Archive for the ‘Social Marketing’ Category

16 Of The Best Social Media Marketing Courses in 2024 – Search Engine Journal

Looking to start a career in social media marketing? Its a wise move.

According to LinkedIn, there are currently 860,000 vacancies for digital marketing specialists alone. With more than 4.65 billion social media users around the globe, the demand for social media marketing skills is at an all-time high.

All of this means that if you want to compete in the digital marketing arena, you must be able to keep up which is what a social media marketing course can help you do.

Youll get a solid social media foundation, enhance your skill set, and have the credibility you need to position yourself as a serious candidate.

All you need to do is decide on the right course, and youll be golden.

With so many free courses to choose from, theres no need to break the budget.

Foundational knowledge on digital advertising is freely available just choose the course that best suits you and build your basic skills from there.

If you can invest in a paid social media course, extending your education through more in-depth knowledge could be worthwhile.

Choose from various courses on social media platforms, content curation, business growth, and more and take your social media marketing training to the next level.

If you want to learn social media marketing and add to your existing qualifications, a social media certification is the best way to do it.

Not only will you be upping your social media game, but by taking a social marketing certification exam, youll also be putting yourself in the top tier of marketing professionals.

With so many courses to look at and decisions to make, where do you even start?

Well help you by looking at some of our favorites from this list.

Basic social media marketing courses for small businesses.

Run by: Meta

If you own a small business, you might be looking for a Facebook blueprint to help launch you onto social media.

Now, Meta will do you one better by giving you the blueprint of all its social media platforms.

With various digital marketing courses designed to help you bring your business online, Meta will teach you how to identify potential customers, understand your target audience, set goals, and tell your business story.

By working through actual examples, youll learn how to apply the lessons to your own business for social media success.

Harness the power of TikTok to add value to your brand.

Run by: Skillshare

While youre concentrating on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube marketing, dont forget about TikTok.

Its not all dance moves, transitions, challenges, and trends; its a participatory social media platform with massive potential for your brand.

In this free course, youll learn exactly how the TikTok algorithm works, how to create and edit your own videos, and how to (hopefully) go viral too.

So, whether youre making videos for fun or looking to build brand awareness, youll know what youre doing every step of the way.

A crash course in social media marketing, strategy, and management.

Cost: 995

Run by: Growth Tribe

If youve got two days, then Growth Tribe has the ultimate digital marketing course a crash course on social media thats ideal for everyone from beginners to freelancers to business owners.

Sit down with leading marketing professionals and learn the essentials of internet marketing, content strategy, community building, influencer marketing, and more.

Its everything you need to develop a sound social media strategy and measure it, all delivered in one compact course.

Understand customer behavior, storytelling, role-modeling and overall brand management.

Cost: $1,390

Run by: Hyper Island

Do you know how to use Internet marketing to identify and engage your target audience? This social media course from Hyper Island will show you how.

Learn how to attract your online audience, convert them into leads, and achieve your goals all with the right digital marketing tools.

Youll be taken through social media marketing strategy, content strategy, analysis, and more all designed to help you understand your customer better and reach your targets.

Understanding how to retain, activate, and engage users.

Cost: $1,995/year site membership

Run by: Reforge

Its one thing to acquire new users; its another to convert, engage, and retain them. Thats what this in-depth course from Reforget will teach you.

From analyzing retention to activation and engagement strategies, youll learn the frameworks you need to improve your retention rates and boost your profitability.

Market your business on social media with simple tips and tools.

Cost: $20 (approx.)

Run by: LinkedIn Learning

Whether youre interested in promoting your business on one social media platform or across multiple platforms, youll need certain tools at your disposal.

This affordable, certified course from Linkedin Learning will give you all the tips you need from creating content and engaging with influencer marketing to using Google Analytics, boosting your social media marketing campaigns, and more.

Then when youre done, you can showcase your certificate on your LinkedIn profile for extra kudos.

Develop the social marketing skills needed to grow your business.

Cost: $199

Run by: Hootsuite

If its industry recognition youre after, this certification course from Hootsuite will give you just that.

Learn the building blocks of social media strategy, content marketing, community building, and how to measure your success. Plus, earn an online certificate as proof of your new-found expertise.

Learn how to craft social media content and boost engagement.

Cost: 995

Run by: Growth Tribe

Whether youre a digital marketing consultant, commerce manager, or part of a social media team, youll benefit from learning how to boost your engagement across multiple platforms.

Learn how to create an effective communication strategy, optimize your content, and build a brand identity. Youll also earn a certificate in Digital Communication at the same time.

Weve started you off with our social media certification picks. However, there are many other excellent digital marketing certifications out there to choose from.

Should you bother with them, though, particularly if theres a cost involved? The honest truth is yes.

Social media marketing is about more than firing off a quippy Facebook caption. Its about building brands, driving traffic, increasing sales, and creating a sharply curated dialogue between brand and consumer.

Good marketers make it look easy which is why beginners are often misled into thinking theyre just one viral dance challenge away from breaking the internet.

But theres a little more to it than that, and thats where social media marketing certification can help give you the edge.

