Technology changes rapidly - we only have to look at mobile devices to see this in action - and it is easy to assume that because the technology changes, the reason for using it does to. This would be a mistake. The use of technology is the same now as it always was - communication, purely and simply and we forget this and the three simple rules at our peril. Remember to keep it simple, keep it relevant and keep it appropriate. The social web works well on mobile devices but only if it is used appropriately.

1. Simple Strategies for Mobile
Social Media Engagement
The World in the Palm of your hands
SMS and Mobile Communication Conference
2nd March 2012, London
Linda Parkinson-Hardman
© Linda Parkinson-Hardman 2012

2. It would easy to assume that because the
technology changes rapidly that the underlying
reasons for using it do as well.
This would be a mistake!
The underlying reason is communication – solely
and simply and the basic rules are the same as
they always were.
© Linda Parkinson-Hardman 2012

3. Keep it simple
Keep it relevant
Keep it appropriate
© Linda Parkinson-Hardman 2012

4. Keep it Simple
What do you want to tell people and why?
According to a survey on mobile content
consumption users typically consumed:
1. Less than three paragraphs of text
2. Less than 30 seconds of audio
3. Less than one minute of video
http://testkitchen.colorado.edu/projects/reports/smartphone/smartphone-survey/
© Linda Parkinson-Hardman 2012

5. Keep it Relevant
What do people want to know/do and why?
• Information, information, information
– How to …..
– What is …..
– Why ……
– Where …..
– When …….
• Share and learn
© Linda Parkinson-Hardman 2012

6. Keep it Appropriate
What are your demographics and location?
• 38% of UK Adults own a smartphone
– 62% DO NOT!
• Fastest growing demographic on Facebook
>35+
• 55 – 64 year olds least likely to use mobile as
primary source of internet access (7%)
http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/research/consumer-experience/tce-11/research_report_of511a.pdf
http://mobilesquared.co.uk/pdfs/mobileconsumertrends2011.pdf
© Linda Parkinson-Hardman 2012

7. Business Blogging
• Industry standard software – multiple
platforms
• RSS Feeds and Readers
http://bit.ly/etyIax
© Linda Parkinson-Hardman 2012

8. Email Marketing
• HTML, Text only, Mobile
• Encourage sign up’s to your mailing list by
text, ideal for conferences ….!
Text lindaph to 86006 to get our newsletter!
© Linda Parkinson-Hardman 2012

9. Facebook
• Checkin – events – location based
• Short, sharp stories & information to ‘likees’
• Discussion, problem solving, sharing
http://bit.ly/hysteruk
© Linda Parkinson-Hardman 2012

10. Twitter
• Status updates at events
• #hashtags for events
• @event-accounts
• Customer support
© Linda Parkinson-Hardman 2012

11. QR Codes?
Outdoor Billboards: Be one of the first businesses in your
market to run a giant QR code on a billboard for your business.
Websites: Add a QR code to the 'Contact Us' page on your website so visitors
can download your contact information and map to their smartphones.
Business Cards: Add a QR code to your business card so people can instantly
download your contact.
T-Shirts: Add a QR code to a T-shirt that you give away
In-Store Posters With Coupons: Provide instant coupons to people while
they're shopping that gives them a discount scanned at the till.
Dial a Phone Number: Want to encourage people to dial your number so they
can engage with you? Then give them a QR code to scan.
© Linda Parkinson-Hardman 2012

12. What next?
http://bit.ly/nwclQo
&
http://bit.ly/lindaph/
© Linda Parkinson-Hardman 2012