Experts discussed the benefits of using social media networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to improve brand awareness at a recent seminar held in Bahrain.

The event, entitled 'Social Media for Business' was organised by Beckett McInroy Consultants senior consultant and managing director Dr Clare Beckett-McInroy at The Capital Club in Manama.

Several members of the local business community attended the seminar which addressed a range of subjects pertaining to the use of social media in a business environment.

A panel of eight IT, marketing, PR and communications specialists led the discussion, focusing on the benefits of using social media networks to improve brand awareness and also as a means of forming mutually beneficial, long-lasting and profitable relationships with clients and other business contacts.

'This event was not only well attended by like-minded professionals, but it clearly showed a need for more workshops in this area. It's an area of mystique to some; what do you tweet? How often should you post to your blogs?' said Dr Bekett-McInroy after the event.

'Although companies have historically been inclined to adopt a more formal approach to business communications, social media is here to stay and therefore companies need to embrace these new marketing channels and effectively engage with their stakeholders to avoid being left behind,' staid East Innovations managing director Mark Warman.

'By incorporating social media and other forms of digital marketing within their overall marketing strategies, companies will ensure that they don't alienate themselves from the ever expanding online marketplace,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service