As WABC found out last night in trying to glean information on Facebook about a plane’s apparent technical malfunction, social media can be a tricky place to develop news stories.
Thankfully, RTDNA blogger Lynn Walsh has a few tips:
1. Connect with people. Whether it is on Facebook or Twitter, search for the people, groups, etc. that are influences in your community or your beat and follow them or friend them.
2. Search for key phrases. This is best for Twitter. If you covet education search and create saved search boxes on your mobile phone for key words related to the district you cover.
3. Pay attention to comments/replies. This is crucial. Whether it is on Facebook, your website or Twitter, read comments and reach out to those who post them.
4. Continue the conversation. If you see interesting comments or want to know more ASK!
5. Report/clarify social media rumors. People say a lot of things online. Some of it is true and some is not.