This document discusses the basics of social media and provides guidance on getting started with a social media presence. It defines social media as online platforms that allow two-way communication through tools like blogs, forums, and media sharing sites. It recommends using social media to educate customers, build a following of relevant followers, and create an interconnected network across platforms by promoting each channel on the others. Finally, it suggests starting with free platforms like blogs, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube to engage customers and broadcast company activities with the goal of gaining sales and return on social media investments.

1. Social Media, The Basics… www.urbanmedia.co.uk

2. Social Media by definition is an online publication or presence that allows end users to engage in multi-directional conversations through the use of software tools such as blogs, forums and media sharing websites for example Y ou T ube or F acebook. What Is Social Media? www.urbanmedia.co.uk

3. To help make everyone aware of and interested in your business and it’s activities. Educate and interact with your audience and you are more likely to reap the benefits that they have to offer. Why Would I need Social Media? Social Media is becoming more and more popular. According to website-monitoring.com, each user spends on average over 55 minutes on Facebook each day... by creating a high online profile you are increasing your opportunity for sales with minimal effort. www.urbanmedia.co.uk

4. The term Social Media covers a range of online systems from social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, to blogging portals, to video sharing applications such as YouTube. What Does Social Media Management Involve? To create a successful Social Media Campaign you will need to use an effective combination of these tools for your businesses needs. www.urbanmedia.co.uk

5. Aims of Social Media It is important that you build a wide base of followers but these must also be relevant. You should aim to attract followers that are interested in what you have to offer and are part of your target area th erefore creating a higher return on the investment of your time. All areas of your Social Media can and should connect. Once you have written a blog post or uploaded a new video then attract people by interacting with those on your social networking portals. You can also promote your social networking pages within your blog or on your website creating a strong interlinking network.

6. Blogging Now you know the basic facts about Social Media and the importance of the role Social Media could play within your company, why wait? Set up your social media pages now. If you don’t already have a Blog page on your website then create an account with a simple and free b l ogging website such as http://www.blogger.com . Blog entries should be posted at regular intervals . You could include guest posts on your blog. It is important to carry out competitor research to see what you can do to get a step ahead. www.urbanmedia.co.uk Where to Start…

7. Twitter ( www.twitter.com ) and Facebook account s ( www.facebook.com ) can be set up very easily, all you need is an email address. You may wish to simply use one of these networking sites. These should be updated more frequently than the blog. Here you can also engage in conversations or discussions with your followers. If you can acquire videos to promote your company or simply wish to broadcast activities through this use of media then you can also set up a YouTube ( www.youtube.co.uk ) account easily and for free. Social Networking You Tube

8. Want to Learn More? Urban Media are a Buckinghamshire, UK based Web Design & Online Marketing Company. Watch out for future presentations to find out how you can use each area to its full potential and gain the maximum return from your social media campaign. Or visit us online: @TheUrbanMetro Youtube.com/TheUrbanMetro Urbanmedia.co.uk/Blog.aspx www.urbanmedia.co.uk