Museums and Social Media
Although we “live in the past” we have to embrace the future! Are you harnessing the power of the internet to further your mission?
If not, you’re rapidly falling behind the times.
Most museums today have a presence on the internet through a website. But there are many other opportunities out there to help increase your exposure – and best of all, they’re FREE!
Blogging
Creating a blog to highlight your museum is fast and easy. Websites like Blogger make it simple to create and update blogs. You can even add photos and videos.
Blogs are a great way to show visitors – and potential visitors – behind-the-scenes glimpses of what goes on at your museum. You can highlight artifacts, hype up a new exhibit or event, or show people what staff members are doing behind closed doors.
You can also upload pdfs of invitations, programs and schedules to help promote your events.
See the link “Blogging About Museums” for more information about blogs.
Facebook
Everyone is on Facebook these days. Does your museum have a page yet?
Setting up a Facebook page is also quick and easy. While people do comment on blogs, they are much more likely to interact with you on Facebook.
After you build a fan base, you have a self-selected group of people to market your events, programs and exhibits! You can send an invitation to anything with just a few clicks.
Facebook is also a great place to share photos of events, exhibitions, and new acquisitions. You can also use it to disseminate information quickly if you are closed for bad weather or a power outage, or if you are trying to fill empty slots in a program at the last minute.
Make multiple staff members Admins so you can cover as many departments as possible. Remember, you don’t want to bombard your fans with hourly posts. But don’t go too long between posts either.
Post special deals for your Facebook fans such as discounted admission coupons or 10% off coupons for your Museum Shop. Encourage them to invite their friends to join the fun by becoming a fan!
Twitter
Twitter is a great way to provide instant information to your followers.
Tweets are short and sweet, so you can’t get too wordy. Announce new programs, raffle winners, exhibit openings, new donations and more on Twitter.
Twitter can be used to share information about closings, changes in your hours or last minute invitations.
You Tube
All you need is a simple video camera to start producing your own videos to post on You Tube!
Record programs, lectures and events for broadcast. Or record a behind-the-scenes tours with curators or gallery tours with educators and docents. You can even make your own commercials advertising your facility, exhibitions or special events!
You don’t have to do something fancy. As you get more experience, refine your technique and create more elaborate videos.
If not, you’re rapidly falling behind the times.
Most museums today have a presence on the internet through a website. But there are many other opportunities out there to help increase your exposure – and best of all, they’re FREE!
Blogging
Creating a blog to highlight your museum is fast and easy. Websites like Blogger make it simple to create and update blogs. You can even add photos and videos.
Blogs are a great way to show visitors – and potential visitors – behind-the-scenes glimpses of what goes on at your museum. You can highlight artifacts, hype up a new exhibit or event, or show people what staff members are doing behind closed doors.
You can also upload pdfs of invitations, programs and schedules to help promote your events.
See the link “Blogging About Museums” for more information about blogs.
Everyone is on Facebook these days. Does your museum have a page yet?
Setting up a Facebook page is also quick and easy. While people do comment on blogs, they are much more likely to interact with you on Facebook.
After you build a fan base, you have a self-selected group of people to market your events, programs and exhibits! You can send an invitation to anything with just a few clicks.
Facebook is also a great place to share photos of events, exhibitions, and new acquisitions. You can also use it to disseminate information quickly if you are closed for bad weather or a power outage, or if you are trying to fill empty slots in a program at the last minute.
Make multiple staff members Admins so you can cover as many departments as possible. Remember, you don’t want to bombard your fans with hourly posts. But don’t go too long between posts either.
Post special deals for your Facebook fans such as discounted admission coupons or 10% off coupons for your Museum Shop. Encourage them to invite their friends to join the fun by becoming a fan!
Twitter is a great way to provide instant information to your followers.
Tweets are short and sweet, so you can’t get too wordy. Announce new programs, raffle winners, exhibit openings, new donations and more on Twitter.
Twitter can be used to share information about closings, changes in your hours or last minute invitations.
You Tube
All you need is a simple video camera to start producing your own videos to post on You Tube!
Record programs, lectures and events for broadcast. Or record a behind-the-scenes tours with curators or gallery tours with educators and docents. You can even make your own commercials advertising your facility, exhibitions or special events!
You don’t have to do something fancy. As you get more experience, refine your technique and create more elaborate videos.
You Should Also Read:
Blogging About Museums
Collecting the 20th Century
Museum Words Defined
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