Social media is an effective marketing tool utilised by many small businesses, charities and community groups.

Free platforms such as Facebook enable local groups to create an online profile where their community members can communicate, learn about the organisation, and get involved in activities.

Local Upper Hutt community groups and sports organisations can take advantage of a free workshop focused on social media and marketing being held at the Upper Hutt Central Library.

The Upper Hutt City Library and Activation, part of the Upper Hutt City Council, have put together the two social media forums, free to local community groups and sporting organisations.

The sessions will be held on Wednesday 15 July 2015.

The sessions aim to help local community groups learn about free marketing tools that are available, such as Facebook.

It will teach groups how to increase engagement on current Facebook pages, and attendees can discover tips and tickets that make their Facebook page more inviting.

The Facebook, Social Media, and Marketing Forum will have 2 sessions available, 12.30 – 1.30 pm and 6.30 – 8.30 pm. The evening session will be a repeat of the lunchtime presentation plus an interactive workshop where participants can set up their own Facebook business page and walk through how to best utilise their page.

Both sessions are being held in the Rotary Lounge at Upper Hutt Central Library.

Attendees are asked to bring their own device, if possible, as there are limited PCs available.