Social Media Marketing (SMM) is the process of using social media platforms to promote a product or service. It can take the form of different activities, from creating or sharing content to running advertisements to engaging with customers on your feed or direct messages.
Businesses conduct SMM for a variety of reasons such as increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, generating leads or improving customer loyalty. Managing your own social media presence allows you to have more control over your brand’s messaging and quickly respond to any customer inquiries or concerns. Additionally, SMM can be a cost-effective way to promote your business.
Whether you already manage a brand’s social media page or are looking to start a career in social media — we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best social media marketing resources in a variety of formats for you to start learning.
#1. Buffer Social Media Blog
Buffer is a software company that develops social media tools aimed at helping businesses grow an audience. Their blog is an excellent collection of SMM learning resources to help marketers of all levels learn about social media marketing.
They regularly post content on a variety of topics related to social media, including best practices, tips and tricks, and case studies. They also cover a variety of social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Buffer’s blog posts are well-written and informative, and often provide actionable advice that can help businesses and individuals improve their social media presence.
Read the Buffer Social Media Blog.
#2. HubSpot Marketing Blog
If you’ve been in the digital marketing industry for long enough, you’ve no doubt come across HubSpot or even read one of their blog articles. HubSpot is a software company that provides a variety of marketing, sales, and customer service tools to help businesses grow.
Although primarily focused on inbound marketing, the HubSpot Marketing Blog is one of the most useful SMM learning resources for building a following.
Most of HubSpot’s blog content focuses on attracting, engaging, and delighting customers through relevant and helpful content, rather than interrupting them with advertisements. The inbound best practices, trends and strategies they discuss can also be applied to building a social media community and organically growing your followers.
Read the HubSpot Marketing Blog.
#3. Sprout Social Blog
Sprout Social develops social media tools that help businesses and organisations manage their social media presence across multiple platforms. Like the other blog-based SMM learning resources on this list, the Sprout Social Blog offers a wealth of information on social media marketing.
Sprout Social’s blog covers social media strategies, best practices, case studies and industry trends. Besides keeping up to date with the latest social media industry news, readers can also gain insights into how other businesses and organisations have successfully used social media to achieve their goals. The articles on Sprout Social cover a wide variety of topics from content creation to engagement, analytics and advertising — making a great all-in-one resource to learn about the different aspects of social media marketing.
Read the Sprout Social Blog.
#4. Hootsuite Blog
Hootsuite is a social media management tool that allows users to schedule and publish posts, track analytics, and engage with followers across multiple social media platforms from one dashboard.
Their blog serves as a value-add for clients who use their software as well as a way to demonstrate their knowledge and attract prospective customers looking for valuable information. It covers all aspects of social media marketing, including industry news, best practices, and tips for using Hootsuite’s platform. Even if you’re not a user of Hootsuite social media tools, the blog is still one of the best SMM learning resources for marketers of all levels.
For example, beginners can learn the basics of social media marketing, how to set up a Hootsuite account, and how to schedule posts. Meanwhile, more advanced users can learn about advanced features of Hootsuite such as analytics, team collaboration, and social listening.
Read the Hootsuite Blog.
#5. Social Media Examiner Podcast
If you prefer your SMM resources in podcast form, check out the Social Media Marketing Podcast hosted by Social Media Examiner founder, Michael Stelzner. Available on all major podcast platforms from Apple to Google, Spotify, YouTube and Amazon — it is one of the most highly rated and longest-running social media podcasts with 4.7 stars out of 1,300 ratings on Apple podcast.
Michael interviews leading marketing experts across multiple industries and specialities every week discussing a wide range of topics including how to use different platforms, how to create effective content, and how to measure the success of your social media campaigns.
The podcast is designed to provide listeners with actionable tips, strategies, and insights to help them grow their online presence and reach their target audience.
In addition to interviews, the podcast also features roundtable discussions and solo shows where the hosts and guest share their latest findings and best practices.
Whether you’re a business owner, a marketer, or just someone looking to grow your personal brand online, the Social Media Examiner podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in the world of social media marketing.
Listen to the Social Media Examiner Podcast.
#6. Savvy Social Podcast
The Savvy Social Podcast is aimed at budding entrepreneurs who want to understand the “why” of social media marketing.
The podcast is hosted by social media strategist Andrea Jones. Each episode is short and sweet covering a specific topic and taking anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Each week, Andrea invites guests to talk about all things social media. Some podcasts consist of Andrea interviewing leading experts in the field, while others involve her sharing insights from her own experience as a social media strategist.
Some examples of the topics covered in the podcast are top social media trends and strategies, growing on LinkedIn, reviews of new social media apps, outsourcing your social media and more.
If you’re looking for a podcast that covers a wide variety of topics from specific social media platform tips to industry news coverage, social media management for businesses and more — the Savvy Social podcast is one of the most useful social media marketing resources you can turn to.
Listen to the Savvy Social Podcast.
#7. Book: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World
Prefer your SMM resources to be presented as a book? In Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World, entrepreneur, author and internet personality Gary Vaynerchuk shares how to effectively communicate and market on social media platforms by understanding the unique characteristics of your audience. Rated 4.6 stars out of over 2,500 ratings on Amazon, it is by far one of the bestselling books on social media marketing.
