Retailers connecting through social media

The classes, organised and funded by Banbridge Council, are being delivered by social media expert, Bill McCartney of netwiseowls.co.uk.

Developed in response to feedback from local retailers, the classes follow the successful Mary Portas retail training programme hosted by Banbridge District Council in 2012.

Mechelle Brown, Council Arts, Events & Town Centre Manager, said, “Retailers in Banbridge recognise that social media channels are playing an increasingly important role in terms of engagement with existing and potential new customers. These workshops enable our retailers to pick up important tips and tactics and help to develop a clear strategy for the use of social media within their business.”

Bill McCartney said, “Retailers are recognising that concentrating all their efforts on traditional methods of marketing their business is no longer enough to sustain customer interest in their products. Social media platforms offer a new way to communicate and build relationships particularly amongst younger clientele. . .

“ . . . The training sessions are dynamic and provide retailers with practical experience of using various social media channels with an emphasis on how to make it work for their own businesses.”

The masterclasses are running from January-March with each retailer able to avail of three sessions tailored to suit their own unique business needs.