The popular Galway Advertiser Facebook page has been named as a finalist in the prestigious Irish Social Media Awards which will be handed out later this month.
Sponsors Bord Gáis Energy this week announced the finalists shortlisted for the 2013 Social Media Awards which takes place in the Clyde Court Hotel on Thursday May 30.
The Galway Advertiser has been chosen as a finalist in the Facebook Page for a Business category.
The Galway Advertiser Facebook page has almost 28,000 followers and has become a key source for news for thousands of social media fans with hundreds of new followers every week.
Group editor Declan Varley said the success of the Advertiser Facebook page was down to the constant level of engagement which the company provided.
"From the outset, we have shunned the idea of using stunts like competitions or marketing campaigns to generate followers,” he said. “We believe that by providing topical coverage up to 20 hours a day provides something for everyone and that this level of engagement with our online readers reaps rewards in terms of followers.
“Being named as a finalist in these national awards is a recognition of the great work that the Advertiser's journalists and digital media wing is undertaking as part of our long term plans to create a unique online media space for Galway,” he added.
Organisers received an overwhelming response to the call for entries, with more than 400 nominations received. A number of businesses such as RTÉ, Vodafone Ireland, Bachelors Peas, Hailo Dublin, and Arnotts are shortlisted in multiple categories.
The awards aim to recognise talent in online interaction, engagement, and innovation and highlight best practice and the importance of social media in business. Avid tweeter and 2FM presenter Rick O’Shea will act as compère on the night, announcing the winners of the 20 competitive categories.
Digital and social media manager at Bord Gáis Energy Eoin Ó Suilleabháin commented: “We are delighted to continue to support the Social Media Awards which recognise the talent, innovation, and outstanding results in social media being achieved by businesses nationwide. The quality of the entries was very impressive and we look forward to announcing the winners on May 30.”
Damien Mulley, founder of the Irish Social Media Awards, commented: “It is great to see well known and respected brands reaching the finalist list alongside smaller companies and organisations who are working so hard to market themselves online. All entries received were highly professional, creative and extremely results driven.”
