Social Media for Strategic Communication: Creative Strategies and Research-Based Applications

by Karen Freberg

Overview

Social Media for Strategic Communication: Creative Strategies and Research-Based Applications Second Edition teaches students the skills and principles needed to use social media in persuasive communication campaigns. Author Karen Freberg combines cutting edge research with practical, on-the-ground instruction to prepare students for the real-world challenges they’ll face in the workplace. By focusing on strategic thinking and awareness, this book gives students the tools they need to adapt what they learn to new platforms and technologies that may emerge in the future. A broad focus on strategic communication – from PR, advertising, and marketing, to non-profit advocacy—gives students a broad base of knowledge that will serve them wherever their careers may lead. The Second Edition features new case studies and exercises, and increased coverage of diversity and inclusion issues and influencer marketing trends.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781071826904
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	08/20/2021
Edition description:	Second
Pages:	488
Sales rank:	589,192
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Karen Freberg (@kfreberg) is a Professor in Strategic Communications at the University of Louisville. Freberg is also the director of The Bird’s Nest, a student-run strategic communication agency at the University of Louisville. In 2019, Freberg received the honor of being named a visiting Adjunct Associate Professor in Creative Communication at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Freberg is also a research consultant in social media and crisis communications and has worked with several organizations and agencies such as Kentucky Derby, Sun Tan City, GE Appliances, Korbel, Brown-Forman, Sun Tan City, Churchill Downs, Facebook, Adobe, Hub Spot, Chipotle, Firestorm Solutions, Hootsuite, The Breeders’ Cup, IMC Agency, DHS, CDC and General Motors. This experience lead her to be a 2015 Plank Center Fellow for General Motors (GM), where her responsibility was to work with the PR and social media teams forming best practices and recommendations on social media measurement strategies and influencer marketing practices.

In addition, Freberg is an award winning author, and has written several books including The Roadmap in Teaching Social Media (Amazon, self published), Digital Media Writing for Strategic Communication (Top Hat with Emily Kinsky and Amber Hutchins) and Social media for strategic communications: Creative strategies and research based applications (with SAGE which was named 2020 NCA Public Relations Division’s Outstanding Textbook Award Winner). She’s published her second Top Hat book with Kinsky titled Concepts in Social and Digital Communication.

Freberg has coordinated and advised various companies on the areas of social media pedagogy and certification programs, such as Cannes Lions (Co-Chair of the Cannes Lions Educator Summit), Hootsuite (Advanced Social Media Certification and #Hoot Amb), Meltwater (certification program and contributor), Adobe (EDUMax Thought Leader and Adobe Education Leader), Meta Blueprint (Subject Matter Expert), and Hub Spot (Education Founding Member). Freberg also launched a social media educators community on FB and Twitter (@SMprofessors and #SMprofs) for professors, practitioners, and professionals in the education industry to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and collaborate on projects to bridge the gap between education and practice.

In addition to academic publications, Freberg has been interviewed for popular press publications such as The New York Times, The Drum, Newsweek, Adweek, USA Today, The Next Web, MONEY, USA Today College, and Forbes.

Before coming to the University of Louisville, Freberg earned a Ph D in Communication and Information at the University of Tennessee in May 2011, and a Master's degree in Strategic Public Relations at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Southern California in August 2007. Freberg received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Public Relations at the University of Florida in August 2005.

Freberg is also a four-time All-American, two-time SEC champion, and 2004 Olympic Trials finalist in the shot put. She loves coffee (it’s a major food group), traveling, being with her Australian Shepherd Mando Wade, and believes everyone needs to be on #Team Ryan Reynolds.

