IRISH News columnist Leona O'Neill joins a hair loss clinic, a poultry processor, the PSNI and a dachshund that has random objects balanced on his head on the shortlist for the inaugural Northern Ireland Social Media Awards.
More than 150 entries across sectors such as tourism, education and retail have made the cut ahead of a gala event on Thursday September 26 in Belfast's Europa Hotel.
The awards, which stretch across no less than 27 categories, have been created by digital marketers Niamh Taylor of Digital 24 and Caroline O'Neill, owner of DIGG For Success and DIGG Childrenswear.
Categories range from Best Social Media Campaign in Public Sector and Best Use of Social Media in Retail to Most Innovative Use of Social Media and Social Media Marketer of the Year.
BBC Apprentice winner and awards' judge Mark Wright said whittling the entries down to the shortlist was an "incredibly hard task".
"It's encouraging to see how businesses and organisations of all sizes in Northern Ireland are using their social media platforms to grow and generate income," he said.
"The results being achieved are very impressive but even more applaudable is the depth of knowledge being shown by so many of the entrants."
Making the shortlist are crisp maker Tayto, Hastings Hotels, Visit Causeway Coast & Glens, Moy Park, Harlso the balancing hound and Bridgeen Hair Loss Clinic.
Irish News parenting columnist Leona O'Neill has been shortlisted in two categories for her 'News 360' social media – in Best Use of Social Media In Service / B2B (Over 10k following) and Best Use of Facebook.
