Take away practical strategies and real-world techniques you can immediately apply to build and strengthen your organization’s social media presence. You’ll explore the top five considerations to evaluate before launching a social network and gain actionable tips for effectively managing and growing an engaged online community. You’ll also learn how to create your own private social network using the Ning platform and determine whether it’s the right fit for your goals. Discover the essential tools to streamline and organize your social media efforts, and learn how to integrate your platforms seamlessly into your website for a cohesive digital presence. See how Google Docs and Google Calendar can enhance collaboration and scheduling, and explore how online video can support your marketing, communication, and customer engagement goals. We’ll also discuss mobile check-in applications, coupon and deal platforms, and how businesses are leveraging them to drive traffic and build loyalty. Learn how to properly list your company on local search engines to increase visibility and attract more customers in your area. Gain insight into how modern web design has evolved, including key principles of usability testing and user interface design. Participants are encouraged to bring their website for constructive feedback and practical improvement ideas. Finally, tackle the challenge of managing today’s fast-paced information environment. Develop a manageable workflow, explore productivity strategies to stay organized, and identify common social media mistakes to avoid. You’ll also review essential social media policies for employees and learn about emerging trends so you can confidently align your goals with the future of digital communication. This course is included in the Social Media for Business Certificate course.

Take away practical strategies and real-world techniques you can immediately apply to build and strengthen your organization’s social media presence. You’ll explore the top five considerations to evaluate before launching a social network and gain actionable tips for effectively managing and growing an engaged online community. You’ll also learn how to create your own private social network using the Ning platform and determine whether it’s the right fit for your goals. Discover the essential tools to streamline and organize your social media efforts, and learn how to integrate your platforms seamlessly into your website for a cohesive digital presence. See how Google Docs and Google Calendar can enhance collaboration and scheduling, and explore how online video can support your marketing, communication, and customer engagement goals. We’ll also discuss mobile check-in applications, coupon and deal platforms, and how businesses are leveraging them to drive traffic and build loyalty. Learn how to properly list your company on local search engines to increase visibility and attract more customers in your area. Gain insight into how modern web design has evolved, including key principles of usability testing and user interface design. Participants are encouraged to bring their website for constructive feedback and practical improvement ideas. Finally, tackle the challenge of managing today’s fast-paced information environment. Develop a manageable workflow, explore productivity strategies to stay organized, and identify common social media mistakes to avoid. You’ll also review essential social media policies for employees and learn about emerging trends so you can confidently align your goals with the future of digital communication. This course is included in the Social Media for Business Certificate course.

Stay competitive in today’s fast-changing digital landscape by learning how to strategically use social media to communicate, market, and better serve your customers and clients. Designed for professionals in business, nonprofit, government, and organizational settings, this course provides a practical and strategic approach to social media engagement. Explore the core principles of modern digital communication and how they apply across major platforms including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube, blogs, and more. Gain clarity on how each platform functions, its unique strengths, and how it can support your organization’s goals. You’ll learn how to build a purposeful two-way communication strategy, strengthen brand presence, and create meaningful engagement with your audience. Walk away knowing: What your organization should be doing on social media What opportunities you may be missing How to develop a clear, actionable plan for implementation Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your current efforts, this course delivers both strategic insight and practical, hands-on techniques you can immediately apply. Instruction is led by experienced practitioners who actively work in the field and regularly speak, write, and train on social media strategy—bringing real-world expertise directly to you. Registering for this certificate program will automatically enroll you in the three required courses: Introduction to Social Media, Integrating Social Media in Your Organization, and Marketing Using Social Media.