What is Social Media

Most people these days have heard the term “social media”.

But what is social media exactly?

Many know enough about it to recognise sites such as Facebook, Twitter and You Tube as social media sites.

Essentially, social media is the use of technology to enable people to share content – which can be text, images, audio or video.

When the internet first became popular, it was primarily a tool to broadcast information to users. Very much a one-way communication tool. Like other forms of media, it was for news to be given, adverts to be aired, information to be provided but with no facility for interaction.

The introduction of what is known as Web 2.0 has brought technology that allows the users to provide the content.

To discuss. To share.

And while this is going on, it allows individuals and businesses to “listen”. To monitor what others are talking about, are interested in and are saying about your business, your brand or your business.

It is growing at an incredible rate and is quickly becoming one of the most powerful tools in the small business marketing portfolio.

Ignore it at your peril!!

This section looks at:

• Social Media for small business
• Social media strategy