CommunicatingNOW is an informative blog about networking, digital media, web optimization, and overall new media best practices. In today's digital revolution, we are inundated with a ton of information. My name is Leah Luddine, I have more than seven years experience as a Communications Professional and my goal is to help you learn how to deliver your information effectively to your audience via digital media. 

In addition to my blog, I am a freelance communications professional. Please feel free to visit my website: www.TrendSetterNYC.com

How do we decipher what content is correct and which blogger is the "real deal?" 

Photo Credit: coseom.com

Consider the following:

1. Always research your research! 

• Double checking yourself is extremely important when you are about to launch a product, build a website, or optimize a client's new landing page with "top keywords."
• Use tools such as, Google Analytics or Google Insights in order to find out what types of topics or search terms the people in the geographic area you are focusing on are searching the most. 

2. Network, engage, and stay relevant:

• Be sure to remain up to date with who is posting the most innovative content and technologically savvy information on the social media portals. 
• Search on website such as, Twitter.com, Linkedin.com, and any specialty membership sites in your niche for who is the voice of authority -- and pay attention. 
• "Friend" folks that are discussing related topics and sharing informative content about managing the strategy of the digital future.  
• Participate in discussion boards, get involved! 

3. Read the News:

• Stay informed of the latest breaking news and events because anything could link to a new idea. Moreover, there may be a way the digital space is going to be used in the next big story. Therefore, it is imperative to stay connected.
• Set up News Alerts to the topics you prefer to be informed about. Re-post, and Re-inform others of pertinent matters in your industry. You can become a top influential figure in your sector by doing this. 
• You will gain knowledge of who offers the most credible advice and who is most reputable. 

Photo credit (ireckon)

These three steps are just the beginning to the stair-master stepper of the internet revolution called "digital media." There's much more to the overall package of managing the new online realm. It is extremely exciting. While some folks find the constant connection and social buzz stream to be "too much," I find it to be the bees knees! For so many people, in an environment with millions unemployed, websites such as Facebook.com have acted as catalysts in aiding friends, family members, former colleagues, and future employers regain success. Connection is great via social media, so long as we use it for good...stay tuned!