In February of this year, we at NF Canada launched our Social Media Campaign. Consisting of a Facebook Page, a Twitter account and a WordPress Blog, the campaign has already grown tremendously. We expect that in the next few years, we will rely more and more on social media tools to raise awareness about NF, promote NF Canada events and even raise money. It is an exciting time for NF Canada as Social Media is allowing us to do things that were impossible with more traditional forms of media.
One of the advantages to using Social Media is that it is a much more relevant and dynamic way of communicating with people than more traditional means such as Newsletters or mass emails. For better or for worse, Social Media has changed the way people communicate. In the 21st Century, many (especially younger generations) expect much more than simple text; with Social Media, we are able to give it to them. On our Facebook Page, for instance, we regularly post video interviews with NF patients and leading researchers in the field. We also post pictures and stories. Without a doubt, social media has enabled us to communicate more effectively with the public.
Another advantage Social Media has given us is the power to transcend geographical boundaries. Not only is NF Canada getting our message out to Canadians, but to people all around the world! Recently, we have been having conversations with people as far away as India on our Facebook Page, who are eager to help us work towards a cure. The result of this is a greater sense of community, a truly international community. People are able to connect instantly over the Internet and our social media campaign provides a perfect venue for such connections. Thanks to Social Media, NF Canada is gaining worldwide exposure.
The numbers also reflect the success of our campaign. Our Facebook Page, especially, has taken off, as we have over 300 fans. This means that every day, 300 people receive instant updates on what is happening at NF Canada as well as more general NF information. Often, these people will share the information with their own social networks and word spreads at an exponential rate. As I have already mentioned, the Facebook Page has also provided a space for people to discuss their own experiences and to find support within their community.
Twitter has also proven to be an invaluable resource of information as well as a tight knit community of people who want to end NF. Twitter is all about sharing: we share information and we share stories. With over 150 followers on Twitter, NF Canada has tapped into an ever-growing number of people wanting to connect. The opportunities are endless.
Last, but certainly not least, is our blog. The blog has also seen a huge jump in numbers. On its busiest day, 267 people visited the site! The great thing about the blog is that it is fully interactive. People are able to comment on the postings, discussions are started and new connections are made. Last month, we were even able to recruit some new members to our Dream Team via the blog. It is one more way to reach the community.
We hope that you are as excited as we are about the success of our Social Media Campaign so far. If you are at all interested in seeing it for yourself, please visit NF Canada on Facebook, follow us on Twitter: @NF_CANADA, or visit our blog: http://nfcanada.wordpress.com/. If you have any further questions about the campaign or social media in general, email me at nicklyons9@gmail.com.
Every step makes a difference!
