Social media can be described as websites or applications that allow the user to upload and share content and images, create profiles and contact others via a social network. This industry has grown significantly over the past five years and now plays a big part in online advertising and marketing. Social media sites are a great way to build up your brand awareness and interact with your customers. The beauty of it is you can reach your target audience in real time and notify them immediately of any new products, disruptions to service or general company information at the touch of a button. Many social media sites also do not charge a fee. If you want to build up your brand you first need to gain a group of followers that you can keep in contact with. Offering your customers discounts or updates about special offers often works in getting them to add you to their social media network.