Social media

Social media is firmly established as a marketing tool. Having a presence opens up new lines of communication with existing and potential customers.

With millions of active users, Twitter is a popular social media app for businesses that want to build an audience for their brand.

Small businesses are increasingly using Facebook for customer engagement and brand building. Here's our guide to Facebook's key features for SMEs.

LinkedIn is the business-to-business networking platform for professionals. This essential marketing tool offers a host of useful features.

Instagram allows businesses to upload inspirational images and videos to build relationships with potential customers and influencers.

A guide to using Pinterest to promote your business; how to create boards, pin images and videos, repin and share posts and build a following.

Social media activity needs to be planned, targeted and analysed just like any other marketing task. A clear social media strategy maximises results.

How to promote your business and engage with people online by posting on social media platforms and blogging.

Social media expert Alison Battisby provides an essential checklist to help you get the most out of Instagram, from creating themes to using hashtags.

Online social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have moved into the business mainstream - but the law isn't always clear.

The best apps for small businesses to make managing social media easier, including social media management software and content creation tools.

Everything you need to know about using Instagram to promote your small business - from creating a style to making the most of hashtags

Handy advice from social media guru Luan Wise on making LinkedIn work for you - from making your first connections to staying front of mind.

Instagram adverts were only introduced in 2013, but they're estimated to have already driven more than one billion user actions. How to get involved.

Advertising on X (Twitter) allows you to amplify your tweets to a wider audience. Social media expert Alison Battisby of Avocado Social explains how to get started

Social media has transformed the way we market, but it hasn't replaced other ways to reach your audience. How to combine your marketing activities.

LinkedIn allows you to get in front of thousands of business professionals - who could be future clients. Luan Wise describes where to start.

Pinterest is more search engine than social network. Gemma Went explains how to maximise Pinterest's potential to drive traffic to your website.

Want to get more out of Twitter? Social media expert Gemma Went explains how to raise your game - including tips on posts, apps and strategy.

Michael Scutt, partner at law firm Crane and Staples, explains why having a social media policy is vital for employers great and small.

Facebook has many features that can help small businesses to reach new audiences. Gemma Went has six top tips on getting the most out of Facebook.

Gemma Went outlines six key ways to make the most of Instagram - including top tips on using links, Stories, hashtags and user-generated content.

Advertising on Facebook can help you reach a targeted audience cost-effectively. Gemma Went shares some tips and tricks to help you get started.

LinkedIn offers a range of useful advertising options and the ability to target messages to niche audiences. Luan Wise explains how it works.

A free-to-use tool, Hootsuite can make Twitter management easier, more efficient and effective. We explain how to get the best out of Hootsuite.

Luan Wise on how to make the most of your LinkedIn profile - from your picture and heading to your list of your skills and achievements.

Luan Wise explains how LinkedIn works, who it is aimed at and how to get the most out of this business-to-business online networking platform.

You may think of cute kittens or cakes, but Pinterest is one of the fastest growing social media sites. Here are six things you should know about it.

Increasing your contacts on LinkedIn or Twitter can help you find suppliers, get a quick answer to a business question or generate new sales leads.

Twitter is a way to connect with new people, keep in touch with those you know, find out what’s going on in your world and get your message out there.

Elly Curshen explains how social media helped her make a success of her Bristol eatery, the Pear Café, and become a successful food writer.