Not only will you get the relevant training you need within a constantly evolving industry, but youll also have an accredited certification all of which can help increase your skill level and performance and boost your job prospects.

So, if you want to move to social media marketing, start your journey by upskilling yourself first.

For a position thats grown 30% faster than other marketing roles, its the smartest way to put your best foot forward.

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Featured Image: Ground Picture/Shutterstock

Enrolling in a free social media marketing course presents several advantages, particularly if youre new to digital marketing or operating with a limited budget. Benefits include:

These courses are an excellent starting point to understand the various facets of social media marketing, helping pave the way for more advanced learning opportunities.

When selecting a paid social media marketing course, its crucial to look for several key factors to ensure the investment translates into valuable learning experiences. Consider these criteria:

Given the varied price points and formats, its essential to research and choose a program that aligns with your professional goals and budget constraints.

Becoming certified in social media marketing can greatly impact your standing in the industry by:

As social media marketing roles continue to grow at a significant rate, certifications provide a tangible credential that can help catalyze your career growth and open up new opportunities.

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16 Of The Best Social Media Marketing Courses in 2024 - Search Engine Journal

LinkedIn Data Shows Social Media Marketing is the Most In-Demand Skill on the Platform – Digital Information World

LinkedIn is a great platform for job hunting and networking. There are different types of employers who seek right candidate for a number of jobs. The latest data curated by LinkedIn shows that the most in-demand marketing skill on LinkedIn that many employers are seeking in 2024 is social media marketing. The report by LinkedIn shows all the latest industry trends to help marketers polish their skills and improve them in order to ensure suitable employment opportunities.

The skills that are in-demand on LinkedIn other than social media marketing are data analysis, coding, SEO (search engine optimization), and remote team work. LinkedIn also says in its report that familiarity and knowledge of AI is also preferred in most of the jobs that are being listed on the platform. Adobe photoshop skills (mostly related to photo editing and graphic designing) are also in demand on LinkedIn, followed by email marketing and then market research.

83% of the CMOs on LinkedIn say that they are likely to hire a lot of individuals this year who have the above mentioned skills. Many hirers are not looking for individuals who have many degrees, rather the area of interest for many CMOs is how skillful and talented an individual is.

Take a look at the infographic below for more insights on how digital marketing skill sets are evolving.

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LinkedIn Data Shows Social Media Marketing is the Most In-Demand Skill on the Platform - Digital Information World

Humanizing Brands: How brands are creating authentic connections through social media – Adgully

Authored by Sachin Shah, Founder, The Hype Capital

Remember the days of brands yelling at you from giant signs or having a perfect stranger tell you how great their product was on TV? Those days may or may not be over, but social media has changed a lot of things. It's no longer a one-way street where brands talk down to you. Now, it's a conversation a chance to connect with real people who use your stuff.

When social media started, it was all about getting your name out there. Everyone rushed to claim their spot on MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter. It didn't matter much what you said, as long as you said something. But those days are gone. Today's social media jungle is crowded, and people need more exciting messages. People are done with being told what to do. People are done with brands, and creators showcase picture-perfect lives and products. People are done with curated feeds. People need authencity. People need emotions. People need feelings. People need humans. Humans are working behind the brands. They want to connect with the real people behind the brand the folks who design the products, write the posts, and maybe even make the occasional mistake (we all do!).

When you go to a party, you don't just stand there talking about yourself all night, do you? Social media is the same. You need to chat with people, share stories, and find things you have in common with your audience (basically, your guests at this party).

So, how do you win friends and influence people (without being annoying) in this dynamic social media world? Here are some tips:

While some essential points are covered above, we must also understand that trust is the foundation of any genuine friendship and is no different online. With social media, people have all the information they need. They can see through fancy marketing and sniff out a fake from a mile away.

So, how do you build trust? Be honest and upfront about your company, products, and mistakes. Did someone have a bad experience with your product? Acknowledge it, explain how to fix it, and show that you take their feedback seriously.

Social media is constantly changing, and the line between the online and natural worlds is blurring more and more. Expect to see even crazier stuff in the future, like experiences that come to life with special glasses or interactive content. Brands that can use these new things to create fun and engaging experiences will be the ones who genuinely connect with their fans.

Social media has the power make or break brands and help them connect with their audience more deeply. By being yourself, having honest conversations, and sharing your story, you can build genuine friendships with your fans, which translates to loyalty, sales, and even a few laughs. The easiest way to lose the interest of a highly distracted audience is being a robot.

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Humanizing Brands: How brands are creating authentic connections through social media - Adgully

A2Z Media Celebrates Nissan Qatar’s Award Wins for Marketing Performance and Social Media | LBBOnline – Little Black Book – LBBonline

A2Z Media is proud to highlight that Nissan Qatar, represented by Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co., has received two significant awards at the recent Nissan Middle East Convention. These awards recognise exceptional performance in tactical campaigns and social media efforts, showcasing Nissan Qatars commitment to quality marketing.

Nissan Qatar was honoured with the Marketing Performance and Social Media Awards, acknowledging their effective tactics and strategic planning that have significantly enhanced customer engagement and brand visibility. This achievement is the result of a strong partnership with A2Z Media, crucial in formulating and executing these successful marketing strategies.

