Mark Miller — June 20, 2017 Just a few years ago, social media was on every digital marketer’s mind as the “big new thing” that was going to transform customer engagement and online marketing.
Since then we’ve moved past the hype and on to newer, flashier tactics and tools. But social remains a powerful cornerstone of almost any comprehensive digital strategy; one that continues to evolve as social networks rise and fall and new features are added to established players.
Nearly every facet of modern digital marketing involves social in some way. And likewise, a successful social strategy relies on integration across the marketing program and throughout an entire business, even for a specialized firm like a Facebook advertising agency.
That’s why, no matter what field you’re in, it’s valuable to stay on top of social media trends and keep the relevant skills sharp as you develop your digital marketing career. It’s also why an experienced digital marketing recruiter or smart hiring manager will value candidates who have proven experience and training with social media marketing.
Looking for a way to stand apart from (and above) competition for a hot marketing job? Consider adding some of these certifications to your pedigree to show your dedication and expertise.
Hootsuite Social Media Certifications
Hootsuite has been one of the major players in social media automation and marketing for years now. It offers a suite of certification options of various levels and specializations.
Cost:
Basic Hootsuite Platform Certification runs $ 99, though you can take all the training for the platform here for free. The certification fee is a one-time payment.
Hootsuite offers more elaborate, and more expensive options detailing advanced topics like Social Selling and a “Social for Healthcare” certification. The priciest is a collaborative Advanced Social Media Strategy certification with Newhouse School topping out at $ 999.
Notes:
These certifications are based on completion of a test, and do not expire once acquired. If you don’t meet a minimum score for the test, you can continue retaking it.
Twitter Flight School
Twitter offers two courses for its users to optimize their presence on its platform. The first is aimed at marketing thought leaders looking to develop their personal brand and establish a following on Twitter. The second caters to marketing strategists looking to use it as a marketing, customer engagement, and sales channel.
Cost:
Both programs are available at no cost to Twitter users who log in. Twitter will also ask for some personal and professional information, like where you work, before granting access.
Notes:
The certification programs are extremely short; clocking in at an estimated 10 minutes for the Executive Leadership Course and about 60 for Marketing Leadership. Given that, it’s unlikely that you’ll find a lot of groundbreaking insights within or blow away a savvy social or digital marketing recruiter who’s seen it a million times. Still; with a price like that you have little to lose!
MediaBistro Social Media Certifications
MediaBistro offers a suite of social media-related certifications, ranging from courses focused on specific networks to profile building and influencer marketing.
Cost:
The programs available range from $ 49 for their hour-long “Skills in 60” courses and go up to $ 129 for more advanced options.
Notes:
Courses are self-taught and not guided by an instructor. The site claims you can get discounts for some courses by signing up for their newsletter here.
Salesforce Certified Marketing Cloud Social Specialist
Of the major marketing automation and integration platforms, Saleforce offers the most comprehensive dedicated social media certification. Acquiring this cert indicates not only that you understand social media marketing strategy, but know how to use the Salesforce platform to execute it.
Cost:
Registering to take the certification exam is $ 200. If you need to retake it for whatever reason, that will cost an additional $ 100 per test.
Notes:
This certification will be most attractive to businesses who are already on or planning to add Saleforce to their technology stack. It is likely not the most cost-effective choice if you’re looking for jobs at places that don’t implement Salesforce or a similar platform.
Facebook Blueprint
Facebook’s advertising capabilities have grown tremendously over the last few months, and Facebook advertising agencies have been reaping the rewards. As more people become aware of it’s potential (remember, Instagram advertising is now run through Facebook as well), familiarity with the network’s advertising back end will be increasingly sought after.
Cost:
To get certification, you’ll need to pass two tests at $ 150 each.
Notes:
The courses should do a good job of familiarizing you with Facebook’s advertising interface. However, they might not equip you with practical knowledge needed to create an optimized, cost-effective campaign. Hands-on experience and proven results with Facebook ads will stand out more than these certifications, though having both won’t hurt your chances.
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