ATLANTA, Sept. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Social Media Marketing University (SMMU) invites business owners and business professionals to participate in a free webinar with local marketing expert Michael Hiles. Taking place on September 29 at 11 a.m. E.D.T., the webinar will give attendees a platform to ask local marketing questions, and gain a deeper understanding of how to use local Internet marketing strategies to boost their business presence. To register, visit http://www.smmu.com/series.  

Michael Hiles is the founder of VibePlanet Marketing Systems, LLC, a privately held media publishing and information marketing company. Through VibePlanet, and as the local marketing instructor for Social Media Marketing University, Hiles has coached business professionals across the globe on building successful businesses, creating profitable websites and implementing results-driven local marketing strategies.

During the webinar on September 29, Michael Hiles will provide leading-edge advice on Google for businesses, search engine optimization for local businesses and targeted email marketing. He'll also help attendees identify some of the most common local marketing challenges for businesses, and share the tools, tips and techniques needed to overcome them.

"Having a strong local marketing strategy helps local businesses to make the most efficient use of their time, effort and marketing dollars," said John Souza, chief strategist and founder of Social Media Marketing University (http://www.smmu.com). "If you're in need of guidance and expertise on how to leverage Internet marketing and other strategies to boost your local business presence, then you won't want to miss Michael's session."

Social Media Marketing University is the training arm of Social Media Magic, recognized as one of the top five social media services for businesses by the Mashable Awards. The Q&A webinar with Michael Hiles is part of SMMU's recently launched "No Holds Barred: Ask the Expert" series.

The series was launched in conjunction with the unveiling of the firm's newly expanded curriculum, which now includes 11 courses on social media and online marketing. Course topics include:

- Local Marketing - http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/local-marketing/

- Pay-Per-Click - http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/pay-per-click/

- Blogging - http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/blogging/

- Facebook marketing - http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/facebook/

- Mobile marketing - http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/mobile-marketing/

- Video marketing with YouTube - http://socialmediamarketinguniversity.com/video-marketing/

In addition to offering social media courses, free weekly webinars and opportunities for certification, Social Media Magic also provides "done for you" services for companies and organizations of all sizes, including small businesses, colleges and universities and global enterprises.

To sign up for the Q&A with local marketing expert Michael Hiles on September 29 at 11 a.m. E.D.T., visit http://www.smmu.com/series. Registration for the webinar is free. Space is limited.

About Social Media Marketing University

Social Media Marketing University (SMMU) is the world's most trusted social media training program. Courses are taught by some of the world's foremost authorities on social media and online marketing best practices, and the curriculum includes interactive sessions and instruction on social media strategy, platforms and tools. More than 70,000 business owners and business professionals have attended SMMU's training program and weekly webinars. For more information, visit http://www.smmu.com.  

For more information, contact:

Ty Mays, Media Relations
(770) 256-8710 / ty@socialmediamagic.com

SOURCE Social Media Marketing University