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Social Media Interaction Pattern Library
If you’ve ever wanted a resource that outlines a easy-to-reference library of social media interaction patterns, you’re in luck. I’ve outlined the 12 primary social media interactions, their standard conventions, how to use them, and what goals are best achieved with them.
If you think there are any additions I should add, let me know. Leave a comment, or send me a note on Twitter @thejordanrules
12 Primary Social Media Interactions
The Vote
Use: A user is given the opportunity to show favor, or disfavor, for some content like a photo, video, blog post, etc. OR for a brand, group, individual, or idea.
Goals: Research, Awareness,
Examples: Facebook Like Button, Linkedin Like Button, YouTube Star Rating (before they were removed)
The Share
Use: A user is given the ability to share content with a friend, or group of friends.
Goals: Awareness
Examples: Share This Button, Post to Twitter Button
The Comment
Use: A user is given the ability to respond to a piece of content.
Goals: Research, Lead Generation, Engagement, Awareness
Examples: Blog Commenting, Facebook Comments, Disqus
The Post
Use: A user is given content to consume.
Goals: Establish expertise, Lead generation, Awareness
Examples: Flickr Photo, Blog Post, YouTube Video
The Chat
Use: A user can directly communicate in real-time with another user
Goals: Customer Service, Engagement, Establish Expertise, Awareness
Examples: Twitter @reply & Direct Message, Facebook Chat
The Play
Use: A user can engage with a game, contest, or other system that employs game mechanics.
Goals: Awareness, Engagement, Lead Generation
Examples: Farmville, Burger King Sacrifice, FourSquare
The Join
Use: A user can show interest in a brand, group, individual, tool, or idea by becoming a part of a group.
Goals: Lead generation, Awareness
Examples: Facebook Like Button, Sign-in with Twitter, MSN Passport
The Buy
Use: A user can directly purchase a product or service; or make a donation.
Goals: Sales, Awareness
Examples: Facebook Storefront, Groupon, Amazon
The Update
Use: A user can quickly share a short thought, idea, or other piece of content.
Goals: Branding, Establish Expertise, Lead Generation
Examples: Twitter post, Facebook Status Update, Linkedin Status Update, FourSquare Check-in
The Tag
Use: A user can identify another user when posting some content.
Goals: Awareness
Examples: Facebook Tag, Twitter @ Reply
The Invite
Use: A user can ask a friend to perform an action.
Goals: Awareness
Examples: Linkedin Group Recommendation, Facebook Application Invite
The Connection
Use: A user can create a link between himself and another user.
Goals: Lead Generation, Awareness, Establish Expertise
Examples: Facebook Friend, LinkedIn Connection, Twitter Follow
I’ve found it valuable to refer to this list (and use these graphics) for roadmapping social media strategies.
