Social media platforms continue to be an essential tool to use in a company or business. When it comes to choosing which platform is right and which will be best used, select those that offer the potential to reach a specific target audience. It takes a lot of teamwork, time and resources to make the most of each platform's potential. To be successful, make sure you prepare and follow at least some of the best practices for social media so that you don't get overwhelmed by each platform and can be successful in those particular practices. Social media platforms offer great opportunities for newsworthy news. information and help expand the reach of its content. Like anything, there are risks and challenges that present themselves in these mediums, but it is important to maintain an open and fluid context to encourage creativity and innovation throughout a company's use of social media. In this document there is a list of 6 best practices for succeeding in a business or brand. These guidelines help serve as a framework for social media platforms. Each best practice will continue with a brief explanation of its success and why it is included in the 6 Best Practices for Social Media Platforms. Online Ethics Rule Businesses should act online the same way they act in person. There shouldn't be anything online that you wouldn't say in person or write in a newspaper. Additionally, there should be no posts that may embarrass the company or its organization. “Whenever negative conversations occur around a particular topic or even around your brand, companies MUST take the high road and stay positive. Don't use social media to belittle others or your competition; if you do, it will only be......half of the paper......mann, James. 10 Best Practices for Social Media, 2014. ASNE, Web. March 1, 2014. Goldfield, Ali. Transparency and authenticity in social media, 2012. Social Media Today, Blog. March 1, 2014.Wells, David. Social Media Tips and Best Practices from PR Pro @PRSarahEvans, 2011. Hub Spot, Blog. March 1, 2014.Duffy, Jilly. “15 Social Media Tips for Small Businesses.” PC Journal (2012): 116-121. Academic research completed. Network. March 13, 2014.Kuenn, Arnie. “6 Tips for Creating a Social Media Content Strategy.” World Communication 30.3 (2013): 9-10. Academic research completed. Network. March 13. 2014.