The book’s title refers to the idea that, just like in boxing, marketers should throw jabs (light, informative content) on different social media platforms before throwing a right hook (a call-to-action or promotional message) on the platform where it will be most effective. Gary argues that traditional advertising strategies don’t work as well on social media platforms and that businesses need to adapt their marketing strategies to be more conversational and engaging.
Inside you’ll find insights and blueprints for social media strategies Gary has used to great success. It covers various platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn, and covers how to create effective content for each platform, how to engage with the audience, and how to measure the success of your marketing campaigns. The book also provides practical advice on creating a content calendar, developing a social media strategy, and using social media tools to improve your marketing efforts.
Read Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World if you want to discover actionable strategies and practical examples to improve your social media marketing efforts and grow your business.
Buy and read the book: Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World.
#8. Book: One Million Followers
One Million Followers: How I Built a Massive Social Following in 30 Days is a book by social media expert Brendan Kane that provides readers with a step-by-step guide to building a large and engaged social media following.
Aimed at entrepreneurs, small business owners and anyone looking to build a personal brand or promote a product or service online — Kane provides a wealth of practical strategies and tactics he’s used to help brands build a following on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and more.
Notable celebrities Kane has built online platforms for include A-listers like Taylor Swift and Rihanna. He’s also advised brands like MTV, Skechers, Vice, and IKEA on establishing and growing their digital audience and engagement.
The book covers key topics such as creating engaging content, leveraging influencers, and using paid advertising to reach a wider audience. There are plenty of case studies and examples of individuals and businesses that have successfully used these strategies to build large followings on social media.
Kane also provides readers with actionable advice on how to measure the success of their social media efforts and make data-driven decisions. He covers key metrics such as engagement, reach, and conversion rates and explains how to use them to optimize content and improve ROI.
Buy and read the book: One Million Followers: How I Built a Massive Social Following in 30 Days.
#9. Simplilearn: What is Social Media Marketing Video
Simplilearn is a global online platform that provides professional certification courses and training programs in various fields. The platform offers a wide range of courses designed to help professionals enhance their skills and advance their careers.
The “Simplilearn: What is Social Media Marketing?” is a short 5-minute video that provides a comprehensive overview of social media marketing, explaining how businesses can leverage different social media platforms to reach their target audience, increase their brand visibility, engage with customers and drive sales.
It highlights the various types of social media platforms available today and explains how businesses can use these platforms to reach their target audience and achieve different marketing goals. The video also covers the benefits of social media marketing such as increased brand visibility, improved customer engagement and the ability to reach a wider audience on a low budget.
Finally, the video emphasises the importance of having a well-defined social media marketing strategy and consistent engagement with followers. It covers best practices for executing a successful strategy and how to keep followers engaged.
Overall, the “Simplilearn: What is Social Media Marketing” video is a valuable resource for businesses looking to get started with social media marketing or improve their existing strategy. It provides a clear and concise overview of the concept, the benefits of social media marketing, and the best practices for executing a successful social media marketing strategy.
Watch What is Social Media Marketing? by Simplilearn.
#10. Neil Patel: How to Start Social Media Marketing
Neil Patel is a digital marketer and entrepreneur known for his expertise in SEO, PPC advertising, and social media marketing. He shares his knowledge through his blog and YouTube channel, helping businesses grow their online presence.
In his “How to Start Social Media Marketing” YouTube video, Neil Patel outlines a strategy for launching a successful social media marketing campaign. He highlights the following four essential tips:
Pick the Right Social Network
Start to Create Content
Building Connection with People
How to Develop Valuable Connections
Following the tips outlined in his video, Neil Patel shares how businesses can build a connection with people through engagement — building trust and friendship before trying to sell. The video is relatively short at just slightly over 8 minutes but provides a succinct overview of social media marketing for complete beginners.
Watch How to Start Social Media Marketing by Neil Patel.
#Bonus. FirstCom Academy: Social Media Marketing Programme
From blogs to podcasts, e-books and videos, there are plenty of social media marketing resources available online to suit any learning style. We hope you’ve found the beginner-friendly SMM resources in this article useful in taking your social media campaigns to the next level.
While online courses can be convenient, why not accelerate your learning and become a competent social media marketer in just a few days?
Learn from experienced industry experts who will guide you and answer questions as they come up with FirstCom Academy’s social media marketing courses. From Facebook and Instagram to TikTok and LinkedIn, master the various social media platforms available today and upgrade your career!
All FirstCom Academy courses are WSQ-certified and SkillsFuture Credit-eligible designed to equip beginners with practical skills in as little time as possible. Taught by expert digital marketers with real-world social media marketing experience, each course provides learners with an in-depth understanding of social media tools and includes hands-on practice on how to navigate the ads manager interface and set up successful campaigns.
Interested? Sign up for FirstCom Academy’s Social Media Marketing programme today!
Read also:
- What is Social Media Marketing and How to Use It
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- How to Use Social Media Effectively for your Football Team
- Social Media Platforms Great for Promoting Your Small Business
- 8 Best Free & Paid Social Media Marketing (SMM) Training Certification Courses
