6 tips for a successful social media training program

Companies usually undertake social media training to prevent future problems. Most companies build programs to ensure employees will understand what to do with negative comments or know how to behave in a crisis. That is important and necessary work.

However, successful social media training should extend much further than a discussion on how to prevent problems. It should aim higher and show employees how to identify and develop relationships with online advocates that could support a company’s business and marketing objectives.

The ideal social media training session will help participants better understand the significant differences between social media platforms; learn how to engage and share with their desired audiences; and build or extend meaningful, professional friendships.

Here are six training best practices:

1. Define materials for individual participants.

To save money, some companies make the mistake of providing one-size-fits-all digital media training materials and counsel.

Instead, the best sessions occur when you adapt them to speak to a listener’s needs. That might include a rich geographic focus, a deep dive into an industry or a close look at a particular audience segment.

2. Understand and combat social media anxiety.