Information from this blog post was obtained from Social Media Examiner, Hubspot, and Social Media Today.
Social media marketing can be overwhelming for a college student. Do you find that you're asking yourself, "Where do I start?!" We are often bombarded with digital media in this day and age. Every aspect of our life is fully immersed in the digital realm and we find ourselves engaged with a screen more than anything else. Because of our increased interconnectedness, social media has become a necessary tool in marketing. Many companies make good use of this increased interconnectedness. Companies now use social media to acquire and engage with potential consumers and build brand awareness.
Jumping into the world of social media marketing as a college student may make you feel that you are going on a rollercoaster with ups and downs, sharp bends, and a depth as deep as the Mariana Trench (very deep - trust us)! But don't let it scare you away! Here are some tips that can make the vastness of social media marketing seem like a walk in the park:
Start Learning - Education is Key!
Whether you're considering a bachelor's degree in digital marketing or prefer to take a non-traditional approach to learning the basics - education is key. Before you attempt to create copy, graphic design, content creation, and post - learn the basics. The basics are the foundation of any discipline and social media marketing is no different. Even before that, I recommend that you familiarize yourself with the umbrella term of digital marketing.
Social media marketing comes under the umbrella of digital marketing. Digital marketing is considered all forms of marketing that take place on the internet. Social media marketing is just one aspect of digital marketing. It is very important to understand how social media marketing is connected to other aspects of digital marketing, especially as a college student.
As we mentioned before, to get started in social media marketing you can go the more traditional route of getting a bachelor's degree in digital marketing or utilize the many resources available on the internet to guide you through your social media marketing journey. A bachelor's degree has long been a prerequisite to entry-level jobs in the industry and this is also true for social media marketing careers. It is recommended to major in Marketing, Digital Marketing, Public Relations, or Business Administration. Majors that have some interconnectivity with Social Media Marketing greatly increase your chances of starting in the field.
However, experience is life's greatest it is never too late to delve into the world of social media marketing with the plethora of resources readily available online. Resources like Hubspot, Sprout Social, and Hootsuite offer insights into the basics of this sector of digital marketing. There is also a sea of online marketing courses that you can take to get certified in different aspects of social media marketing - take advantage of them. Whichever route you take to learn the foundations of social media marketing, the most important is to start slow and begin with the basics. Both a bachelor's degree in Digital Marketing and resources online can teach you about the best practices in Social Media Marketing, target audiences, building marketing plans, and many other foundational aspects that can lead to success.
Get Your Hands Dirty - Experience is the Best Teacher
Get your hands dirty! Of course, not in the literal sense but experience can be the best teacher. Although you may still be in college, there are various opportunities that can allow you to gain hands-on experience and familiarize yourself with the application of the basics. Take a look around your institution - your college sports team, sororities, fraternities, and social group social media management are great ways to begin your application of the theory learned. To take it a step further, apply for social media internships. Typically, any institution of higher education has a listing of various organizations looking for interns in your area. Gaining practical experience while lessening your credits has a double benefit!
Many people may not be pursuing a bachelor's degree but instead, take the non-traditional route of learning about social media - have no fear! There are a plethora of marketing positions available at non-profit organizations, community groups, or small businesses that would be grateful for you to lend a hand. This applies to college students too! Get out here and give a helping hand while gaining practical knowledge. There are a range of opportunities that can give you practical experience in the social media marketing field all you have to do is seek them out!
Experience is often looked upon positively when applying for jobs. Not only will practical experience help you fully grasp the concepts of social media marketing but it will give you an advantage when applying for jobs. Companies love to see an applicant have experience relevant to the position they are seeking.
Be a Trend-Chaser and Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Social Media Marketing Trends
Learning the basics and experience can take you far but remember that social media is an ever-changing digital landscape. It is of the utmost importance to stay up to date on the various trends and best practices. Trendsetters will always be important but so are trend-chasers. Trends can change at the drop of a dime and staying current on the trends can assist you greatly as a budding social media marketer. Trends make the social media world go around. This isn't limited to the latest trends that potential consumers are attracted to but also the ever-changing trends of social media platforms. It is important to stay up-to-date on information about social media-specific platform algorithms and new features. It may seem impossible to stay up to date with so much information but this is where blogs and online resources can be of great help.
Subscribe to blog sites like Hubspot, Sprout Social, and Hootsuite. These company blogs are just a few of the numerous thought leaders in the Social Media Marketing field and can simplify your search on consumer trends and social media platform trends. It may be daunting at first but it is better to stay up-to-date on trends compared to falling behind. Staying up to date with trends can allow you, as a social media marketer, to connect with potential consumers efficiently and in a way that resonates with your target market. This can lead to achieving the goals of the organization you are working for. Reading different social media blogs can give you insight on how consumer trends are expected to go for different years. They also include various templates that can assist you on your social media journey, especially as a college student.
Network, Network, Network! A Must for College Students
Networking is important! Knowledge is important but networking can get you in the door of opportunity. Sites like LinkedIn built their site around professional networking. Take time to research and connect with relevant industry leaders, join different online communities, connect with peers of similar interest, and use your network to continue to learn and grow in your social media marketing career. Networking is a fundamental part of any industry and digital marketing is no different.
As a college student, it is important to not only learn from industry leaders by following their career and attending webinars but connecting with your peers is equally important. A combination of knowledge and a network can bring a wealth of opportunities. Although the world is vast, the digital connectivity we experience today allows us to have access to people all over the world. You never know when a seemingly mundane experience on a networking site can result in access to knowledge about various positions within social media marketing all around the world. Social Media Today, provides an excellent resource on how to boost your presence on LinkedIn. This professional networking site has continued to grow as more people are flocking to the website to foster industry connections while also highlighting their academic and professional careers. This would be a great resource to begin fostering your career and embarking on a successful professional journey. Sign up for an account today!
Social media marketing may seem overwhelming at first but once you take it step-by-step it can be manageable. Asking the question of "How to get started in Social Media Marketing" is the first step of many. Starting your Social Media Marketing career as a college student can be a walk in the park once you start slowly. Learn the basics, gain practical experience, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and remember to network! Your knowledge in Social Media Marketing can be expanded on these four pillars.
Disclaimer: No AI was injured in the production of this content. AI (ChatGPT) was used as a tool to supplement, enhance, and make suggestions in writing this blog post.
Resources
OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Apr 7 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
Bretous, M. (2024, March 18). 11 social media trends marketers should watch in 2024 [new data]. HubSpot Blog. https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/social-media-predictions-2017
Feldman, B. (2014, July). How to get started with social media marketing. Social Media Examiner. https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/get-started-with-social-media/
Hutchinson, A. (2024, January 7). 20 content prompts to help boost your LinkedIn presence in 2024 [infographic]. Social Media Today. https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/20-content-prompts-help-boost-linkedin-presence-2024-infographic/703858/
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