Universities Using Social Media

A blog on mashable.com says that universities are trying harder than ever to have an online and social media presence for their students and alumni, as well as their prospective students who are still in high school.  The blog said that 100% of universities have some sort of social media presence and it is growing with each day.  I think this is a great idea and will always benefit the school.  The more you can find out about a school the better.  When I was in high school looking for colleges I was interested in the first thing that turned me away was not being able to navigate their website or not finding any information that I found useful.  I think the universities should have students blog about the school and their time there. The students could say what kind of clubs or sports they are involved with, what their major is and even just what they like to do on the weekends around the area.  If this had been a bigger option when I was in high school I think my friends and I definitely would have taken the time to read the blogs because it is always nice to get an honest feel from a student's prospective about the place you may be deciding to spend the next 4 years at.

Bloggers are people too.

I recently read an article that talked about PR companies being afraid of reaching out to the help of bloggers.  But the article had an interesting take on the situation that I agree on.  They said that most companies think that it is scary to reach out to bloggers because you don't know how they are going to react and they could shed a negative light on your company.  But really the blogger is just going on with their life and would love to help the company out but the company needs to ask.  The blogger also wants to know that the company likes their writing and style.  They are impressed when you follow and are interested in their blog.  The truth is the blogger probably receives many invitations to write for companies all the time but when approaching them do a little research before just diving in.  Read and follow their blog so when you do finally decide to ask for their help you will both be on the same page and rooting for each other.  It could be a win win situation for the blogger and the company.  And since blogging is the next best thing, get on it and find your company a blogger!