Time to Socialize
The use of social media to market services, products and expertise is growing.
. . . and I don’t mean at Amerimold, although I am hoping to see all of you there this June 15-16, in Novi, Michigan (amerimoldexpo.com). The socializing I am referring to involves social media.
To socialize means to mix actively in a group with others, to organize group participation, interact, converse, meet, etc. For me, it’s all about building a community in which to share and learn from each other. It’s also about marketing the services, products and expertise we offer to this community. And the use of social media to do just that is growing.
For five years, Gardner Business Media has been conducting an annual survey on the media usage trends of its manufacturing audiences, and each year social media usage has increased. More and more of those in manufacturing use their mobile devices to communicate, work, research, buy and sell. Think about your day. How often are you using a mobile device to check email, look up general industry information and news, or research products or processes? This alone may make the case for establishing a presence for your company on multiple social media platforms that can be accessed on-the-go by potential customers and partners. These platforms include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. I know from personal experience that it can seem overwhelming at first, but once you put a plan in place and share the responsibility, it gets easier.
I noticed that most of the nominees in this year’s annual Leadtime Leader Awards competition use social media as part of their marketing strategies. They share company news and event photos, get creative with GoPro cameras, promote industry videos, upload job postings, connect with leaders in the trade, and support education, just to name a few strategies.
At MMT, our social media outlets have increasingly driven traffic to our website each year…with minimal effort on our part. This year, the MMT team has developed a plan to increase and improve our use of social media to more effectively build our brand and bring together the moldmaking community.
Currently, you can find us on Facebook, Twitter (@MMTMag) and YouTube. You can also find me (@MMT_ChristinaF) and Senior Editor Cyndi Kustush (@MMT_CyndiK) on Twitter and LinkedIn. Look us up, like us, follow us, comment, reply and share. Then, if you’re on social media, we’ll like you back! Long gone are the days when you could ignore the impact of social media on your business, image and community. It’s time to give in and get socializing.
Related Content
-
MMT Chats: Simple Steps to Get Your Social Media Campaign Started
MoldMaking Technology Editorial Director Christina Fuges catches up with Gail Now’s Chief Curiosity Officer Gail Robertson. We talk about the importance of using the curiosity tool to tell your stories as part of a marketing strategy that includes social media. This episode is brought to you by ISCAR with New Ideas for Machining Intelligently.
-
Editorial Guidelines: Editorial Advisory Board
The Editorial Advisory Board of MoldMaking Technology is made up of authorities with expertise within their respective business, industry, technology and profession. Their role is to advise on timely issues, trends, advances in the field, offer editorial thought and direction, review and comment on specific articles and generally act as a sounding board and a conscience for the publication.
-
The Role of Social Media in Manufacturing
Charles Daniels CFO of Wepco Plastics shares insights on the role of social media in manufacturing, how to improve the “business” side of a small mold shop and continually developing culture.
