If there’s one thing we all know about comms professionals – there’s just not enough time!
You have a list as long as your arm, deadlines for yesterday and the time you did block in your calendar for some personal development, well… that got eaten up.
So rather than let that personal development get away from you, we’ve done some of the leg work.
That’s right – grab a coffee, switch off from your emails for five minutes and enjoy this leisurely stroll through the world of best social media courses for comms professionals. Let’s go!
1. Best social media course: Social Media Expert Programme
In at #1 is The Comms Creatives Social Media Expert course (I mean, obviously it was going to be the top one!) and here’s why…
The course is structured into nine weekly bitesize webinars, each with its own focus, loads of real life examples and, believe it or not… a homework task!
It’s a great blend of tutorial, group work and self study.
Now, don’t panic – you’re not expected to draft a full on social media strategy overnight, nor are you working on an imaginary business called ABC Limited.
We’re talking relevant, straight-forward tasks which support the online tutorial.
What I love the most about this course is its supportive-but-without-pressure nature.
Can’t make a class live? No sweat. Just catch up when you can – it’s all recorded and ready to go when you are.
Need inspiration, to vent, or just feeling generally stuck?
There’s your fellow cohorts as well as previous Social Media Expert graduates in a private group, there to lend an ear.
I really can’t speak highly enough about this course – and here’s the proof!
2. Best social media course: CIPR Content Management course
Next up we have the CIPR Content Management course.
Like the Social Media Expert course, this training can be completed online but they do also offer a 2-day face-to-face training option in London if you’d prefer to get out and away physically from the day job.
You’ll get lots of case studies and best practice examples as well as the opportunity to share experiences and have a wider discussion – which personally I think is where most of us get our biggest insights from (each other!).
3. Best social media course: the Olgilvy Social Media Course
Now, if you’re looking for a course focused more on the strategic aspects of using social media to grow your brand, then the Social Media course from 42courses might be the route to go.
Thomas Crampton gives a great 90 second summary on the course explaining exactly who this course is (and isn’t) for.
If you need to understand the specifics of social media platforms then this one’s probably not right for you, but if you’re looking to plan your content from a higher, more strategic level, this is a great one to consider.
Or as they put it “you will learn the unchanging fundamentals that underpin effective communication in today’s digital world.”
The 6 chapters in this course are available on demand which is great if you want to hit the ground running or you’re not entirely certain you can commit to a regular live class. This is 7-9 hours of learning which is reflected in the price.
4. Best social media course: IDM Professional Cert in Social Media
If you’re a fan of The Institute of Data amd Marketing (IDM) or have trained with them before then you could also expand your social media skills with them.
Similar to the CIPR, the IDM Professional Certificate in Social Media gives you an industry recognised qualification, and bonus CPD points too.
The course is aimed at those with a couple years experience, who want to “write effective social media platform and campaign strategies” – maybe you’re looking to move into a social media management role?
This course is exclusively online study, at your own pace, with 12 months to work through it.
It doesn’t sound like you’ll have a group of students to connect with during the course (that makes me sad) and you need to sit 2 one-hour exams (online) and pass with a minimum of 60%.
But if you prefer studying alone with no distractions then this one is a great choice.
5. Best social media course: Socially Mobile
And finally, there’s absolutely no way we could list the best social media courses for comms professionals without mentioning the wonderful team at Socially Mobile Community Interest Company (CIC) – a not-for-profit organisation.
This is not exclusively about social media, but will give any comms or social media manager a strategic grounding and leadership skills that will help you thrive.
To quote them on exactly what they offer:
“We aim to create a pipeline of talent from lower income backgrounds and under-represented groups in order to make the public relations industry more representative and diverse. It’s time to level the playing field.”
So you can apply for a chance to take the course if funding such a programme might otherwise be difficult. Amazing!
In January 2022 they took in their very first cohort of students.
There’s no one-size-fits-all here – the students are able to choose from modules based on core and specialist management capabilities to best suit their development needs. We expect that their next course will open for applications very soon.
So there you have it – the who’s who when it comes to the best social media courses for comms professionals. There’s no right or wrong answer as to who you learn best with.
Find the right fit and you’ll always be winning!
What have been the best social media courses you’ve done?
If you think we’ve missed one of the greats, let us know here!
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