Facebook: A Decline in Popularity?

When Facebook first came onto the scene, it was the “in” thing for college kids.  It was of course, meant to be used by college students as a way to keep up with classmates.  Over time it has transitioned to one of the most popular social networking sites utilized by way more people than just college students.  In fact nowadays it is common to see people ages 40+ creating pages, staying connected to friends and family. 

Typing in phrases like “Facebook’s popularity declining” or “Facebook’s growth rate” brings you to a plethora of articles about the current state of Facebook.  For the last few years, a multitude of sources have doomed the site claiming it was just a phase (despite how popular it had become) and other social media sites would eventually over throw its popularity- a very similar scenario to what occurred with Myspace.  We’ll revisit that shortly!  So the real question is, is Facebook’s popularity truly in decline? 

Various ratings have concluded that while Facebook is still being utilized, new accounts are being made less frequently, however people are actually spending an extra 15 minutes logged on.  So what does this really tell us?  Not much, especially since other blogs, articles and supposed “social media experts” have claimed that not only are new accounts way down, but people are opting to delete their sites.  On the other hand, some bloggers/experts claim that Facebook is still on top and will only continue rising from here.   The verdict just isn’t quite out yet.

New sites continually crop up and offer users a variety of options as far as capabilities and overall content.  The new sites attract users and users place old sites on the backburner.  Perhaps (here’s where we revisit Myspace) that is what happened with Myspace.  Facebook gave users something new to talk about, so users talked.  Users logged on and use grew, while Myspace accumulated dust.  With the emergence of new sites, this could quite possibly happen to Facebook.  Many people never thought they’d see the day Myspace became extinct, but for the most part, it has. 

There’s always going to be a new kid on the block, so to say.  There will always be new sites offering new features that will sweep onto the scene.  That doesn’t necessarily mean Facebook is terminal.  So long as it can offer users what they want (new features) then there is nothing set in stone saying Facebook’s day is done.  The best thing to do with Facebook or any social media sites is take full advantage of what they offer.  Create groups, build ads, expand on a client base, make that invite, and comment on people’s updates.  Failing to use a site because you’re afraid of its demise just doesn’t cut it—Experts will tell you.  Keep using sites until you feel they don’t work for you or your business at all anymore.  Don’t live in fear of the end of Facebook, use what it can provide today. 

Ask us our thoughts and opinions.  We have plenty of both!  At All Points PR we firmly stand behind social media and what social media’s capabilities for our clients.  

Writing the Perfect Press Release

One of the most important parts of any PR effort is the press release. The press release alerts various media outlets of your company, product or event. The impact a good release can have is major, especially if the release is well-written. Do you want your press release to have a major impact? Try utilizing the following tips.

The headline should grab the attention of the reader- Your press release headline should capture a reader’s attention just like a catchy newspaper headline. The more creative and interesting the headline, the more likely the reader is to read it.

The lead sentence should be concise and answer the 5 W’s- A press release’s lead paragraph needs to sum up all the main points of the story as clearly as possible. The lead sentence should entice the reader and give them all the main information they need to know about the event or story. It should answer the 5 W’s: who, what, where, when and why.

Always abide by proper release format- Following proper format increases the chance that your press release gets read by newspaper reporters and editors. Proper format includes using white paper, black ink, double-spacing, and readable font (preferably Arial, Helvetica, or Times New Roman). Place the phrase “For Immediate Release” at the top of the page and three number signs at the end of the release signifying the end.

Get the facts straight- There is nothing worse than a release with the wrong information. Make sure to double-check your facts before sending a press release out to publications and the public.

Newsworthy- Want journalists to pick up your story? Then you have to think and write like a journalist. The less altering a journalist needs to do to your release, the better the chance you have at getting your release published.

Include quotes in your release for added credibility- Quotes, such as evidence or statistics from experts, gives stories credibility. Quotes from people directly connected to the story also help support a press release.

Keep it short and sweet- No need to get long-winded with your release, just keep it short and sweet. If you have good writing organizational skills, keeping it short should be easy. Journalists are more likely to read press releases that get straight to the point. Aim to make press releases 300 to 500 words.

Conduct follow-up calls- Conduct a series of follow-up calls to ensure your release has fallen into the right hands. Make sure the journalist you are calling has seen or read your release and be quick to jump in with facts if they have not read your press release or do not remember it. The goal is to keep them interested in your release and make sure you have new facts to provide.

For more tips and tricks on writing catchy press releases, contact us over at All Points PR.