Social Media Tips and Tricks presented to UNL Library staff.

1. Social Media Tips & Tricks
Presented by Tyler Thomas
Social Media Specialist – University Communications
@UNLincoln | @TylerAThomas
tthomas10@unl.edu
April 17, 2013

2. @UNLincoln | #UNL
Myths About Social Media
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• It has to take a lot of time.
• There is no way to manage it.
• It’s a waste of time.

3. @UNLincoln | #UNL
Why Use Social Media?
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• Communicate effectively & efficiently with your
audience.
– Connect with a large group of people
– Promote events & activities
– Cast a wide net with announcements/updates/news
• Highlight faculty, staff and student
accomplishments.
• Show off your expertise and Be a Partner in
Success

4. @UNLincoln | #UNL
Tip #1: Create a Content Committee
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• Establish a content committee of various faculty,
staff and student members. They are the eyes
and ears from across your unit.
• This team will help brainstorm ideas for what’s
going on in the libraries.
• This team helps to establish content governance
and divide the work.
• Regularly schedule content committee meetings
to figure out what’s going on and capture all of
your ideas.

5. @UNLincoln | #UNL
Tip #2: Set Your Social Media Strategy
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• This is a great first team building exercise for
your newly formed Content Committee.
• Utilize the Social Media10-step template.
(download here)
• Set your goals and objectives for your social
media strategy.
• Identify your audience and plan out specific
content topics and themes.

6. @UNLincoln | #UNL
Tip #3: Create Engaging Content
(Show Off Your Expertise)
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• Create a simple content calendar of how you
want to tackle promoting your content. example.
– Organize your content by social media channel
– Vary your content delivery to keep your community
engaged. Some ideas include:
• Videos (example)
• Photos
• Infographics
• Links
• New Webpages & Blog Posts
• Creative Copy
• Be Consistent!

7. @UNLincoln | #UNL
Tip #5: Create Once & Publish
Everywhere (when applicable)
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• Promote your content across all your social
media platforms.
• Re-purpose articles from enewsletters,
magazines and blog posts and promote them
via social media.
• If magazine articles aren’t online, create
webpages and promote via social media.
• Tweet older/relevant articles.

8. @UNLincoln | #UNL
Tip #6: Maximize Your Facebook Presence
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• Use photos, links, videos and other rich media in your posts.
• Make sure your Profile Photo fits in the space (180X180 pixels).
• Switch up your Cover Image once a quarter.
• Utilize the Scheduling tool.
• Use the “Highlight” “Reposition” and “Pin to the Top” features.
• Utilize the “Events” feature to promote your events.
• Don’t over use hashtags.
• Utilize URL Shorteners: Bit.Ly, Go.UNL.EDU.
• Monitor for questions and respond regularly.
– This is where you live your promise of A Partner To Your Success

9. @UNLincoln | #UNL
Tip #7: Tweet With the Best of Them
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• Complete your profile with a photo, description,
background, cover photo, website URL and any relevant
hashtags. example
• Utilize/create a #hashtag
• Create hashtags for your events and then broadcast them
– Be sure to check them before you create a new one to cut down
on noise
• Participate in tweetchats for areas of study, disciplines, etc.
• Create and broadcast “lists.”
• Don’t auto-post from Facebook to Twitter or vice versa.
• Actively engage with your audience.

10. @UNLincoln | #UNL
Tip #8: Promote Your Social Channels
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• Make it easy for your users to find you.
• Add “Connect with Us” calls to action to:
• Email Signatures & Business Cards
• Syllabi
• Speaking Schedules & Presentations
• Printed Materials
• Marketing Materials
• Posters and Signage in the library
• Mousepads with your twitter info on them
• Small signs at the circulation & check out desks
• Website(s)
• Submit your channels to the Social Media Directory

11. @UNLincoln | #UNL
Tip #9: Use Third Party Tools
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• Hootsuite {Twitter} (Web, iOS, Android)
• Tweet Deck {Twitter} (Web Based)
• TweetChat {Twitter} (Web Based)
• Twilert {Twitter} (Web Based)
• Facebook Insights {Facebook} (Web Based)
• PicMonkey {Photo Manipulation} (Web Based)
• PicFrame {Photo Manipulation} (Mobile App)

12. @UNLincoln | #UNL
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Connect With Us: @UNLincoln, #UNL