Many businesses have turned to social media to increase their customer base. Since it's become such a hot topic, now it's even a service that Chambers of Commerce are offering to their members.

"You can choose to not be a part of it, but your customers are still using it," said owner of Java Media Concepts, Janet Michael.

Michael is a local social media expert. She's teaching a series of social media classes for the Front Royal - Warren County Chamber of Commerce. She says it's something businesses should use to their advantage.

"You can't eliminate an entire customer base. And the good and the bad of it is, social media is out there and people are using it," said Michael.

"The most important thing to realize, especially for businesses who aren't on Facebook, LinkedIn, those things as of yet, social media is here to stay and it's only going to grow," said Chamber president, Niki Foster.

Foster wants more business members to joins in on the social media world. Some who already use it are attracting more customers by posting everything from photos of merchandise to daily lunch specials.

"Folks who are using it effectively and the folks who have you know taken the opportunity to learn what's it's about and learn how you can use it and take advantage of it have certainly seen an increase," said Foster.

She says that's the goal of the Chamber... to keep business booming.

"Your consumers are using it. So it's not an option anymore... it's a necessity," said Foster.

Social media classes can help just about any business.

"We've had one man businesses, shops come in and take the class. We've had some of the local banks. VPs from the banks have come in and want to know how do I use this on a corporate level?," said Michael.

"Take full advantage of it. And I think that it's definitely a benefit to our membership," said Foster.

The Front Royal - Warren County Chamber has about 600 business members. Member or not, you can sign your business up for their social media classes.

Each class is $60 and you can sign up by calling the Chamber at 540-635-3185. Visit their website or Facebook page for more information.

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