{2} tasks for un-dizzying social media

post. tweet. blog. publish. pin. tag. retweet. like. update. repeat. repeat. repeat. repeat. 

social media can be dizzying. especially when it comes to knowing which tools are right for ministry. 

in my consulting work, clients often ask which social media platform they should use for their children's ministry. they want to know if facebook, twitter, instagram, pinterest, and blogging are right for connecting with parents, volunteers, kids, and pastors. social media has made them dizzy.

for un-dizzying social media, i suggest two tasks: 

{1.} define your audience. before tweeting or statusing, you must define who it is that you're trying to connect and communication with via social media. don't just start tweeting without having an intentional audience in mind. oh! and you can use a variety of platforms for connecting with a variety of audiences. for example: i use twitter to connect with children's ministry leaders, and facebook to share personal updates wtih my family and friends. 

once you've defined your audience - notice where that particular audience's energy is. i chose twitter for children's ministry because i noticed my kidmin peers were sharing links and tweets on that platform. if you're looking to connect with the parents of your ministy, notice where they are -- facebook? pinterest? follow the energy and meet them there. 

also, you don't have to use every social media platform available. only use the one {or ones} that help communicate best and are most nautral for your audience, and are easiest for you to keep up. 

{2.} define your purpose. after you've defined your audience, it's best to define your purpose. what is your goal in using the platform to connect with your defined audience? i find it's helpful to write a 1-2 sentence social media statement that defines your perspective and purpose. mine: i’ll use twitter to connect, encourage, and train children’s leaders in my community and around the world. 

having a clear purpose helps focus your social media updates so that you're tweeting with intentionality. and, it helps to more effectively draw in your audience and accomplish your intended purpose. remember -- social media is a tool. you don't have to use it in the same way as others. do what feels right & comfortable for you, and is best for accomplishing your specific purpose. 

define your audience. define your purpose. and, you'll be a little less social media dizzy in no time. 

additional resources: 

Social Media Demographics

The Social Media Handbook for Church

Don Tapscott

Born Digital Book