INTERNATIONAL Social Media Trainer Greg Fry will host a practical step-by-step guide for businesses on how to build effective social media strategy from engagement to measuring ROI in Dublin this August 13.

Greg, a Social Business and Content Consultant, has worked with many large companies including Microsoft, Fáilte Ireland, UPC, Abbott Labs, Symantec and Coca Cola Hellenic. He also lectures for top institutions including the Digital Marketing Institute, SureSkills and the Digital Skills Academy.

“Now more than ever it is vital to have a strategy when using social media. We have all heard the phrase ‘time is money’ and this is particularly true when it comes to Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin etc. You, as a business professional, can spend your day updating social media, sharing and liking, but are you giving your audience what they want? Is your business benefitting from this exercise? I will share with attendees how to plan your strategy so that you have targets to hit which will help your business to grow its online audience and in turn, the business itself,” Greg said.

“Using the correct techniques and strategy, social media is an invaluable tool for business owners to communicate with their customers and clients, to conduct market research, to introduce new products and to get feedback. Above all, using social media should be fun and not seen as a chore. The session will inform, educate and empower attendees to boost their business’ online presence,” he added.

The event, run by Mespil Academy, will take place from 8.30am-1.30pm at Chartered Institute of Accountants, Dublin 2. The idea for the event was borne out of results of a survey carried out at a recent digital media event, the Swipe Summit. Mespil Academy asked attendees what their digital focus was for 2015 and beyond and strategy came out on top.

The event will also feature a round table discussion featuring top social media professionals such as Reuben May, founder of Digital Marketing Agency, Dublin and former Ryanair Head of Digital Marketing, Beatrice Whelan, Sage’s Digital Content Manager and Peter Bodkin, Business Editor, TheJournal.ie . The panellists will discuss the factors required to develop a Social Media Strategy and the impact of having one that works, with concrete case study examples.

“Attendees will not only learn practical tips on how to develop social media strategy for their own business, they can seek advice from top industry experts who will show them how it is done. This is an unmissable event for anyone seeking to upgrade their social media skills,” said Greg.

Limited places are available on the session, which runs from 8.30am to 1.30pm. To book tickets now click on: http://mespilacademy.com/engagement-to-roi/

Attendees are encouraged to use the event’s social media hashtag #roisocial