I’m still trying to put my finger on what works—and what doesn’t—in the social media arena. Especially when it comes to Twitter. This morning while following the increasingly far reaching peanut butter recall, I went to the FDA’s Peanut Butter Recall Searchable Database. I was overwhelmed. Too many links, too many products. Then I saw that the FDA had posted an FDA Recalls link for Twitter. (They must have just launched it; they only have 139 followers at this writing). Now, this is a great use for Twitter. What an easy way to inform interested people of important updates.
It reminds me that earlier this week, I had to postpone an EcoTuesday event because of ice and rain in DC. I Sent a tweet, which automatically updated to my Facebook page and next thing you know my network is almost completely covered. It seems to have worked, because I received at least one “good call” tweet.
So, important updates are one easy to identify use for Social Media. I suppose real breaking news also qualifies. Maybe also announcements with deadlines. What other easy to identify sure bets have you found?
(on a totally separate note, it is fascinating to see “who” FDARecalls is following: Barack Obama, womenshealth.gov, US House Updates, The White House, US Senate Votes, USAGov, Greenversations (EPA), Food Safety Info Ctr, NIH For Health, AIDSGov, CDC eHealth, CDCFlu and femainfocus (even their Twitter tag is confusing…).
About Jennifer Kaplan
