Hootsuite, araguably the world’s most widely-used platform for managing social media, has celebrated a significant milestone after surpassing 15 million global users.

Since the company was founded in 2008, Hootsuite has become the industry standard for helping businesses manage social media. More than 2,500 enterprise organisations such as AccorHotels, Allianz Worldwide Partners S.A.S., eHarmony, Monster, Sony Music Entertainment and Virgin use Hootsuite to connect with customers on social.

Penny Wilson, chief marketing officer at Hootsuite, said what was once the focus of a small number of enthusiasts inside an organisation, today social media is at the heart of the digital strategy of the largest and most successful businesses.

“Hootsuite makes social media approachable for all businesses, including those in regulated industries, government or higher education,” she said.

“Every day, we see companies use our platform in unique, innovative ways to engage with their customers.”

Hootsuite’s significant milestone came just weeks after it held an online conference which brought together global brands, vendors, innovators and thought leaders to discuss key industry trends and best practices in social strategies.

The virtual event also included sessions focused on increasing engagement and brand awareness and protection, driving leads and closing sales and increasing productivity using social, with Microsoft and Twitter among the companies offering key insights.

“Any CEO or C-level executive that isn’t paying attention to social, frankly, I highly recommend that they do,” Microsoft Canada president Janet Kennedy said.

“Social listening, reacting and responding to customer posts are a critical part of what we do when we talk about the digital transformation.”

Twitter’s senior strategic partner manager, Rob Hamilton, said providing customer service on Twitter has resonated on the platform since its inception because messages are public, conversational, real-time, and widely distributed.

“Engagement is about having human conversations with your users and helping them solve their individual inquiries,” he said.

“Responding this way will drive your customers to come back.  They will see you as a trusted brand. And social provides that experience.”