How do I become a social media marketer?
Social media marketing has become an in-demand career path, and more and more institutions are offering programs and courses in the field. But, are social media marketing courses worth taking? Is it possible to be an excellent social media marketer without taking any classes? The answer to both questions is yes. There are benefits to continuing education and having a natural skillset to help you become a professional social media marketer. Let’s dive into some ways to become a standout in this field.
Can I learn social media marketing online?
Online courses are in high demand. Because they offer the flexibility for an array of student schedules, they are the most popular path taken. The internet is bursting with educational resources and online learning platforms. The best way to find a course that suits you is to search and see what’s available and falls within your price range and time commitment capabilities. The best social media marketing courses online are ones that are recognized and offer a high degree of professionalism. You want to look for social proof that these courses are practical and produce results. Do a quick background check on the instructor and check out the reviews to see what other students are saying. That should give you a great starting point in evaluating if a course is a good fit.
Here at Sociable Media, we subscribe to free daily and weekly emails from Social Media Examiner who provides tips on how to best use social media and content to connect with customers, drive traffic, generate awareness, and increase sales. They also have one of the best social media annual conferences around.
Social media marketing courses for beginners
If you’re looking for a beginner course, you want to search for keywords like ‘foundations’ or ‘basics.’ You might not need to jump into a course right away if you’re looking for information for beginners. Check out social media marketing blogs and YouTube channels for information and build from there. Before investing, decide what your focus should be and then explore different options. Maybe you want to focus on content creation or SEO, or ads. Social media marketing is an umbrella that encompasses many other areas of expertise. It’s a good idea to pinpoint an area that calls to you and then focus on that. You can wear many hats as a social media marketer, but which one do you want to be the best at?
Social media marketing courses with certificates
If you’re looking for a certificate of completion to boost your LinkedIn profile or beef up your resume, many courses offer this option. From Udemy and Coursera to post-grad certificates through post-secondary institutions, you can find a selection of options to enhance your credentials. Even Google provides career certificates for those looking to expand their knowledge. Some companies look for certifications, so it’s a helpful path to consider in your career journey. But, keep in mind that your skills and work ethic will ultimately decide if you’re a good fit. So, practical application is needed to ensure you’re staying on top of what you’re learning in the field.
The bottom line
There are many pathways to consider in your quest to be a highly skilled social media marketer, and they don’t all include obtaining a certificate. But, it’s always a good idea to weigh your options to determine which path is right for you. The good news is that there are a lot of resources out there to choose from, no matter what your resources look like. You can opt for continuing education in a way that makes sense for you. Whether that be through a post-secondary institution or from a skilled professional in the field offering an online course. As long as you put in the work, can produce results, and focus on the areas that bring you joy, you’ll find a rewarding career in social media marketing.