Social Communications – An Integrated Approach

The power of social media, social marketing and online communications has transformed the way we communicate and interact as business leaders, consumers, politicians and friends. Social media and the use of other interactive tools have not only made communications more instantaneous than ever before, but also are now part of our day-to-day professional and personal lives. And as the trusted stewards of building two-way relationships for many different audiences for our clients' reputations, public relations practitioners are best equipped to understand and navigate this increasingly important frontier.

At Environics Communications, we strategically guide and spark conversations online, weaving these social channels into our overall efforts and approach to providing sound communications services to clients. An integrated approach to social communications is not about interruption or engagement without purpose. It’s about speaking with your target audiences directly, sharing with them, inviting them and motivating them to get involved – with your brand. It’s about true two-way communications decisions and building trust with your audiences. In the longer term, social media’s impact will change people’s values and the entire set of expectations on an organization.

The reality is that social media is not any one thing, website, tactic, network or technology. By definition, it is content that is social in nature – sharable, valuable, and unique. Social marketing is an evolution from previous forms of marketing and linear ways of thinking. Brand interaction and/or experience is often the goal. It can take the form of microblogging on Twitter, an e-mail thread, social networking in areas like Facebook, or a corporate blog inviting B2B or B2C interaction. At Environics, our approach to social communications enables an integrated effort between traditional and social communications to connect your brand with real people. Social communications is not about separation – it’s about tying people and ideas together for effective online and offline experiences.

Like any good communications program, the key to getting involved in this exciting new area is in knowing and understanding your audience first. Think strategically about long-term, lasting relationships with your audiences, not just a tactical, flash-in-the-pan communications. With social marketing and communications, there is no one-size-fits-all campaign. But there is likely a strategic approach that makes sense for you, and more importantly, for your target audience.

Environics Communications can help you navigate and plan for profitable participation in the social communications sphere. Our services include social media monitoring, content development and channel optimization, social network marketing, community building, influencer engagement, word of mouth marketing , video creation, blogging and microblogging best practices, and training. In social communications, we are more than your PR agency; we are your partner.