Beginner's guide to social media for businesses

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Beginner's guide to social media for businesses

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

Tuesday, May 12, 2015 · 10am - 4pm GMT+1

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

The foolproof introduction to online marketing for social novices

Social media marketing is the most effective and cost-effective way to engage directly with consumers, helping brands build loyalty, research the market and drive sales – if you know how to use it. Help is at hand for even the most technically averse business. This one day course in social media marketing shows you how to use the three main social platforms – Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn – and which features and tools will best benefit your business.

Led by Simon Badman of social media consultancy SocialB this introductory course has been specially designed for newcomers to social media, and uses plain English to explain how to set up accounts, build a community and promote your company. You'll find out what content works – and how to make it work – and learn to design a coherent social media strategy that takes the stress out of managing your online presence. Whether you're a clinical technophobe or simply new to online marketing, this comprehensive introduction will have your business climbing the social ladder with confidence.

This course is for you if...

  • You own or manage a business and have never used social media
  • You want to promote your business online but don't know where to start
  • You're considering outsourcing your brand's social media but would rather keep the job in-house

Course description

This jargon-free one day course aims to simplify the technical and professional skills needed to promote a business through social media. Covering the three major social platforms, tutorSimon Badman offers a step-by-step guide to everything from setting up an account to using more advanced tools. Topics covered on the day include:

  • Why is social media so important for businesses?
  • Developing a successful social media strategy
  • Audience targeting and behaviours
  • Setting up accounts correctly and most effectively
  • Integration – integrating social media into your current marketing plan
  • Creating content – knowing what content to create
  • Measuring the effectiveness of your social media
  • Reputation management – how to deal with negative comments
  • The best and most valuable tools you need to manage your social media strategy
  • How to find, listen and monitor conversations about your industry, brand and/or area of expertise
  • Twitter etiquette and jargon – plus what to tweet, and when

Tutor profiles

Simon Badman is a social media trainer for SocialB, and a marketing and communications professional. Previously a communications manager at Sport England, before heading up communications at the YMCA, Simon has formulated and implemented numerous external and internal communication strategies and campaigns for clients including the BBC and ITV.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

Organized by

Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.

We offer a broad range of short and long courses across a variety of disciplines from creative writing, journalism, photography and design, film and digital media, music and cultural appreciation.

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award winning guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The programme is aimed at anyone interested in personal or professional development whether that be refining your skills, focusing your ambition or simply broadening your mind and gaining inspiration.

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