Blogs

April 21, 2013

A Cosmic Day with Media Matty

“Learn all about how to connect on Facebook and Twitter”. An invitation I simply couldn’t refuse. I think I’m fairly adept at Social Networking, but I do struggle occasionally and I’m always willing to learn more.

This Social Media Training Course, run by Cosmic was provided free to all delegates at the 10 Parishes festival, to help us promote our own work as well as the Festival itself. So on Friday 19^th April a dozen or so creative artists arrived at the Silver Street Community Centre in Wiveliscombe to listen to Matt Young from Cosmic

I was the only writer in the group, the others were artists or jewellery designers. We had varying levels of knowledge on Social Networking, some having scarcely scratched the surface, and not really understanding the benefits, others, like me, fairly confident, but needing a little help.

Everyone, though, benefitted enormously. Matt presented in a casual and engaging way, championing social networking and reassuring us that there was nothing to be concerned about.

He showed us how to create a Facebook page for our businesses in addition to our personal Facebook profiles and how to use it to best advantage. He demonstrated that it is the unusual that attracts people: funny photos, silly quotes, questions and competitions.

Matt is a great fan of Twitter but explained that although we don’t have to be quite as avid as he is it is important to “tweet” regularly to promote ourselves and our work. He explained how to set up a Twitter account and gave us examples of businesses that have benefitted from Twitter.

What did I learn?

I learned that there are good times to update my status on Facebook and/or tweet: first thing in the morning, lunchtime and early evening.

I learned that it’s important to update regularly so my name is at the forefront of people’s minds and they think of me the next time they want a good book to read (How about that writer Bethany Askew? She might be worth a try. I’m always seeing her name on Facebook/Twitter)

I learned the importance of a snappy title on my blog (did you like this one?) and the importance of a good image.

I learned to think of Social Networking in a different way: not as an interruption to my work, but as an integral part of it. I learned to view it as my shop window, the place I display my work. Whatever we think of it, Social Networking is here to stay,
it’s how the modern world works, and if we as artists and writers want to be part of that, we have to embrace it