Using Social Media

Dear Social Media Managers,

My attention span on the Internet is very short. When you want me to see content you've created, please send me DIRECTLY to the content. Don't route me anywhere else. Send me directly to your content. After all, isn't that why you published it?

Be thoughtful about your audience's experience.

Case in Point
Today, Cooking Light on Twitter posted about recipes for the slow cooker. I love cooking in the crock pot because it is so easy. So I was excited to see the recipes. Unfortunately the link on Twitter sent me to Facebook where I had to click on another link which finally directed me to the CookingLight.com. There was nothing on the Facebook page that added any value.

Naturally, I was annoyed at the detour. But more important, Cooking Light isn't getting anything by doing it this way. Their ultimate goal of using Twitter or Facebook should be getting me to their site. Their site holds the value - I find their content, I can add comments. see the ads they're making money from, and most importantly sign up for a magazine subscription.*

*Disclosure: I currently have a subscription to Cooking Light magazine thanks to my good friend, Celeste. I love the magazine and often cook the recipes! I don't mean to pick on Cooking Light because I think their content is great. I've been seeing things like this too often and felt like I should point it out.

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