Social Media Blogging

"BASED ON WHAT IS ASKED BELOW, PICK ANY ORGANIZATION AND START FOLLOWING IT."

POST 1: Identify a sports organization that uses at least four forms of social media (Facebook must be included); which social media platforms are used by this organization to communicate with fans? In your view, which platform is most effective and creative for the organization? Why?

The Anaheim Ducks have always been known for their strong interaction in the social media world. In fact, they have a whole page on their official website just for social media! This impressive list of platforms includes Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Google+, LinkedIn, Instagram, their e-news page, their mobile application, their text club, and their RSS feed. The first four appear to be the most successful in reaching out to their worldwide fan base.

As a Ducks fan, you may or may not get a rather unique experience with your interaction through these platforms. You can find Facebook pages for the mascot Wild Wing as well as official and unofficial fan clubs for the team or any of its players. On Twitter, most if not all of the team’s players’ accounts have been verified, therefore allowing you to be in direct contact with them. You might even get a response or two back! The Ducks YouTube channel allows Duck fans to catch up with missed game highlights among other things of in game action whereas you also get behind the scenes access to some things as well. Pinterest is the most peculiar solely because the organization can share photos to you but also you can share your experiences (photos) with them, which unlike Facebook and Twitter appears to be much more interactive both ways.

The most effective platform of these four must be Twitter. Everyone has instant access to everything, the player/fan interaction is surprisingly high; it’s become the epitome of social media from practically every aspect you could imagine. However the creativity award would have to go to YouTube. A picture may say a thousand words, but when those pictures move and include sound, a lot more can be said (and done). YouTube practically is an all-access pass that can allow you to go somewhere you normally can’t.

Social media can be a wonderful thing – when used correctly. The Ducks are our focus because they appear to do a better job than their colleagues and competitors. Getting your brand out through these platforms can be your big break in life, depending on where you wish to take your talents. It may be the hardest step of all, but recognition is the first step toward selling yourself (as a person or group) and and what you have to offer.

-Ricky