My friend Jerry Kidd wrote an excellent article “It’s no longer cool to not be technology literate” and I completely agree. But then I started thinking (Danger Will Robinson!)
What would be the basic skill set a person who wants to actively engage in new media marketing need? Here’s my short list in a reasonably organized format. (really) Can you repeat after me?
As a modern day marketing professional I can aptly do the following…
Images
I can cut, paste, crop, resize, increase the canvas size, add watermarks, titles, annotations, drop shadows and borders using the photo editing software of my choice. I know the difference between a .jpg, a .png and a .gif. I know the difference between dpi and pixels and can adjust for both. In using images, I either create my own or know where to find them and how to use them in a legal manner (Creative Commons). When I’m seeing #FF0000 , I know what it means and how it’s used.
Blogging
I know what platform my blog is on. I know what a dashboard is and how to log into it. I know the difference between the WYSIWYG Editor and the HTML Editor and when to switch to each. I can write a Post or a Page and can schedule them if I choose to. Tags, Categories and Labels? I know how to pick and chose the right ones for my post. Not only can I inset a LINK anywhere I want, I use the right Anchor Text in doing so. I know what a Permalink is. I use different Meta Tags, Meta Keywords and Meta Descriptions to match the post. I can insert pictures and video into my posts where I want them. My pictures all have accurate titles, descriptions and tags for better seo. Not only do I know what a plugin or widget is, I can add them at will. I know what a comment management system is and have a profile on each. Gravatar? Oh, Puh-lease!
I have a Profile, and I have a Page, and I belong to several Groups. I know the difference between all three. I can tag pictures, tag status updates, Chat or Message the right people. I can add or block Applications. I know where the 5 pictures at the top of my profile came from and can manage them in the way I want. I know how to upload images to a particular photo album. All my friends are in Lists. I manage my privacy settings as well as my posts by using the Lists. I know the difference between “Top News” and “Most Recent”. I can switch easily between using Facebook as my Page or my Profile. When I have a local event I don’t invite everyone (including those across the country). I can comfortably use Facebook on my phone. HTTP or HTTPS? I can sign in with both and know when it’s actually a must. On my Page I can add or remove Apps and Admins. I have a LIKE Box on my website. Monitoring Insights, Ad campaigns, Likes, Shares and Comments is “child’s play” to me. If I wanted to, I could automate posting to my page from various sources I don’t because I know better.
I have a twitter Account and use it. I use a twitter client, maybe not always but most of the time. I know how to tweet, retweet, reply, quote and hashtag with the best of them. I can tweet a picture, a link or a video. I can send a DM and know that everyone isn’t going to see it. I can tweet from my computer or my phone. If someone sends me a DM or Reply – I’ll know about it and respond. I can use a location based network to checkin and send it to Twitter. I know how to use an URL shortener and track the clicks. Klout? I have it.
I have a complete Linkedin Profile. That includes a picture of me, my contact information, job history, education, recommendations and THREE links to my websites. I have a vanity Linkedin Profile URL. I belong to groups and answer questions. My company also has a Linkedin Profile of it’s own (that I am linked to). I know how to search Linkedin for the right people. I know how to add them to my network without knowing their email address. I NEVER send the “I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.” message, ALWAYS a personalized one.
YouTube
I have a channel – not just an account but a nice looking channel with a complete profile and contact information. I subscribe to other channels. I can comment, Like or Favorite videos I like. As for my videos, I know my .FLV from my .MOV from my 1080P. Each video is edited, titled, tagged and has the correct privacy settings as applicable. I can add Annotations, Captions and Subtitles. I may have used music in my video but I know how to source and use legal sounds. I know how to get an embed code and how to manipulate it to fit.
Other Stuff
I know my username and password to each and every site (and it’s different on each). If not, I know how to reset or recover it without calling customer service. I’ve completed my profile on every site I’ve joined. 404, 301? Handled! FTP? I’ve got a client. I know what a file permission of 777 is and how to change it. The mention of H1, H2, and H3 doesn’t remind me of Hummers. “mailto:” doesn’t look like it’s missing a space. CSS is not the beginning letters for the Starship Enterprise. HREF, DIV and FONT all have a beginning, middle and end.
Speaking of end, I think I’ll end it here now. I covered some, maybe most, surely not all. I’m sure I missed something really important. Let me know what that is.
Consider this a checklist of sorts (1,042 words worth). As you read it, make a mental note of what you didn’t know. Then go find out what they are. We’re all always learning something.
photo credit: Ozone Ferd
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Mike Mueller
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