If I Were A Carpenter: A Social Media Perhapstory

If I were a carpenter, here are some of the ways I'd consider using social media to enhance my business:

As always, I'd first consider what my purpose and success measurement is, so that I can practice accordingly.

Blog: My blog would be a content display case of original content, with stories of possibilities for new customers and histories of previous customers. I would also collect and display content published on my other social media sites and web-based tools (see below).

Because carpentry is such a visual work, I'd do a lot of visuals elsewhere and embed them on my blog with deeper explanations.

Twitter: Following the 70-20-10 guideline, let's share resources and works from other carpenters and wood enthusiasts.

Video: I'd try to stick to two things with video (a FLIP on a mini-tripod should be all you need):

1. I'd film short "how-to" or "here's how" videos. Not large projects, but perhaps how to pick out the right tool (and then create a series and sell it online), or a single step in creation or repair. Remember to keep them short for both view-ability and viral-ability.
2. I'd use video for testimonials of my work. Interview customers, students, or even fringe-type businesses who might also touch your customers (painters and stainers, interior designers, landscapers, etc.).

Slideshare: I'd create Slideshare presentations to show my work. Maybe start-to-finish, or theme-based presentations. Photos stored on a photo-sharing site can be used to populate these presentations. Remember, we'd also want to embed the preso onto the blog.

Flickr: I'd use Flickr or some other photo-sharing site to photos of my woodworking. Every slide for the above slideshare presentations would be stored and displayed here, with a CC license of Attribution/No Derivatives

Facebook:This is where I'd do most of my chit-chatty stuff. Share more non-carpentry or social stuff, especially at the beginning. I'd also use third-party API logins from some sites, such as Pandora (music I work to) or GoodReads.

Instructables: Instructables is a great site for procedural-type of instructions. I'd keep them short, probably parts of larer projects rather than-start-to-finish type of teachings.

Also, comment on other carpentry sites (talking about their content, not yours) and link out generously to content relevant pages elsewhere.

What else should we do? If you were a carpenter, that is…

Photo on Flickr by Daniel Y. Go