We provide sensible advice on social media. We help businesses better understand the social web, to enable them to decide if/how they should incorporate it into their day to day operations. Whether it's a full blown creation and implementation of a social web approach, or a half day workshop we are able to tailor something that is right for your business.

From a basic insight into people's motivation, behaviour, and what the social web is all about; to an in-depth purpose built workshop for the more knowledgeable. We are able to cater for all needs. This can range from Board level/Business owner discussions down to the "how to make it work" type session. We also partner with the econsultancy and deliver the "Advanced Social Media" courses on their behalf in London and Manchester; as well as lecture Masters students in a number of different universities across the UK.

Before "diving in" to Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, Blogging etc., or even if you have done this already, but struggling to see any value, it is important you and your business understands a number of things. There are 4 areas of focus:

• The people's perception of the quality of your offering
• How visible and easy you are to reach in the places where they spend their time
• How proactive, responsive and personable your engagement is
• How receptive and open you are as a business

Having analysed your own business online and also your competitors, you are in a much better position to prioritise if, how and what you need to do. e.g. If people perceive your offering to require some attention, it is recommended you fix this first, prior to increasing your presence on the social web. Otherwise, you could enable people to create further awareness amongst their friends. Here's some more info' on our online brand trust analysis.

Knowing how the social land lies and where you are against your competitors, provides the foundation for building a successful social web advocacy strategy. Understanding what the people want, what gets them excited and making it easy for them to find and share great content is one key area. This needs to be in sync with your brand personality; your objectives and integrated with your other customer communications. Every business is different and there is no one size fits all (If there was everyone would be doing it). A carefully constructed approach, tailored to your customers and your needs is essential. There is further insight into our advocacy approach here.

It's great to have created the world's greatest social strategy, however, the success is in the execution and this is very much down to the people in your business. Ensuring the people facing areas of your brand understand the value of integrating a social web approach, making sure monitoring and managing it becomes habitual and not a separate channel is key. For it to work, it has to be managed in-house to reflect genuine brand personality and deliver consistent high quality interaction. We can help you reach this point...after which we then leave you too it. You don't need us hanging around and getting in the way once you're up to speed.