Deanna Ferrari gave a presentation to Slippery Rock University students on social media's role in public relations. She discussed how social media has changed PR and provided examples like the "Miracle on the Hudson" and Michael Jackson's death. Ferrari also warned about social media fails and advised engaging audiences, maintaining good communication skills, and using social media as a tool to facilitate relationships rather than just broadcasting messages. She emphasized learning multiple social networks and apps, using them from a business perspective, and having the right skills and tools for success in social media and PR.

1. Social Media’s Role in the World
of Public Relations
Presented to Slippery Rock University Students
by Deanna Ferrari
March 29, 2010

2. About me
 Graduate of Slippery Rock University (B.S., Public
Relations)
 Board member of PRSA Pittsburgh
 Former Assistant Account Executive at MARC USA
 Account Executive at WordWrite Communications
 Award-winning social media specialist - NOT an
expert

3. I get paid to tweet.
How do YOU use social media?
Let’s back up…
That’s me!
That’s Twitter!

4. How social media has changed
PR

5. QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Video: Social Media Revolution
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFYPQjYhv8

6. Miracle on the Hudson

7. Michael Jackson’s death
Haiti Earthquake

8. Fun with trending topics
Image: http://imaletyoufinish.com

9. Print is changing…

10. Journalists are on these networks

11. Journalists ask YOU
for story ideas

12. A real social media pitch!

13. Who I’ve Worked With In The Social
Space
 WordWrite Communications
 Pittsburgh Business Group on Health
 Public Relations Society of America, Pittsburgh chapter
 Regency Global Transportation Group
 Culver’s restaurants
 Prestogeorge Coffee
 Redstone Highlands Senior Living Communities
 QuickLift
 The Skin Center
 KIT Solutions
 Giant Eagle Market District
Best. Burgers. Ever. (And I don’t eat meat)

14. My first experience with social media
at work

15. Award Winner

16. Taking over social at WordWrite

18. Become a fan!
Facebook.com/wordwritepr

20. QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.

21. Client examples:
Redstone Highlands Senior Living Communities
Regency Transportation

23. Award Winner

24. Social Media FAIL
Image: atomiksoapbox.com

25. Motrin & Burger King: Doing it Wrong
Whatever you do - DON’T
piss off mommy bloggers
Images: Mortin, Burger King via http://newmediachatter.com and
http://www.parentinghelpme.com

26. Don’t forget the PR fundamentals
 Engage
 Be a great communicator -- on and offline
 Grammar, punctuation, spelling
 Develop relationships with journalists
 Social media is simply a tool to facilitate
communication
 PR pros wear many hats
 Social media only comes full circle when it “comes
to life”

27. Tips
 Mashable.com = all you ever need to know
 Be a pro at Facebook fan pages and Twitter, BUT…
 Learn other social networks - it’s not just Facebook and
Twitter
 Know apps like Foursquare - it’s all about location and mobile
 Think about social from a business standpoint - not just how
awesome your Friday night was
You are here
Images: Mashable.com and FastCompany.com

28. Once you have the tools and the skills,
you will have great success
Image: evilmilk.com

29. Questions? Additional Comments?
Twitter:
@dferrari / @wordwritepr
Online:
deannaferrari.com / wordwritepr.com
Thank You!