Your society’s website is only a first step in successful communication. The modern hi-tech world requires that you investigate and use additional online tools in order to hold on to current members, to attract prospective members, and to let the local community know what you are accomplishing. The objective of this webinar is to help the attendee become aware of five popular and free online tools that any society can use to strengthen communication between the society and its members, to showcase the society and its activities to prospective members, and to make the public aware of the positive impact the society’s activities are having within the local community and beyond. The function and benefits of each tool will be presented, including how to assess its impact. Facebook: a way for the society to reach an enormous audience, keeping current members up to date and attracting new members. Twitter: a way to get small bits of information out quickly to the public with links to more information. Pinterest: a way to use attractive photos, infographics, and other visual information to interest members and non-members. Blogs: a way to replace print newsletters and awkward-to-update websites with the latest society news. Hangouts: a way to put engaging video about your society and its members in front of a wide audience.
Drew is an Assistant Librarian with the Academic Services unit of the University of South Florida (USF) Tampa Library and has taught graduate-level courses in genealogical librarianship and indexing/abstracting.