1. Use of social media and other communication tools

2. Interactive session
How many are using social media? Which channel? When? How? Why?

3. Introduction to social media
According to Wikipedia:
Social media is the social interaction among people in which they create, share or exchange information, ideas, and pictures/videos in virtual communities and networks.
The power of social media now resides in your hands and everyone can express themselves to the world and carve out and create their own corner of influence.

4. Facts about social media
18-29 year olds have an 89% usage
The bracket sits at 72% 60 percent of 50 to 60 year olds are active on social media
70% of brands have a presence on social media
Research done indicates 83% of marketers say that social media is important to their business
23% of Facebook users check their account at least 5 times a day. 
4.2 billion people access social media sites via mobile devices with 189 million Facebook users being ‘mobile only’.

5. Facts Cont’d
91% of mobile Internet access is for social activities with 73% of smartphone owners accessing social networks through apps at least once per day.
60% of Google+ users login at least once a day.
Despite privacy concerns, only 25% of social media users utilize privacy settings.
Around 46% of web users will look towards social media when making a purchase.
The average social user has 195 friends.- potential customers

6. Before you get started Basics of social media marketing
Why do you want to get into it?
Clearly define your purpose on social media?
Which channels do you want to use? What suites you best?
How many have access to the channels?
Control measures
Look around, research, peek at what others are doing
Refrain from personal/confidential information

7. The Agribusiness Social Media Movement Why Social Media?
increases brand visibility, engagement and conversations.
Direct relationship with your customer
Its mobile
Its multimedia rich
Its free
Build networks
Opens up business opportunities

8. Why social media? Cont’d
Increase in sales
Reputation management
Free market research
It’s the cheapest way to advertise-reduce marketing expenses
Increased business exposure
Competitive advantage-everything happens in real time
Strengthens customer loyalty
Increased website traffic

9. The Do’s and Dont’s Practical session
Interactive session and group work
Lessons learnt
The Do’s and Dont’s

10. Social Media Policy Who is responsible for the posts?
Who is coordinating between channels?
Who is allowed to post to each channel?
Who is contributing the information to be posted?
What topics work? What doesn’t?
For those allowed to post, what type of things should they be posting about?
What topics require approval before posting?
What topics shouldn’t be discussed?

11. Best practises Have a complete profile
Take time before responding to posts
Don’t pick a fight, respond to your mistakes
Empower your employees
Keep it simple
Be authentic
Be careful when sharing information
Be responsible for what you write and share
3Rs, Retweet, Repost, Respond, (Responsible)
Offer value-give people a reason to follow or like your page

12. Best practises cont’d Respect copyrights, give credit where its due
Interact, ask questions, LISTEN
Exercise good judgment-Refrain from comments that can be interpreted as slurs, demeaning, inflammatory, etc.
Build trust, Earn respect
Content is ‘King’-content will determine how you get traffic, how you will keep your customers/clients loyal and happy
Maintain your presence-be active-post regularly

13. Way Forward Be yourself, Stand out Cross promote on networks
Know the difference between tone and voice
Interact and respond
Be helpful
Have an attractive profile
Always remember that what you say is permanent…the internet remembers, its public space
HAVE FUN!