26th May 2014

Is your business lost in the social media wilderness?

QUT is pointing the way for anyone wanting to skill up on the latest social media marketing strategies.

Its Creative Industries Faculty has launched a short course to help owners and operators of small to medium enterprise make the most of social media tools.

Beginning on 24 June, the Social media marketing tools for business course is run by university lecturers at the cutting edge of social media best practice.

Marketing and advertising specialist Michael Klaehn says business owners often make the mistake of using their business social media profiles in the same way they use their personal profiles.

"The key with social media marketing is to make the content directly relevant to your audience, not to you," Mr Klaehn said.

"Social media platforms are designed for two-way conversations rather than the traditional push marketing tactics, so listening and reacting is important.

"Customers don't necessarily want to be sold a product - but they might be interested in the company's back story or its underlying values."

The course focuses on helping businesses understand how to apply social media tools effectively to their unique situations.

It explores a wide range of issues including: tools and strategies that work; content strategy development; and interpreting and managing data.

"Engaging with your audience using social media is a long-term, relationship-building exercise that can really pay off if done right," Mr Klaehn said.

"It's an ideal way to not only communicate with your customers, but also learn more about them.

"The deeper insights you gain through the experience can help you to refine your products or services, better tailoring them to your customers' needs and desires."

QUT's Creative Industries Faculty is a world leader in arts, media and design teaching and research, with a proven track record in growing creative enterprises.

For more information on its short courses visit the Creative Industries short course webpage.

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Media contact:
Kate Haggman, QUT Media, 07 3138 0358, kate.haggman@qut.edu.au.
After hours, Rose Trapnell, QUT Media team leader, 0407 585 901

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