Objectives:
To familiarize participants with different types and functions of social media, demonstrating a range of tools and providing practical guidance on social media communication. We will demonstrate how social media can help expand reach; how to select primary audiences and target posts; how often and where to post; and tips on incorporating social media into ongoing work.

Description:
Are you looking for ways to get the word out more effectively about Cochrane activities and evidence? Social media provide opportunities to promote content and to engage with prospective Cochrane users and contributors. However, new users may be daunted by the volume of information available and the prospect of integrating social media work into already overloaded schedules. This workshop will focus on familiarizing participants with the social media landscape: the most popular networks (including Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and more); how each platform can be used to disseminate content; and how audience engagement differs between social networks. We will offer solutions for incorporating social media into daily tasks, plus tools that can be used to track the success of social media efforts. The session will provide opportunities to explore social media in a supported environment, including hands-on exercises in disseminating content across multiple platforms. Finally, we will invite representatives from various Cochrane groups to showcase their social media 'success stories'.