Looking to jump-start your marketing career or get your online business trending with the right mix of social media strategies?
Then, it’s time to go back to school.
The good news? You don’t need to take out a hefty student loan.
All you need is a strong internet connection, and you can upskill your knowledge on all the major social media platforms.
But which free social media courses are worth the hype? To help you out, we’ve rounded up our top 5 options for beginners and those looking for something more advanced.
Why Take Free Social Media Courses?
Free courses are one of the best ways to upskill yourself and become more valuable to your clients or employer at any stage of your career—even when money is tight.
You can explore different aspects of social media marketing without the pressure to justify the cost.
And if you decide it’s not for you?
Then, the only thing you’ve “lost” is your time.
And if you’ve enjoyed learning about social media, you walk away with brand new professional credentials and skills that can increase your chances of a promotion or set you up for a lucrative career pivot.
Still not convinced you can learn how to build an effective social media strategy from a free course?
Well, think of it this way.
These social media marketing courses are practical in nature. You can immediately apply what you learn to your personal or professional accounts. It reinforces your knowledge and instantly gives you a case study to include in your portfolio, building your confidence along the way.
5 Top Free Social Media Courses
Need some help finding the perfect social media marketing course? You’re in the right place!
Below, you’ll find a round-up of the creme-de-la-creme of courses, whether you’re a beginner or looking for something more specific and advanced.
1. Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate by Meta
Best free scoial media courses – Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate
Yup.
The biggest social media company in the world has its own social media course. The comprehensive program is available on Coursera and aims to help learners develop essential social media marketing skills – including must-have AI skills – to get you ready for the job market.
And the best part?
The course is degree credit eligible, helping you get a headstart on your tertiary education.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to create and execute an effective social media management strategy.
- Building a strong social media brand presence.
- Mastering ad creation and management on Facebook and Instagram.
- How to analyse social media performance metrics to optimise campaigns.
Who is Best Suited for the Course:
This course is perfect for aspiring social media marketers, small business owners, and digital marketing professionals looking to enhance their expertise. It’s particularly beneficial for those aiming to specialise in Facebook and Instagram marketing.
2. Fundamentals of Digital Marketing by Google
Best free scoial media courses – Fundamentals of Digital Marketing by Google
Need a solid foundation program in digital marketing?
Then this course by Google (available Google Skillshop and Interactive Advertising Bureau-accredited course) is right up your alley.
Designed by Google trainers, the 24 models include practical exercises and real-world examples to help you turn your knowledge into action.
What You’ll Learn:
- The basics of digital marketing including SEO, creating engaging content marketing, and local marketing.
- How to sell products or services online.
- The basics of email marketing and online advertising.
- How to build your online presence and plan your business strategy.
Who is Best Suited for the Course:
This course is ideal for beginners (whether you’re a business or a professional) looking to start their journey in digital marketing who want to learn a little bit of everything.
3. Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content by the University of Pennsylvania
Best free scoial media courses – Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content
Got the basics down?
Great!
It’s time to kick things up a notch with the Viral Marketing course by the University of Pennsylvania.
Brought to you via Coursera, you’ll learn the science behind what makes content go viral. Once you understand why some things become popular and others don’t, you can use your knowledge to develop a social media strategy to grow your online influence.
Taught by Professor Johan Berger, an expert in viral marketing and the author of the best-selling book, “Contagious: Why Things Catch On“, you’re in good hands to set you on the path to viral success.
What You’ll Learn:
- The principles of viral marketing and why people share content.
- Techniques for making your content more engaging and shareable.
- How to use social currency, triggers, emotion, public visibility, practical value, and storytelling to create contagious content.
- Strategies for leveraging word-of-mouth and social media marketing to reach your target audience.
Who is Best Suited for the Course:
This course is perfect for marketing professionals, content creators, and social media managers ready to create viral content and generate brand awareness. Keep in mind that you will need to have the basics down like your target audience, funnels, and how to use each platform you want to build a presence on.
4. Online Advertising and Social Media by the University of Maryland
Learn social media digital advertising and improve your social media efforts.
Navigating the world of online advertising can be challenging, but the University of Maryland’s course on edX offers a thorough guide to help you master social media advertising.
You’ll delve into the nuances of running ads on various social media platforms while learning essential data analysis skills to refine and optimize your strategies.
What You’ll Learn:
- The different online advertising ecosystems.
- How to evaluate your online display campaigns.
- Methods for analyzing the effectiveness of your chosen social media networks.
- How to analyze Social Media Big Data.
Who is Best Suited for the Course:
This course is a great option if you’re looking to expand your social media strategy skillset and learn how to develop and launch an effective social advertising campaign. It’s also a good option for new social media analysts who need a solid foundation in social data analysis to make data-driven decisions for social campaigns.
5. Advanced Content and Social Tactics by the University of California, Davis
Best free scoial media courses – Advanced Content and Social Tactics
Rounding off our list of the top social media courses is another intermediate training.
The Advanced Content and Social Tactics is designed by the University of California to help you learn the more complex sides of developing a social media marketing strategy.
Specifically? Creating an influencer marketing strategy that gets results.
What You’ll Learn:
- Developing and implementing an influencer marketing strategy.
- How to find the right influencers for your brand.
- Strategies for building your social media presence.
- How to identify great content and analyse it to replicate its success.
Who is Best Suited for the Course:
You’re a digital marketer or a small business owner ready to start working with influencers and grow your website traffic.
Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Social Media Marketing Course
Selecting the right social media course will impact your learning experience and the effectiveness of your new skills. Here are the top four tips to help you choose the best course for your needs:
Identify Your Goals
Start by identifying your goals and what you hope to achieve from the social media marketing certification. Are you looking to improve your overall social media strategy, master particular social media platforms, or gain advanced skills in content creation and social media analytics? Knowing your objectives will help you narrow down the options and choose a course that aligns with your goals.
Consider Your Current Skill Level
Evaluate your current knowledge and skill level. If you’re a beginner, look for courses that cover the basics and provide a strong foundation. Intermediate and advanced learners should seek out courses that delve into more complex social media marketing strategies and offer insights into the latest trends and tools.
Review The Course Content and Structure
Review the course syllabus and content to ensure it covers the topics you’re interested in. Look for a well-structured course that includes a mix of video tutorials, practical exercises, case studies, and interactive elements.
Look for Industry Experts and Credentials
Choose courses taught by industry experts with proven credentials. Instructors with real-world experience and a strong track record in social media marketing can provide valuable insights and practical advice. Additionally, courses affiliated with reputable organisations or institutions often offer higher-quality content and recognised certifications.
Social Media Marketing Courses: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a certification from free social media courses?
Yes, many free courses offer certifications upon completion, which can enhance your resume and LinkedIn profile and even give you degree credits.
How long do these courses typically take to complete?
The duration varies; some can be completed in a few hours, while others might take several weeks. It also depends on your personal capacity and how much time you have every day or week to devote to the course.
Are free social media courses as effective as paid ones?
Yes. Free courses can be just as effective, especially if they are from reputable sources like universities and cover current industry trends.
From Courses to Campaigns: Combine Your New Skills with Plann for Social Media Success
There you have it.
The top social media courses for beginners or intermediates looking to further hone their skills.
But absorbing knowledge is only the first step. Next, you need to apply your knowledge to the real world.
Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Plann Plus today and connect all your social media accounts under a single platform. Use the social media calendar to stay consistent, beat writer’s block with our AI caption writer, and save time by cross-posting your content to all your social media channels in a single click.
