Social Networking for Your Business 101 & 201
with Facebook & Twitter

Most business owners know that in today’s age of online shopping, a presence on the Internet is a necessity. But it’s not enough to just put up a website and wait for customers to start ordering your products. Do nothing but put up a website and most likely you’ll just be hearing crickets.

But getting customers to shop at your online store means they have to not only find your online store, but also trust in your company. Today there are various online social platforms that can help you drive people to your website, build your brand identity and cultivate relationships with your customers. The two most popular choices continue to be Facebook and Twitter.

Now in two parts (so you can decide to take just one, or both!), Social Networking for Your Business brings you an entire day of one-on-one help, tips and resources to get your business online and noticed!

Social Networking 101:
Get Your Business on Facebook & Twitter Today!

In this first part of our Social Networking for Your Business Day, we will set up each student with a Twitter account and a business page on Facebook. This is the perfect place to start if you don’t yet have a presence on BOTH Twitter and Facebook, but want to start connecting with your customers and getting your business some attention. If you've been hesitant because you weren't sure where to begin, this class will help you get there! It doesn't take much time, and only a little effort. But before you know it, your business will be benefiting from the increase in brand identity and customer trust.

By the end of class, everyone will be set up with brand-new accounts and ready to explore the ways Facebook and Twitter can help your business grow online in the afternoon class: Social Networking 201 (see below).

NOTE: To get the most out of this class, you'll need to bring a CHARGED laptop, net book or iPad (with wireless capabilities). If you don't have your own device, we suggest borrowing one from a friend or family member for the day.

Social Networking 201:
The How’s & Why’s of Using Facebook & Twitter for Your Business

Contrary to what many folks first thought, Facebook and Twitter are not just passing fads. They have become the two top resources for business owners wanting to focus their marketing on online consumers and increase their online presence. Each boasts numerous features that you can use to build your brand identity, reach potential new customers and build relationships with your existing customers.

This class is perfect for you if you set up your accounts in Social Networking 101, or if you already have a Twitter account and Facebook business page and want to learn how to make the most of them. We will explore in depth how Twitter and Facebook can be used to increase your business online and in the real world, and the best way to take advantage of their many features.

Topics include:

• customizing your Twitter profile page and Facebook business page so that your business stands out
  
• best practices for getting and keeping new followers and customers
  
• understanding and using Facebook Page Insights
  
• using third-party applications that can bring more value to your Facebook and Twitter accounts
  
• ways to work efficiently so that joining the world of Social Networking becomes easy and fun
  
• and more!

NOTE: To get the most out of this class, you'll need to bring a CHARGED laptop, net book or iPad (with wireless capabilities). If you don't have your own device, we suggest borrowing one from a friend or family member for the day.

ABOUT THE TEACHER:
Ruth Esteves started making handmade soap in 2006 as another in a long line of hobbies. But since then she has gone from whipping up quick melt-and-pour soap gifts for her friends to designing and selling her own cold process soaps online through her company, Sirona Springs. She finds that Twitter has been a great way to find like-minded, soap-addicted crafters (always a happy bunch!). And she enjoys connecting with students and customers on her Facebook business page, where her fan activity has quadrupled since the beginning of the year. Check out what's going on today at Ruth's Facebook HERE and Twitter HERE. See our teacher page to view Ruth's current classes at The Nova Studio.