Social media is a world unto itself. As more and more older users joined Facebook, younger people fled to Instagram. Facebook (now Meta) bought Instagram, and young people fled to TikTok, Snapchat, or other platforms. If there’s one constant in the world of social media, it’s change.
Using social media for marketing ranges from the simple posts of a blogger to full-scale paid advertising on Facebook, Google, or X (formerly known as Twitter). As the social media marketing landscape proves ever more dynamic, new opportunities for marketer and other professionals open every day.
Not all companies are equal when it comes to marketing, but today the most popular platforms include:
- YouTube—Now owned by Google, YouTube is the second-most visited website in the world. Google, of course, is #1.
- Facebook (Meta)—Once the province of virtually all non-Google advertising, Facebook has faced challenges both through Instagram (which it solved by buying it outright) and a host of new competitors, like Snapchat and TikTok.
- Instagram—Competing for young people’s attention, Instagram is right in the mix with TikTok, SnapChat, and YouTube.
- LinkedIn—LinkedIn is all business, literally. While some users mistakenly try socializing, flirting, or discussing politics as opening gambits, those are all primary reasons other users will unfollow you. The site remains a top networking and job posting platform.
- X—Elon Musk may take X private, but for now it still has some public cache. Not for the faint-hearted, X is still a bit of a Wild West platform, and Musk’s potential ownership may change it drastically in any direction.
- TikTok—The darling of teens and tweens, TikTok features short videos. You can watch trending videos for free, like YouTube; unlike YouTube, however, TikTok requires you to join the site to follow members, like posts, or even view comments.
Making a Career Out of Likes and Follows
Your parents might be baffled to learn there’s even such a thing as a Social Media Marketer, but in fact, numerous roles are available for those with a combination of marketing and social media expertise.
Beyond the likes and follows of Facebook, X, and Instagram, many aspects of social media and other digital content have made their way into the marketing sphere—from user-generated content to well-planned email campaigns. Consider the following actual titles for positions in the field:
- Social Media Marketer
- Social Media Strategist
- Social Media Specialist
- Digital Strategist
- Digital Marketer
- Social Media Coordinator
- Marketing Analyst
- Marketing Manager
- Social Media Marketing Manager
According to Payscale, the average salary for a Social Media Marketing Manager is around $56,000 per year, while the average salary for a Marketing Specialist runs about $53,000 annually. These figures can vary, depending on the industry and location of the position.
Planning for Success
When you begin to research the social media marketing field, you might be confused at first. Does a Marketing Specialist do the same thing as a Social Media Marketing Specialist? Is a Marketing Manager job going to be separate from a Social Media Marketing Manager?
In fact, the answers to questions like these can depend on factors like the size of the organization, the industry or sector, and whether it’s publicly or privately held. To gain a better understanding, it’s helpful to search for positions like those listed above on popular job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn. Research your own area to determine the greatest need.
Next comes training. While you can educate yourself by learning what employers are seeking, and navigating platforms like LinkedIn and TikTok, you’ll want to take classes at some point. Check out Noble Desktop’s Tech Blog for more information on social media marketing sub-categories, must-have tools, and other information.
Because one company’s Marketing Specialist may be another’s Social Media Strategist, consider the following:
College or University Programs
Some schools offer Digital Marketing degrees, but if they don’t have online training or a campus in your area, they may not be your best option. A hybrid program like Design & Digital Marketing might be appropriate, depending on what field you want to enter. However, a straight Marketing degree might not offer the level of social media training you desire. The time and expense can also be prohibitive for students.
Individual Subject Courses
A one- or two-day class can be a great way to test your interest in social media marketing without making a major commitment of time and money. Noble Desktop offers several such courses, including:
- Instagram Marketing
- Facebook Marketing
- LinkedIn Marketing
- Social Media Video Marketing: YouTube & TikTok
- Social Media Content Marketing: Blogs & X
- SEO Bootcamp
- Google Ads Bootcamp
If one of these is of interest, you may also want to take additional classes, depending on your primary area of specialization. For the best value and comprehensive social media marketing education, consider:
Bootcamps and Certificate Programs
Combining multiple classes into an immersive learning experience, these are some of the most popular choices for students and busy professionals. Bootcamps offer training live online or in-person, and can give graduates all the tools they need to get a position in their field of choice.
Noble Desktop’s digital marketing training alternatives include a targeted Social Media Marketing Certificate. This 30-hour program includes training in Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn marketing, as well as covering video marketing with YouTube and TikTok, and content marketing with blogs and X.
Top Tools for Social Media Marketing
If you’ve researched social media marketing, that means you’ve already researched some general digital marketing options. While there’s some overlap between the two—and many tools for social media specialists are loved by other digital pros—consider a few that are popular for social media marketing.
- Crowdfire—A social media marketing scheduling tool, Crowdfire offers a way to curate relevant content you can share, in addition to the content you create.
- Google Analytics—Though not specifically for social media alone, Google’s popularity and the power of the tool make it a top choice.
- Sendible—An all-in-one social media management tool, Sendible is all about managing social at scale. You can gain more followers, find new customers, and manage engagement goals with this platform.
Adding Certifications to Your Credentials
Once you begin working in the field, it’s important to distinguish yourself from others, especially if you’re a freelance Social Media Strategist or Specialist. Certifications offer a great way to get more education and have something to set you apart from the crowd as well. Here are some of the most popular certifications for social media marketing pros:
- HubSpot Email Marketing Certification—For those who use email marketing as one of their strategies, HubSpot’s certification is a no-brainer: it’s free, it’s only three hours, and you’ll have a skill you can demonstrate for prospective employers.
- Meta Certified Creative Strategy Professional—Facebook (Meta) Blueprint programs recognize advanced level proficiency, and this is one of the most appropriate certifications for social media marketing professionals.
- Hootsuite Social Media Marketing Certification—Hootsuite offers a reasonably priced social media marketing credential that never expires.
- American Marketing Association (AMA) Digital Marketing Certification—While not strictly for social media marketing, the AMA’s certifications are widely recognized across most industries.
- X Flight School—If you’re using X in your work, X Flight School is essential. Check out X for Creatives, X Spaces, and Cross-Border Advertising.
As a complex, constantly evolving field, social media marketing offers numerous career opportunities for those with the willingness to learn. You can find excellent options today, particularly if you get the right training through a bootcamp or certificate program.