Media Frenzy

As we all know, social media has taken over our lives.  People want their information as quickly as possible and social media has made it possible while including two-way communication.  Also, it's the most productive way to reach out to people.  It's tough to find people in our generation that don't use Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.  Pfizer has excelled in this aspect with almost 38,000 "likes" on Facebook and almost 20,000 followers on the Twitter account, @pfizer_news.  Pfizer also has a social media channel on SlideShare, a way for people to keep track of all social media regarding Pfizer.  In this video,  Kate Bird, Director of Digital Communications at Pfizer talks about their tactics within social media.

Pfizer does a great job on their Facebook page in informing people on products, events, and services.  They post regularly on Pfizer products and any news or updates within the company.  They also post scientific blogs pertaining to their pharmaceutical field, which is a great way to get people engaged with the company.  This tactic has people coming back to their page seeking out any new interesting posts.  Pfizer also makes their Facebook page very personal by promoting individual scientists and workers at the company.  This makes their Facebook page less formal and more appealing to their audience even though Pfizer is a major corporation.  For example, one post reads " Brian K. O’Connor, a member of Think Science Now, a blogging community of Pfizer scientists, researchers and medical professionals, weighs in on a Science magazine special edition focusing on the exciting possibilities of Synthetic Biology." This is a great tactic in making people feel more comfortable with the company.

Pfizer also has several Twitter accounts in which they utilize very well.  @pfizer_news is the most popular twitter account with many updates and news regarding the company.  However, Pfizer also has other accounts such as @PfizerMexico and @pfizer_spain, which shows how globalizaed Pfizer is as a company even with their social media.  One thing Pfizer doesn't do enough on Twitter is trend (hashtag) topics.  Trending words can lead to more followers and add to a discussion that is going on regarding a specific topic within the pharmaceutical field.  This tactic would put Pfizer's name out there even more to spread their news and updates to more followers via Twitter.

Pfizer also has a YouTube channel in which subcribers and the general public are able to watch newscasts and other streaming video Pfizer has to offer.  It is also used as a medium to promote their campaigns such as sustaining the enviornment. 

Pfizer's actual website is very informative with news, updates, and important information for Pfizer customers.  However, in my opinion, it is very dull and borring.  I understand it is a serious pharmaceutical company but it shouldn't put someone to sleep.  If I were working as a PR professional at Pfizer I would look into jazzing up with the website while still keeping the serious attitude which is vital within a pharmaceutical company.  Not saying there should be interactive games on the website, but no doubt I would try to make it more appealing to the audience.

With all that said, Pfizer does an extremely great job in utilizing new media and social media.  They are able to communicate news and updates, while keeping it very personal despite being a huge pharmaceutical corporation.  Investigating Pfizer's forms of media makes it clear why they have an ample amount of "likes" and "followers".