Josh Donner, currently interning with BOMAH had his article published on Aish.com! Check out the article below, or click here for the original.
6 Ways to Change Israel’s Image
What happens when you type into the Google search query, “Does Israel”? As you can see, it’s not so pretty. Of course, it is no surprise to see that Israel does not have the most positive image on the internet and online communities. With things like anti-Israel divestment campaigns and “apartheid weeks” on campuses across the nation, the negative Google results only continue to grow.
As with any negative, there is a positive. Put these 6 ways in to action online and we guarantee you are one step closer to turning that Google-frown upside down.
1) Tell Your Story
It all starts with you. Personal stories have proven to be the most effective strategy to positively re-brand Israel through social media outlets. Naturally, we are accustomed to empathizing with others rather than through common marketing tactics. A personal story builds a growing relationship between the reader, allowing audiences to finally be exposed to a personal and lasting connection with Israel which allows for that gradual shift in how people view Israel.
2) Share the Right Content
Finding content to post about Israel is easy if you know where to look. Instead of posting mainstream news articles about Israel, find unique content to share with your online community. Start now, search for these types of categories:
- Heritage and Culture: History, authenticity
- Quality of life: Personal stories and blogs
- Tourism: Photos of travelers in Israel, articles or events in Israel, food in Israel.
- Entrepreneurism: Technology/start-ups, medicine from Israel
3) Keep It Real
When finding a topic, it is important to try to find a common ground with your audience. Share relevant updates with friends that you know share these interests. Remember not to sound like you are trying to “market” Israel, this ispersonal storytelling strategy; just be yourself and keep it real.
4) Show And Tell
To be most effective and appealing, tell your story visually. Using photos or short videos are an incredible way to get your audience engaged. When posting, make sure to “tag” so you can engage a greater audience.
5) Find the Right Audience
Using the custom audience selectors (such as the friend option on Facebook) gives you the ability to choose which audience you want to see your post. Be selective by sharing with specific people, groups or networks that you belong to. You can even set up friend lists and send your post directly to them.
6) Get Personal
It is important to remember that though social media is an incredible innovation, it serves a basic human need that has existed for centuries – the need to communicate.
Taking the time for personal engagement with those posting away in your social media community is one of the most overlooked outreach tactics. Thank your followers, reply to their comments, show your appreciation, and ultimately build your reader’s loyalty.
Courtesy of bomah.org
