Social Media: Reaching Out To Consumers

by KELLI FONTENOT

Published in the November/December issue of Candy and Snack Today magazine

The Internet connects suppliers and retailers with millions of consumers every day. Discover how networking sites can gauge shoppers’ attitudes, raise brand awareness and reinforce positive associations with the category.

As candy retailers and suppliers explore sites such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, they are realizing their impact on brand awareness and company credibility.

Social media is definitely sparking consumers, with more than 105 million in the U.S. using these sites. What’s more, two out of three participants in a recent social media marketing industry report noted an increase in web site traffic, subscribers or opt-in lists after investing just six hours per week. 

SAB hits wall with Facebook

by KELLI FONTENOT
Published March 25, 2009 in The Current Sauce

With Student Activities Board elections around the corner, some prospective representatives-at-large may face a conundrum concerning electronic promotion on the social networking Web site Facebook.

Marquis Montgomery, a senior Computer Information Systems major, is one of 30 NSU students running for a SAB rep-at-large position.

"I started an event on Facebook just to campaign and kind of get my name out there," he said. "That way, if somebody wanted to find out about my platform, they could just send me a message."

Last week, candidates applied for positions and received a set of campaign guidelines. One rule states that candidates who relied strictly on fliers and face-to-face campaigning must take down all signs that are within 50 feet of the polls on the day before the election. Failure to do so may result in disqualification and removal from the race.

But because there is currently no rule concerning the use of social media in the campaign, some students may encounter confusion when election day comes. Montgomery said he does not think the SAB executive board will require students to delete their Facebook events or groups on the day before the election.

"I don't think it applies to Facebook; I think it has to do more with the campaigning that's done on campus," Montgomery said.

Many students, though, access Facebook in on-campus computer labs. Some students use their cellular phones to check Facebook while in the Student Union. If the SAB decides to hold candidates responsible for electronic media's impact on voters on the day before the election, many of them may be disqualified from the race.

YouTube users share unique views

by KELLI FONTENOT
Published Nov. 5, 2008 by The Current Sauce

Some NSU students and on-campus groups are realizing the possibilities provided by technology and YouTube.com.

YouTube is home to millions of videos - from episodes of beloved '90s cartoons to up-to-the-minute election coverage - posted from locations all over the world, including Natchitoches.

While many NSU students use YouTube as a tool for finding music videos and episodes of their favorite TV shows, some students have uploaded their own videos of silly skits to the site.