USING BLOGS TO PROMOTE EXTENSION AND REACH A NEW AUDIENCE

Proposed by: Tonya K.Ashworth

Presenter: Ashworth, T. K., County Extension Agent, Ut/extension, Somerville, TN 38068

USING BLOGS TO PROMOTE EXTENSION AND REACH A NEW AUDIENCE
Ashworth,* T. K.
Extension Agent, University of Tennessee Extension, Fayette County, Somerville, Tennessee 38068
Extension clientele are becoming more independent in the way they search out information and answers to their questions on their own using the internet. It is now more likely that someone will do an internet search for something that they once would have called the local Extension office. To respond to this new reality, local Extension offices have set up their own websites and Facebook pages. Additionally, the public has become less reliant on local newspapers to get their news and information. A blog, or web log, is a new tool that Extension agents can use to reach the people that no longer read the local newspaper. Agents can use a blog to relay the same type of information that normally would be featured in a news article. Additionally, a blog can create a feeling of relationship between the reader and the agent that a news article cannot provide. Blogging is a free and easy method to reach the public that already uses websites and social networking sites. This presentation will cover how to set up a blog, what type of information to include in your blog, and how to get an audience for your blog.

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