These awards not only celebrate the achievements of Nissan Qatar but also represent a significant milestone for A2Z Media, said Elie Charbel, CEO of A2Z Media. They reflect our commitment to delivering superior marketing services that surpass our clients expectations. We are proud of our ongoing relationship with Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Co. and look forward to continuing our successful collaboration.

A2Z Media continues to leverage its expertise in digital marketing, social media, and brand strategy to assist clients in achieving their marketing goals effectively. This accolade reaffirms A2Z Medias ability to develop strategies that resonate well with the target audience and deliver outstanding results.

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A2Z Media Celebrates Nissan Qatar's Award Wins for Marketing Performance and Social Media | LBBOnline - Little Black Book - LBBonline

What is influencer marketing? Grow your market through social media – Simply Business knowledge

Working with the Advertising Standards Authority

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) regulates all advertising in the UK to make sure that theyre all following the same rules. Its not unique to influencer marketing, but you do often hear about the ASA in regards to influencer marketing due to how easy it is to break the rules.

When working with an influencer, you need to make sure that their posts follow the ASA guidelines. For example, if youre gifting your product to an influencer for a review, or offering monetary compensation, the influencer needs to make sure that this is clearly stated in their post.

This also includes if you hire an influencer to act as a brand ambassador for your business. Any incentive or relationship, no matter how small, needs to be disclosed.

According to the ASA, some acceptable ways to mark a post as a collaboration between an influencer and a business include:

#Ad

#Advert

#Advertising

#Advertisement

#AdvertisementFeature

You can read the full ASA guidelines for influencers here.

While you may usually relate influencer marketing campaigns to larger businesses, there are plenty of benefits for small businesses using influencer marketing to grow their business.

If you know your products are particularly popular with a specific demographic, or youre hoping to target another, finding an influencer whose audience matches that demographic could increase your sales.

For example, if youre a designer who makes sustainable handbags, collaborating with a sustainable fashion influencer could be a good match due to your business and their audience sharing similar values.

But influencer marketing doesnt just have to revolve around fashion. Perhaps you manufacture custom products for cars in which case, a car influencer would be a great match for your business.

Influencer marketing can also be a cost effective way to market your business. This will depend on a couple of factors, such as:

popularity of influencer an influencer with a higher follower count will usually charge more for sponsored posts

type of collaboration you may agree to pay an influencer a fee to post about your business, or you may choose to send them your product for free in exchange for a review, the latter of which is likely to have a better return on investment

type of post a series of videos will likely cost more than a mention on Instagram stories, for example

If youre still interested in trying out influencer marketing, its important you develop a proper influencer marketing strategy. Its not a one size fits all approach, so follow the below steps to make sure youre getting the most out of any collaborations including expert tips from a professional social media manager.

As mentioned above, you need to make sure the audience youre targeting is a good fit for your product or service. Understand your target audience through market research and then cross reference this with insights into any influencers demographics.

Some influencers will be happy to share these insights with you when agreeing on brand deals, but otherwise you can get a good understanding by taking a look at the accounts who engage most with their posts.

Danielle Read, Social Media Manager at Simply Business, says: A good tip is to not pay too much attention to follower count as this doesn't always translate to high engagement.

Between inactive accounts and bots, a high follower count doesnt necessarily mean a large audience. Looking at recent likes and comments can help you see the most engaged users.

Other than influencer demographics, you also need to make sure youre picking the right personality for the job.

Danielle agrees, saying: Authenticity is key to influencer marketing, so make sure that any influencers you work with are a genuine fit for the products or services youre looking to sell.

Some things to consider include:

brand loyalty to competitors

if they use similar products

if previous sponsored posts seem authentic

And when thinking about the type of content to post, trust your influencers expertise. Danielle adds: Dont be too prescriptive with what you would like an influencer or content creator to post about your business.

Influencers have grown an engaged following because they understand what their audience want to see, so trust is needed if an influencer is creating content about your brand. Make sure you have a strong feedback and sign off process to ensure youre both on the same page.

Its important to build a good relationship with the influencers you work with, as this could portray your brand in a positive light. They may even continue to promote your brand outside of any agreed paid advertising.

Your influencer marketing strategy will differ depending on what you hope to achieve. Do you just want to increase your brand awareness? Or are you looking to drive sales? Perhaps you want to expand to a new target audience?

Whatever you decide, its crucial to identify these goals early on in the process, as clear objectives will help you when it comes to choosing the right influencer to work with.

Read more: How to set business goals: top tips from successful entrepreneurs

As with any marketing strategy, you want to make sure that your hard work pays off. Measure your success by monitoring the performance of your influencer marketing campaigns to determine whether this is something you want to continue investing in.

You can use social media engagement rates, but also an increase to your website traffic or sales. To see exactly how people are finding your website, you could consider using a UTM (Urchin Tracking Module) code. This is a piece of text at the end of a URL in marketing campaigns which allows you to see your traffic sources.

You could also offer a discount code for the influencer to give to their followers, allowing you to see how many sales came directly from their content.

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What is influencer marketing? Grow your market through social media - Simply Business knowledge