Online Communications Tools for Staying in Touch with Members
Updated: Aug. 31, 2017 | Categories: Member Communications
Whether your members are scattered around the globe or you are just trying to offer options, online communications can be an effective way to keep your organization in the loop. But not all internet-based tools are the same.
Here’s a rundown of when to use four types of online communications tools: webinars, Google Hangouts, Twitter chats, and forums.
Webinars
Webinars are a great way to have formal training for your membership. There are a variety of webinar service providers available, at varying price ranges. Webinars allow you to share a prepared presentation with your members, and many also have a whiteboard capability.
One of the great benefits of a webinar presentation is that attendees can type in questions to be answered by the speaker during the presentation
Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts are a terrific option for a more laid-back conversation among members. Since everyone is viewed through webcams, the look is immediately more casual. Hangouts allow multiple leaders participate in providing the content.
Two great benefits of Google hangouts are they are free to administer, and they can be recorded to be shared on YouTube.
Twitter Chats
Twitter chats happen when a group of people using Twitter at the same time use a specific hashtag to conduct a conversation. There are tools such as Twubs.com that allow you to type in a hashtag so you see only those targeted comments – a great way to follow along, because Twitter chats go very quickly.
Twitter chats can be a terrific way to spread awareness for your association. Your followers will see your tweets during the chat, and if they find the information useful will investigate the organization further.
Forums
Forums are an online discussion area where members can interact. Forums can either be public or private, depending on the audience. Members can ask questions, or association leaders can share committee updates and more.
The interaction on forums, unlike the other tools mentioned, does not always happen in real time. This fact can be advantageous when your members span multiple time zones.
As people become more dependent upon the internet for obtaining their information, using one of these online tools can be a great way to keep your members informed.
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