This document discusses the importance of social media for businesses and provides best practices for using different social media platforms. It notes that 92% of marketers now consider social media important and lists benefits like generating leads, improving search rankings, and growing partnerships. Demographic trends on major platforms like Facebook are presented. The document advises businesses to understand their target markets, goals, and which platforms are best before exploring content strategies and best practices for platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and analyzing competitors. Overall guidelines and examples are provided to help businesses effectively utilize social media.

1. Social Media in Business
Joana Trimble Gándara
I.T. Training Manger
St. Edward’s University
Prepared for a Business Communication Course
Image: freepik.com

2. Why is Social Media in Business
Important?
• Provide marketplace insight
• Increase traffic
• Develop loyal fans
• Generate leads
• Improve search ranking
• Grow business partnerships
Resources: Social Media Examiner
Business2Community
92%
8%
Importance of Social
Media 2014
Marketers Others

3. Demographic Trends on Social Media
1.26 Billion users
1.23 Billion average monthly active users

4. Demographic Trends on Social Media

5. Who is the Target Market?
• Visit the company’s website
• Search on social media
• Gather demographics

6. What is the organization trying to
achieve through Social Media?
• Customer engagement
• Brand awareness
• Promotion of events
• Ex. Whole Foods

7. Which Social Media Platform is
Best for your Business?
• How to choose the best one.

8. Understand the Content on the
Social Media Channels
• Look at the general information
• Review if the brand profiles are consistent
• Observe the posts copy, tone and style
• Watch for engagement:
• Benchmark the competition
Images: http://thenounproject.com

9. Posts Best Practices
Twitter Vs. Facebook
• 140 Characters or less
• Include:
– short URLs
• Bit.ly
– Images
– Logos
– #hashtags
– @handles replies
• 2000 Characters or less
• Include:
– short URLs
• Bit.ly
– Images
– Logos

10. Let’s Practice
• Visit:
• Search:
• Answer the questions on your Social Media
Communication Project/Business Report

11. Questions?
• Joana Trimble Gándara
joanat@stedwards.edu
• I.T. Computer Training
training@stedwards.edu
• Visit:
http://bit.ly/SEUITTraining

12. Now Search Your Chosen
Companies
• Answer the questions on your Social Media
Communication Project/Business Report