This article will help you to understand how social media can support your business, personal, and professional brand. Understanding your brand and using social media as an effective tool can immensely help you to move your business ideas forward. Many entrepreneurs within the shores of Africa do not understand the importance of online branding and social media.  Last year, the AWP network hosted an online training with a PR expert on how entrepreneurs can use public relations (PR) and marketing to move their business ideas forward. Visit (awpnetwork.com) to learn more and listen to the webinar.   Harlem Art There are free tools and resources that can help you to move your business, personal, and professional brand forward.  However, all that you need is time. YES! Once you choose to establish an online presence, you will need to create time because you ought to respond to your clients. Not responding to potential clients or customers in a timely fashion shows bad customer service and is a negative portrayal of your brand. Establishing your online presence will help to mobilize your business growth. You are probably aware of the tools that will discussed here, but it is important to know how to use them properly and for your growth. Yes, we have heard of Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, instagram, pinterest and the list is endless but often times; we do not use these platforms appropriately. The social media platforms listed above are free tools and all that you need to do is sign up with an email address to get started. 1.    Facebook:  many use this tool incorrectly.  If you feel that you do not need a personal account, your company at least needs to have a facebook page and presence. This will help customers become more familiar with you, your brand, product, or service. You can hold contests, give away free products, or simply let people know where your shop is located.  So if you currently don’t have a facebook page for your business, set one up. 2.    Twitter: I find twitter very useful. Twitter helped me to get on BBC World News. It has also helped me to build my personal and business brand. I have made a lot of friends using twitter and it has given me a platform to talk more about my work and what I do. Twitter only allows you to use 140 characters/words to describe yourself, product, or service.  This calls for brevity and creativity. If you think that you don’t need facebook, try twitter. 3.    LinkedIn: LinkedIn allows you to attract a more professional crowd. I use LinkedIn for my personal and professional needs. Currently, I have over 500 LinkedIn friends. Many of my clients use LinkedIn for business and professional purposes. Some have gained new customers or made business deals using this platform. You can also get reliable referrals. All that you need to get started with LinkedIn is an email address. These free tools are useful because they can help you to develop and build an online brand at no cost. Building your brand is crucial because it can help you to take your business, professional, and personal brand to the next level. It can also help you to gain more exposure and attract new customers. Has social media helped to support your business, personal, and professional growth?  We want to hear from you.