The royal wedding {#rw2011} of Wills & Kate is tomorrow. A new era is being ushered in with pomp and circumstance. . . and a live stream on YouTube. {Yes, the royal family has their own YouTube channel.}
Maybe you don’t have crown jewels or a glass carriage, but I think we can all learn from and apply this couple’s use of social media savvy.
- Prince William and Kate are becoming known as the Darling Digital Royals. They announced their engagement on Twitter before they released it to the press. You knew before CNN.
- They have embraced social media. Not relying on the typical media coverage to tell their story, they want to tell their own story. . . and in turn have control of that story.
- The royal couple has invited you to their special day. . . and their future. You can live a moment of fantasy through them. You can feel connected. Be a part of history. From their Web site, to their Flickr, to their Facebook Fan page, they are tearing down the castle gates and letting you get to know them. {I just RSVP’d for the big day, to let them know I’ll be attending.} This could play out for them well in the future, post-wedding, if they will keep up the relationships of those that opted in.
- They’ve made it easy to be a part of their special day and talk about them. There are even four iPhone apps for the big day.
- This savvy couple is not sticking to tradition for its sake, but communicating the way their target audience likes to communicate. “They understand the new media landscape and how people want to be connected to the event they’re watching. The wedding is a global conversation,” said SFU communications professor Peter Chow-White, who specializes in social media.
- “Enough about me, lets talk about you.” There is a Stories section of their Web site. You can be a part of William & Kate’s fairytale. This solidifies a bond for future relationship when it matters.
- They’re building a great following with a big event. Hopefully, they will continue to engage with this group that has opted in and help make the world a better place.
- They’re staying true to themselves and showing their charitable side from the beginning. Giving is built in to their big day and their personal brand. It’s not an afterthought.
- They’re solidifying relationships with their countrymen and you, their followers. As @SarahDayOwn stated “Remember that the community built on social media channels is not wedding-exclusive and all this could have future implications for connecting the country and the international online community.“
Just like you, whatever this royal couple builds in social media can have implications in their real life. Real life and social media are connected. But, just like you with your business, it’s their responsibility to continue that relationship and continue the conversation after the fireworks.
{I’m hosting my own tea party at 5am CST. My dear friend is coming over. I’ll be donning a big hat, putting the kettle on, and serving tea from my good china, along with homemade British scones, coddled cream, and my husband’s renowned jam. Now I only need to decide which of the nineteen channels I’ll be watching and if Kate will see my tweet.}
How will you apply one of these learnings to your business?
