanting to tap the power of the social web. In 2005, he cofounded HearThis.com, a podcasting service firm focused on social media and marketing. Additionally, Dave has developed interactive communication programs for Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Southwest Airlines, AARP, the U.S. Air Force, and Wal-Mart.
Book Basics
Reading this book from cover to cover and completing all of the suggested exercises offers the reader the equivalent of a comprehensive college level course on social media marketing for business. The book is organized into four sections: The Foundation of Social Media, Prepare for Social Marketing, Social Media Channels, and Complete Your Plan. Whether you are a relative newcomer to social media or have an established presence, the book offers insightful and strategic possibilities for deepening your involvement as you become a genuine social web participant. All the tools needed to establish, measure, and grow your social marketing strategy are found here. If you only want to read one book on the topic, select Social Media Marketing: An Hour a Day.
So What?
Effective marketing is changing. For years interruption was the accepted means of advertising (tv commercials, telemarketing calls, pop-up ads). More and more people are taking active measures to limit interruptions. The social web is a way to market without interrupting and to approach potential consumers on their terms.
Social media is participatory, democratic, and relies on the wisdom of crowds. It offers great opportunity to spread positive (and negative) data about your business or organization faster than at any time in history. Christian ministries and churches must learn to leverage this resource not only to increase participation rates and welcome new people into their respective ministry opportunities but also to encourage more discussion of faith in the social marketplace.
When it comes to social media be sure to get involved and stay involved. Your reputation depends upon your consistency, authenticity, and relevance.