K.Smith

Consultant, teacher, student, artist, mom. Retirement never felt so hectic.

[K.Smith @texcat66]

@joey881123 Love the visual support! #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

Q1: What are some challenges emergency managers could/do have using social media tools to communicate with their community members? How can they overcome those challenges? #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

@Bill_Post_U It actually changed to 280 in 2017! So a bit more space, but still a micro-blog. #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

@snevets_nalyd Love the outside engagement your question sparked! #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

@Bill_Post_U @Moon21phase Absolutely! While this class focuses on social media tools and tactics, they ultimately should be additions to your communications toolbox - not the end all - be all. #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

@JT59927 A simple answer is to ask your followers to share the message. This increases your reach exponentially and gives them an "action" to do. Risk comms tells us people need control in a crisis - this is a type of control they can have. #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

@miller_dea35508 You could also build a technical volunteer group (you learn about VOST in Unit 5). Then leverage this group to expand your agency capabilities online. #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

Q2: With how many different social media platform options exist (and change over time), how do you choose which ones your agency will communicate through? #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

@Pandabacon16 I would like to answer as the educator on this one. Consistency is your core message being the same. And then tailor that message to the audience and platform. So it doesn't have to look exactly the same, but the foundation should be. #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

@Pandabacon16 Seeing what others around you are doing is a great way to get insight into possible effective tactics! #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

@Pandabacon16 @Moon21phase Great point! We want to leverage word-of-mouth and connections that others have. That's why it is not bad if your "followers" are less than your community population. What is important is if they are sharing your info. #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

@JT59927 Polling is a good idea! #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

@foister67765 Research is the missing step that many agencies forget. It is easier to just create an account on a platform than to take time to learn what would work best. Then you still have to analyze your activity to see what is and is not working. #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

@diplomatboy22 This one isn't for everyone. However, it is a good tool for when large segments of your community use it and it is good practice for the techniques. The reality is even if your agency does not have a profile on a platform, you still need to see what is being "said". #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

@votero72 @JustLooking11b And an element to remember is that social media is inherently self-correcting. So while you have to keep an eye out for misinformation as an EM and take steps, know that other users who see errors will also speak up. #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

@miranda_grover1 Yes, while we are focusing on learning to use social media tools, ultimately it is just one tool in your box - not the end all - be all. #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

@youngyoda26 How would you determine which ones will reach the most people in your particular community? #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

@Bill_Post_U Research is the key word there! #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

@DanielEmh280 Most popular for who? ^_^ #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

@joey881123 By attaching, do you mean posting a comment on an official post? #EMH280Chat

[K.Smith @texcat66]

@Sarge4EMH And the language element is why you need to do your research ahead of time - so you know who and what languages your information needs to be in! #EMH280Chat