Crain Opens Social Media Marketing Consultancy

US publisher Crain Communications has launched a new division to provide social media marketing consulting services to businesses.

Crain Communications publishes more than 27 business, trade and consumer publications and related web sites in North America, Europe and Asia.

Its new 'Social Media Group' offers a range of social media services including audits to analyze how clients' social profiles are performing within their industries, while also measuring customer engagement, brand consistency, audience growth, and reputation. In addition, this service includes initial recommendations for improving clients' overall social media strategy.

The new unit also provides strategic planning and execution services, and social media training including personalized executive coaching.

It is led by Director of Training and Strategy Tracy Samantha Schmidt, who previously worked as a social media trainer and consultant at Tribune Media Group.

Commenting on the launch, Schmidt says: 'We believe social media should be approachable, manageable and measurable. The return on investment should be proven through metrics such as increased traffic, positive sentiments, and customer conversion.'

Web site: www.crainssocial.com .