(Free) Resources for Social Media Marketers
The landscape of social media is fluid and ever changing. Contrary to what you might think, the strategy behind it for a business is much different from your daily casual habits. For beginners, the seemingly ubiquitous landscape takes on a new light in the business world where ethics, best practices, and engaging with different audiences fall into a new balancing act. In light of this ambiguity, we’ve created a list of the top resources we think you’ll need to check out in order to stay on top of your social media game.
Blogs
As the description states: this blog presents “the industry’s top wizards, doctors, and other expert’s best advice, research, how-tos, and insights — all in the name of helping you level-up your SEO and online marketing skills.”
HupSpot is all things social and marketing. A blog dedicated to all things marketing with a healthy section on social media do’s and don’ts. What I love about this blog is that they are always touching on the latest topics, asking relevant and timely questions.
Simply put, a blog dedicated to analytics, marketing, and testing. With fresh content updated nearly daily, this blog will have you thinking about your social media strategy and how you can use additional tools to take it a step further.
This visually pleasing and social media savvy blog will make you want more each time you visit. Bear in mind that this blog presents information with the assumption that the reader understands social media basics upon entering the site, so if it’s all new to you, brush up on your social media ABC’s before diving in.
If you are wondering about the timing for your social media posts, Buffer Social will have your back (and your calendar!). Mixed with a fairly diverse array of digital marketing topics, research, and discussions, this blog has a bit of everything.
Videos
Who doesn’t love a good TED Talk? TED has a special playlist dedicated solely to social media and digital marketing. We recommend you check out … all of them.
This is one of my favorite databases for all things learning. Similar to Khan Academy, Udemy allows you to explore various different topics and learn the basics of each category they have on file for free. If you want a more in-depth and involved educational experience, paid versions and courses are also available. Check out the Social Media Marketing section nestled under the Marketing Category. And while you’re there, check out all things marketing that they offer.
If you have a little extra cash to spare on your social media marketing education, Lynda is the go-to place. Bought out by LinkedIn a few years ago, Lynda has become the one-stop-shop of professional educational videos.
Podcasts
Need to save time and money? We all do, and this podcast will give you the insights you need to save in every which way. Focusing on services, tools, advice, and software, this is all things “bread and butter” of how to get started and keep going.
This podcast deals with all things internet. Not only will this podcast give you insights into the weird depths of the Internet, it will also give you a flavor for web trends and why certain content goes viral.
This entertaining and insightful podcast was created by Gary Vanynerchuck who started out blogging about wine and quickly gained traction in all things digital. Funny and interactive, this podcast will have you thinking more about not only about social media trends and history with a holistic and creative twist, but about business and entrepreneurship as well.
The Social Media Marketing Podcast is an on-demand talk radio show from Social Media Examiner. It’s designed to help busy marketers, business owners, and creators discover what works with social media marketing, and offer knowledgeable lessons from the pros that help you to avoid mistakes.
Books
This book is good for basic social media info. Great for those who are lacking experience in the field and looking to learn everything related to social media marketing.
As its title exclaims, everyone can write. However, not everyone has the guts to do so; let along produce great content. This book is really great for content development tips, and could be applied to essentially all industries.
The Art of Social Media: Powerful Tips for Powerful Users
Another good resource for general tips and strategy, The Art of Social Media gives readers a fresh perspective from one of the former chief evangelists of Apple and a pioneer in business, blogging, all things social media, and much more.
This list is by no means extensive, but it will give you the jump-start you need to learning — or brushing up on — your social media marketing skills. Whether you are at a small start-up or a Fortune 500 company, nailing down a solid strategy will be your biggest weapon as a social media marketer.
Notice that your favorite resource is missing from our list? Share it with us in the comments below.
