Download - Using social networks as reporting tools
SOCIAL NETWORKS AS REPORTING TOOLS
FINDING SOURCES
Search for key terms on Facebook and Twitter within content of posts
Find user profiles and reach out directly Seek out user groups
Contact members Post open messages Just ask for insight (think Kevin Bacon)
TOOLS
Track the conversation over time by searching Tweets
Enter your search at Google.com, then click “Updates”
FINDING STORIES
Follow your users Encourage users to reach out
Ask questions (they don’t have to be open-ended) “What issues do you think are important during the next
election?” “Did the Council make the right decision with the smoking
ordinance.” Seek out expertise
“Are there any experts out there who understand how road construction works. Call us: 555-5555.”
Grab person-on-the-street quotes “Tell us what you have to say about the Lions’ win. We’ll
print a few responses in next week’s story.”
TOOLS
Monitor keywords and phrases Search at
Twitter.com or Facebook.com
Use an app such as Hootsuite
GIVE CREDIT
Reward your tipsters “Twitter user Jake White informed the Times
of the issue on Facebook last week.” “News reader Jack Johnson submitted this
photo via Facebook.” Attribute responses from social media
“Smith said in a post on his personal Twitter account.”
“Doe wrote in a comment on the Tribune’s Facebook page.”
BACKGROUND SOURCES
LinkedIn and Facebook often contain employment histories
Look for common connections to facilitate difficult conversations
Have accounts before you need them
CROWDSOURCE CONTENT
Ask for pictures and video Users can upload content to YouTube and
send you links Pictures can be emailed Items can be posted as “fan content” on
your Facebook page
MONITOR TRENDS
Stay updated on developing trends Let others do your research for you Find experts before you need them