NMSU Arrowhead Center, City of Las Cruces Economic Development start free Las Cruces social media program

The City of Las Cruces Economic Development Department, in partnership with New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center, will be helping local businesses build their social media accounts to increase business with free support. With support from local marketing industry experts and working with students from NMSU and Doña Ana Community College, local businesses will be able to start or grow their social media presence.

Trainings for business owners will be hosted by Arrowhead Center. The Las Cruces Social Media Support Program will host six separate rounds, with 12 businesses participating in each round. Each business will have one student dedicated to establishing and bolstering the business’ social media channels, including two social media accounts that meet their business needs. During the needs assessment, businesses will choose which channels are most strategic for their market and select among Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more.

“During this unprecedented time of COVID-19, social media is essential for all businesses’ marketing strategy. Social media allows the greatest reach for businesses to get in front of their customers,” said Justin Santiago, Arrowhead Center senior communication specialist, who will help facilitate this program. “Their customers spend so much time on these social platforms, so we want to train local businesses on how to utilize these platforms effectively to increase brand awareness.”

The first round kicks off Sept. 21, with each round covering a two-week period until November. There is no fee to apply or cost for the program to the businesses.

“Businesses going through this hands-on training to learn strategically what they can do, regardless of where they are on social media, is a powerful tool for leads and sales generation. Businesses grow by growing their customer base; this program is design to help them reach more customers using social media as their support system” said Griselda Martinez, City of Las Cruces Economic Development director.

“This can stimulate the visibility of a business immediately and allow residents to keep money in our local economy by buying local easier,” said Kathryn Hansen, director of Arrowhead Center. “We’re extremely pleased to work with the City of Las Cruces to support our local businesses that want to bolster their online presence.”

Applications for any interested businesses are currently being accepted. Apply here:
https://arrowheadcenter.nmsu.edu/program/las-cruces-social-media-support/