Tech Corner Post: More about Facebook

Written by Kelsi Cunningham

            Over the past eight years, Facebook has taken the world by storm and has become the most used social networking website. The concept, in a nutshell, is that members create their own profile page, and have the ability to connect as “friends” with other user’s pages. While many people use the site solely for social purposes, the site can be used specifically for public relations in many ways.

            One way Facebook can be useful to those in the public relations field is through Fan Pages. Fan pages allow businesses or organizations to create their own pages that Facebook users can “like” in order to review and receive updates from the page.  Organizations can give a description of themselves and what they do. These are especially helpful for non-profit organizations that need to promote themselves in a low-cost way. Non profits can promote upcoming events or fundraisers through fan pages.  Here is an example of a fan page, which is for Delta Zeta sorority at Georgia College.

            Another useful tool Facebook offers for public relations is event pages. Event pages allow users to create a page specifically for an upcoming event with details such as purpose, time, and location. Event page creators can invite Facebook friends to their event and can make it a public event so that anyone using Facebook can attend.  Here is an example of a Facebook event, which is for Delta Zeta Sorority’s Turtle Tug fundraising event. Event pages are especially helpful when needing to estimate how many people will attend an event, since the page specifically states how many people have responded “yes,” “no,” or “maybe.” They are also useful because creators can limit who can see the event by making it “private” or “public.”

            When organizations need to create a way to communicate with a group of people, Facebook offers groups, which allow members to create a hidden or private page in which Facebook users are invites to join. Group pages are useful for organizations to stay in contact with volunteers, committee members, or other groups associated with the organization. Group members can post on the “wall” if they have an announcement or question that needs to be answered, and other members can comment on the post. This is a great way for those in the public relations field to keep in touch with specific groups of people.

            Facebook is a useful tool for public relations, and I recommend that any person in the field be familiar with what the site offers and take full advantage of the opportunities.