Table of Contents

Preface
About the Author
PART I. FOUNDATION FOR CREATING A STRATEGIC MINDSET
CHAPTER 1. Introduction to Social Media: An Art and Science
Introduction
How Do We Define Social Media?
How Has Social Media Evolved?
Using Social Media Strategically
Bridging the Science and Art of Social Media
Chapter Summary
Thought Questions
Exercises
References
CHAPTER 2. Ethical and Legal Fundamentals in Social Media
Introduction
What Is Ethics?
Legal Fundamentals
Ethical and Legal Best Practices in Social Media
Chapter Summary
Thought Questions
Exercises
References
CHAPTER 3. Personal and Professional Branding for Social Media
Introduction
What Is a Personal Brand?
Benefits and Challenges for Personal Brands
How to Establish a Personal Brand
Chapter Summary
Thought Questions
Exercises
References
CHAPTER 4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Social Media
Introduction
Current Standing Regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
What Is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion?
What Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Bring to Social Media
Best Practices in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts in Social Media
Chapter Summary
Thought Questions
Exercises
References
CHAPTER 5. Industry Qualifications and Roles in Social Media
Introduction
Who Hires Social Media Professionals?
Where to Work in Social Media
Definition of Key Social Media Roles
How Much Do Social Media Professionals Get Paid?
Chapter Summary
Thought Questions
Exercises
References
CHAPTER 6. Research in Social Media: Monitoring, Listening, and Analysis
Introduction
Importance of Research for Social Media and Strategic Communication
Why Do We Need Research in Social Media?
What Are the Differences Between Monitoring and Listening in Social Media?
Platform-Based Metrics, Tools and Services, and KPIs
What Is the Bridge Between Monitoring and Listening?
Tying Everything Together With Analysis
Dos and Don’ts in Social Media Research and Analysis
Chapter Summary
Thought Questions
Exercises
References
PART II. UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY (CREATIVE AND SCIENTIFIC APPROACHES)
CHAPTER 7. Strategic Planning for Social Media
Introduction
What Is a Strategic Plan?
Components of a Strategic Plan
Chapter Summary
Thought Questions
Exercises
References
CHAPTER 8. Influencer Marketing
Introduction
What Is Influencer Marketing?
Best Practices for Utilizing Influencers
Chapter Summary
Thought Questions
Exercises
References
CHAPTER 9. Paid Media
Introduction
What Is Paid Media?
Best Practices of Paid Media
Chapter Summary
Thought Questions
Exercises
References
CHAPTER 10. Strategic Writing for Social Media
Introduction
Importance of Strategic Writing for Social Media
Content Creation Versus Content Curation
Understanding the Difference Between Tone and Voice
Best Practices for Social Media Writing
Chapter Summary
Thought Questions
Exercises
References
CHAPTER 11. Audience Segmentation and Analysis
Introduction
What Is Audience Segmentation?
Types of Audiences
Communities, Influencers, and Creators
Applying Audience Segmentation to Campaigns
Chapter Summary
Thought Questions
Exercises
References
CHAPTER 12. Creating, Managing, and Curating Content (Strategies, Tactics, and Key Messages)
Introduction
Overview of Content Marketing
Types of Content Media
Tools to Create Content
Curating Content
Best Practices
Chapter Summary
Thought Questions
Exercises
References
CHAPTER 13. Measurement, Evaluation, Budget, and Calendar Considerations for Social Media
Introduction
Measurement and Evaluation
Calendar
Budget
Further Considerations for Measurement, Evaluation, and Budget
Chapter Summary
Thought Questions
Exercises
References
PART III. APPLICATION AND FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
CHAPTER 14. How Social Media Is Applied: Exploring Different Specializations + Case Studies I
Introduction
Overview of Social Media and Entertainment
Overview of Social Media and Memes
Overview of Social Media and Crisis Communication
Overview of Social Media and Journalism
Chapter Summary
Thought Questions
Exercises
References
CHAPTER 15. How Social Media Is Applied: Exploring Different Specializations + Case Studies II
Introduction
Overview of Social Media and Sports
Overview of Social Media and Social Care
Overview of Social Media and Nonprofits
Overview of Social Media and Health Care
Overview of Social Media and International Campaigns
Chapter Summary
Thought Questions
Exercises
References
CHAPTER 16. What Does the Social Media World Have That Is New?
Introduction
Current (So Far) State of Social Media
Future Trends and Directions
Final Words of Wisdom and Recommendations
Chapter Summary
Thought Questions
Exercises
References
Glossary
Index

Editorial Reviews

At last, a book that covers social media strategy in a practical, timely way that will help guide our students as they transition to the professional world.”

Gina Baleria

This is a detailed exploration of not only how social media practitioners carry out their duties effectively and with great care, but why they are and why they should.”

Dante Mozie

The title helps students move ahead from their own often limited use of social media, integrates well with our program, and connects many of the finer details of PR practice to undergrad and graduate backgrounds.”

G. De Blasio