10 Best Free Online Courses to Learn Social Media Marketing

1. Introduction to Social Media Strategy by Skillshare
   • URL: Skillshare Course
   • Summary: Created by Buffer, this course is designed for beginners to intermediate learners. It covers creating a solid social media strategy, understanding your audience, and using the right marketing tools.
   • Key Learnings: Building a social media strategy, content creation, and curation.
   • Ideal For: Anyone looking to start or improve their social media strategy on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Twitter.
2. The Business of Social by Coursera
   • URL: Coursera Course
   • Summary: Offered by Northwestern University, this advanced course focuses on tracking social media performance and linking it to sales and other business outcomes.
   • Key Learnings: Social media performance tracking, legal considerations in social media.
   • Ideal For: Marketers and business owners interested in leveraging social media for tangible business results.
3. PPC University by WordStream
   • URL: WordStream Course
   • Summary: Focuses on pay-per-click and social ads across various platforms, ideal for those looking to dive into paid social media strategies.
   • Key Learnings: Creating social ad strategies, understanding pay-per-click marketing.
   • Ideal For: Intermediate learners and marketers interested in paid advertising on social media.
4. Social Listening: Your Launchpad to Success on Social Media by Sprout Social
   • URL: Sprout Social Course
   • Summary: Covers the importance of social media listening for brand health and competitor analysis, with practical strategies for application.
   • Key Learnings: Difference between social media monitoring and listening, brand and competitor analysis.
   • Ideal For: Small businesses and marketers aiming to build a community and maintain a positive reputation.
5. Meta Blueprint Marketing Courses for Businesses
   • URL: Meta Blueprint
   • Summary: Meta offers free courses tailored for small businesses, covering content strategy for Instagram and mastering TikTok among other topics.
   • Key Learnings: Developing a content strategy, mastering platform-specific features.
   • Ideal For: Small business owners looking to establish or enhance their social media presence.
6. Writing for Social Media by edX
   • URL: edX Course
   • Summary: Offered by the University of California, Berkeley, it provides insights into writing content tailored to social media audiences.
   • Key Learnings: Tailoring content for your audience, effective writing strategies.
   • Ideal For: Anyone looking to improve their content writing skills for social media.
7. Social Media Marketing Certification by HubSpot Academy
   • URL: HubSpot Academy Course
   • Summary: Covers the essentials of social media marketing, including strategy, content creation, and analytics.
   • Key Learnings: Digital marketing basics, social media strategy creation.
   • Ideal For: Beginners in digital marketing and those looking to earn a certification in social media marketing.
8. Introduction to Social Media Advertising by Skillshare
   • URL: Skillshare Course
   • Summary: Focuses on the foundations of social media marketing and advertising, ideal for beginners.
   • Key Learnings: Digital marketing terminology, developing compelling copy and visuals.
   • Ideal For: New marketers, growing brands, and small business owners.
9. Facebook Advertising & Social Selling Courses by Facebook
   • URL: Facebook Blueprint
   • Summary: Provides tutorials on setting up and optimizing Facebook ads for effective social selling.
   • Key Learnings: Content creation for ads, ad setup, and optimization.
   • Ideal For: Marketers and businesses looking to leverage Facebook and Instagram ads.
10. Social Media Marketing Lessons by Digital Marketing Institute
    • URL: Digital Marketing Institute
    • Summary: Offers a comprehensive view on developing effective social media strategies and content planning.
    • Key Learnings: Audience understanding, content strategy building, analytics for ROI measurement.
    • Ideal For: Marketers seeking a deep dive into strategic social media marketing and analytics.

Here are 10 recommended books and 10 podcasts on social media marketing that can complement your learning and provide additional insights into the field. These resources are known for their valuable content, practical advice, and innovative strategies in the world of social media marketing.

Recommended Books on Social Media Marketing

1. “Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook” by Gary Vaynerchuk – Offers insights into creating compelling content that stands out on social media platforms.
2. “The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users” by Guy Kawasaki and Peg Fitzpatrick – Provides actionable tips for enhancing your social media presence.
3. “Social Media Marketing All-in-One For Dummies” by Jan Zimmerman and Deborah Ng – A comprehensive guide covering all aspects of social media marketing.
4. “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert B. Cialdini – Although not solely about social media, this book offers invaluable insights into persuasion which is crucial for social media marketing.
5. “Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age” by Jonah Berger – Explains why certain things go viral and how you can use these principles for your content.
6. “Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence-and How You Can, Too” by Gary Vaynerchuk – Focuses on personal branding and how it can be leveraged on social media.
7. “The Zen of Social Media Marketing: An Easier Way to Build Credibility, Generate Buzz, and Increase Revenue” by Shama Hyder – Offers a stress-free approach to building a powerful online presence.
8. “Digital Marketing For Dummies” by Ryan Deiss and Russ Henneberry – A guide to digital marketing, including social media strategies.
9. “Likeable Social Media: How to Delight Your Customers, Create an Irresistible Brand, and Be Generally Amazing on Facebook (& Other Social Networks)” by Dave Kerpen – Provides strategies to enhance customer engagement and brand likability.
10. “Social Media ROI: Managing and Measuring Social Media Efforts in Your Organization” by Olivier Blanchard – Focuses on measuring the return on investment of social media activities.

Recommended Podcasts on Social Media Marketing

1. Social Media Marketing Podcast with Michael Stelzner – Offers expert interviews and insights on social media marketing strategies and trends.
2. Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield – Amy shares actionable online marketing advice, focusing significantly on social media marketing.
3. The GaryVee Audio Experience – Gary Vaynerchuk discusses marketing, social media, and entrepreneurship with his unique perspective.
4. The Social Media Examiner Show – Provides quick, actionable tips for social media marketing success.
5. Social Pros Podcast – Hosted by Jay Baer and Adam Brown, this podcast dives deep into the real stories of how social media professionals drive results.
6. The Science of Social Media by Buffer – Offers insights into social media marketing strategies, data analysis, and the science behind social media trends.
7. Savvy Social Podcast with Andréa Jones – Focuses on the strategies behind social media marketing and how to make your brand stand out.
8. Marketing Over Coffee – A podcast that covers both classic and new marketing, including social media tips and interviews with marketing professionals.
9. AskPat 2.0: A Weekly Coaching Call on Online Business, Blogging, Marketing, and Lifestyle Design – Pat Flynn answers your questions on online business and marketing, with a focus on digital strategies including social media.
10. Hashtag Authentic: Finding creativity and building a community on Instagram and beyond – Sara Tasker shares tips on Instagram marketing and building an online community.

These books and podcasts can provide a wealth of knowledge to enhance your understanding and skills in social media marketing, offering both foundational concepts and cutting-edge strategies.