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.

Social networks allow small businesses to connect with customers. Your profile is often the first thing new contacts see so make it count.

Facebook has evolved into the preferred social networking website for more than 1.2bn users worldwide. So, how do you use it for business?

How can you use Instagram in your business? See how to get started with this photo sharing social network - expert hints, tips and advice.

LinkedIn is a business-focused networking platform that replicates real-life word-of-mouth contact introductions. So, how do you use it for business?

Pinterest is like an online noticeboard where you can pin stuff you like and share it with others. See how to use this social network in your business

Twitter should not be used simply to broadcast sales messages all day, but often it can drive sales. Find out how to start using Twitter for business.

Alyssa Smith is a British entrepreneur whose iconic silver jewellery has many devoted fans. Alyssa explains how she built her successful brand.

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.

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

Social media allows businesses to manage their online presence and speak to customers and prospects. An overview of social media for small businesses.

Facebook allows small businesses to build relationships with customers, encouraging endorsement and spreading positive word of mouth.

Social networks offer an excellent way to connect with business customers - but you must present a professional, credible face.

If you use social networking to talk to customers, it helps to have a social media strategy. This checklist covers the main considerations.

Facebook a key marketing tool for businesses large and small. If yours is yet to reap the benefits, marketing guru Sarah Orchard offers her advice.

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.

Twitter Ads allow 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.

Sarah Orchard explains how live streaming with Facebook Live can boost customer engagement and improve brand reach for small businesses.

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.

Here are some of the best social networking apps that allow you to monitor your social media channels to help you promote your business better.

A professional profile is an essential part of your sales and marketing toolkit. It can bring your company to life and demonstrate your credentials.

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

Twitter has become the de facto way of sending instant news about a fresh offer to hundreds or even thousands of potential customers.

Social media apps are always updating their features, meaning it's difficult to know which features to use. Emma Pauw shares some tips for the Twitter 'like'.

Most employees will already be using social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, so why not use their skills to help market your business?

Livia's Kitchen is a social media sensation with thousands of followers. Olivia Wollenberg explains how she created her healthy sweet treats brand

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.

Chris Street suggests six key questions to ask to help your business find the best person for the job when recruiting a social media expert.

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.

Social networking sites like Facebook allow businesses to engage with customers. People can visit the page, share comments and start conversations.

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.