Maine celebrates Social Media Day
Contributed / TideSmart Global
Around 200 Mainers are expected to join communities worldwide today to celebrate Social Media Day and talk about how the “digital revolution” has opened new opportunities for business.
TideSmart Global, an experiential marketing and media firm in Falmouth, is hosting the state's inaugural event for a sold-out audience at its headquarters on Route 1. Attendees will have a chance to network and learn how others have incorporated social media into their businesses.
Social Media Day was started by social media news website Mashable five years ago “as a way to celebrate the digital revolution happening around the world,” Jennifer MacDonald, TideSmart's director of digital media, told Mainebiz. Every year, thousands of meetups are held around the world, from Australia to Morocco, according to Mashable's event site.
“It's to celebrate how technology brings people together,” MacDonald said. “It’s important for Maine to celebrate because there are businesses that are using it well and there are others who can learn from them.”
Four speakers, including TideSmart CEO Steve Woods, will give talks during the three-hour event. Flyte New Media President Rich Brooks will discuss the fundamentals for using social media for businesses, MacDonald said, while MaineToday.com social media blogger Rob Gould will cover the personal branding aspect of social media, which can be important for business owners and marketing professionals. In addition, Mainely SEO President Nathan O'Leary is expected to reveal a new smartphone app and talk about how new technologies can give more options to customers.
MacDonald said social media is TideSmart's fastest growing service when it comes to promoting events for the company's clients. “We see social media as a bigger part of the marketing circle,” she said, “so we weave social media into our events to make them more successful.”
According to the Pew Research Internet Project, 73% of online adults use social networking sites, as of September 2013. Some 71% of that same group uses Facebook alone, while only 22% use LinkedIn, the second most-used service, according to Pew.
“If you’re not using social media you’re missing out on thousands of people who are in your market,” MacDonald said.
But you don't need to spend 10,000 hours on Twitter or go to college for a marketing degree to learn how social media can fit your business, she said. There are many resources available online, including local experts, who often write, or “tweet” about best practices.
Take part in today's conversation by tweeting with the #SMDayME hashtag.
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