IT industry news: Social networking 'can help businesses on many levels'

12:18 17th November 2011

Social networks can be an effective business tool, although companies must ensure they manage their use correctly.

This is according to Tim Gibbon of communications consultancy Elemental, who said a targeted social media strategy can help firms "on quite a few different levels".

To get the best out of this relatively new phenomenon, he said large businesses should make sure each department is properly briefed and involved with the firm's approach to social networking.

"When the whole business works seamlessly with all departments … using social channels properly and in unison, social networks can be extremely valuable assets," Mr Gibbon commented.

He added that social media can be used to enhance and support more traditional forms of promotional activity, as well as building a rapport with customers and showing a more personal side to the business.

A recent YouGov survey commissioned by Interactive Intelligence revealed that 56 per cent of large businesses now have a prominent presence on popular social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Posted by Derek Oldman

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