Archive for Social Networking
US Mobile Use Doubles
Posted by: | Comments
I’ve written about this before and this just adds more fuel to the fire. More and more people are using their mobile devices to access the internet. Here is the latest report from comScore: Mobile Internet Becoming a Daily Activity for Many.
“The number of people using their mobile device to access news and information on the Internet more than doubled from January 2008 to January 2009.”
“Social networking and blogging have emerged as very popular daily uses of the mobile Web and these activities are growing at a torrid pace.
We, Henderson Hills, has created a mobile web site so that people can access the most current information from their mobile device. You can access that site via your mobile device by going to m.hhbc.com.
Typically the church is the last to adopt new technology. I’m seeing some churches that are trying to change that rule. People are using their mobile devices to access:
- Maps
- Social Networking Sites
- News & Information
- Video
- Searches
What are the next steps, other than creating a mobile web site, for a church to consider? This is an area where I REALLY get excited…using technology for Kingdom purposes.
Reaching Boomers With Social Media
Posted by: | Comments
Most of all the talk about Social Media is directed towards these groups: Gen X and the Millennial generation. I was reading some of tweets from some people I follow the other day. Aaron Marshall, @churchsmo, shared this post which I found very interesting. “How to Reach Baby Boomers with Social Media” from Read Write Web.
Here are a few points related to Boomers and Social Media:
- In 2007, the percentage of Boomers consuming social media was 46% for younger Boomers (ages 43 to 52) and 39% for older Boomers (ages 53 to 63). By 2008, those number increased to 67% and 62%, respectively.
- For example, the proportion of older Boomers responding to content doubled from 15% in 2007 to 34% in 2008.
- Today, almost one in four younger Boomers are active in social networks, up from 15% in 2007.
- The one thing that Boomers are less likely to do in the online world is actually create content – outside of updating their online profiles and leaving blog comments, that is.
How can the church use this information:
- Using some of your advertising monies on some Boomer targeted social sites may provide a return.
- Blog and create videos about things happening at your church. More Boomers are reading blogs and watching videos than ever before.
- Create a presence for Boomers on Facebook and other Social Networks. But, keep it simple!
- Ask questions specifically related to Boomers. Allow them to respond, but again, keep it simple.
Honestly, I’ve been focusing a lot of time using Social Media to reach the younger generations. Just recently I’ve been shifting my attention, or redirecting some of it, towards the Boomers and it has paid off. But, this article has definitely helped me think of some new ways to reach out to them.
Your thoughts?
Al Mohler Offers Facebook Suggestions
Posted by: | Comments
Here are some suggestions from Al Mohler for using social networking:
- Never allow social networking to replace or rival personal contact and communication.
- Set clear parameters for the time devoted to social networking.
- Never write or post anything on a social networking site that you would not want the world to see, or anything that would compromise your Christian witness.
- Never allow children and teenagers to have independent social networking access (or Internet access, for that matter).
- Do not allow children and teens to accept any “friend” unknown to you.
- Encourage older friends and relatives to sign up and use the technology.
- Use the social networking technology to bear witness to the Gospel, but never think that this can replace the centrality of face-to-face evangelism, witness, and discipleship.
- Do all things to the glory of God, and do not allow social networking to become an idol or a display of narcissism.
Here is a link to his complete post: Facebook Turns 5: Thoughts On Social Networking.
Looks like he doesn’t think I’m crazy!
