DIRECT SELLING ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

Supported by social media seminar featuring best practice advice from industry experts
 
The Direct Selling Association is highlighting the important role online communication and social media is playing in the continued success of the industry with the launch of its new website at www.dsa.org.uk.

With improved functionality, a focus on more interactive elements and integration of social media channels, the site’s launch is being supported with a social media seminar for direct selling companies today (September 28).

The seminar, called The Next Page, will feature best practice advice from some of the leaders in the industry, including Kleeneze’s use of Twitter to communicate with distributors, NYRO’s Beauty Blog, Cambridge Weight Plan’s forum strategy and Amway’s use of YouTube.

“We all know how important social media is and will continue to be in the future,” says Paul Southworth, director general of the DSA.

“Direct selling is a people-to-people business and what we are seeing is social media creating huge networks online, which direct sellers and businesses can use to easily communicate and talk with potential customers or new recruits.”

Southworth adds: “The industry has seen a trend for a growing breed of online-savvy direct sellers who are bringing with them a wealth of IT and social networking skills.

“It is important to embrace the benefits of social media and we are encouraging our member companies to share their experiences in order to maximise the opportunities these new forms of communication are offering.”

Direct selling is where goods are sold direct to customers out of the traditional fixed retail environment.

It is a flexible option and gives individuals the opportunity to start their own businesses with minimal outlay (start-up costs are typically around £100) and work the hours they choose with no dependency on the traditional jobs market.

The Direct Selling Association is the trade body for the industry, responsible for promoting the sector and regulating member companies.

All DSA member companies sign its code of conduct, an independently administered set of guidelines that are approved by the Office of Fair Trading.

The code ensures that direct sellers and customers can be safe in the knowledge that any member company will uphold the integrity of the industry.