The Phenomenon of Social Media
Why the Hospital Group is on message…
Many of you will have noted that The St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group has had a Facebook group page for some time. We can also now be followed on Twitter and a regular blog is being posted to Wordpress, as well as on the website, on Wednesdays and Fridays.
For good or bad, the very 21st Century phenomenon of Social Media would appear to be here to stay. Whether they’re influencing political debate, being used to organise a flash mob or simply as a vehicle to chat to your friends, Facebook, Twitter, blogging et al have become an integral part of contemporary culture.
But why does a venerable, 19th Century institution like the Hospital Group need to be “tweeting” and “liking”?
The truth is that Facebook and Twitter can be used as important new means of marketing ideas and products. What’s more, research shows that they are now more trusted by the public than traditional methods of advertising, like television or print ads.
Social media sites allow “followers” to have conversations and to discuss issues and ideas – including products or concepts that are being marketed to them. Ideas are debated and “tried on for size”. Communication is multi-directional and a product or “message” must be able to withstand social scrutiny. Bombarding us with dubious – or spurious – claims whilst we try to enjoy a favourite television programme just doesn’t cut it any longer.
And whether posted by friends, a public figure, or an international charity, if given the seal of approval, messages can be “reposted” or “retweeted” by an individual to all of his friends and contacts, who can then spread the word to a potentially limitless audience.
It’s no surprise, then, that many professional organisations have seen the potential in social media, and The St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group should not be the exception.
Social networking sites act as word of mouth. As an organisation in the 21st Century looking to build a following and generate interest – not to say income – the Hospital Group simply must be a part of this social revolution. It must reach out to all sorts of people now to ensure that its mission can be continued into the future.
We hope that these new media will provide a fun, quick and informative way to follow our charity and find out about the work that we do. Our Facebook page has recently been overhauled and is now much more user friendly. Why not log on and check it out for yourselves? And please remember to “like” us!
