It’s hard to imagine a world without social media these days. Not just as a source of entertainment but a basic in business practice. Without social media awareness, skills or resources, a company will struggle to be seen and remain competitive. Social media training is the best way to combat this and make your business grow online.

Social media training is a staple resource for your business. It means you can engage with your audience, sell products,  advertise for job vacancies plus many more.

However, simply ‘doing’ social media isn’t enough. Being knowledgeable gives you leverage to stay ahead in an ever-changing digital world, meaning to your customers – you are always relevant.

Why Social Media Training is Important

You are probably already aware of how much social media is consumed. Your friends, family – and probably most people you know – use social media.

However, you’re maybe not aware of just how many people actually go online and use social media. 

According to DataReportal’s July 2023 Global Statshot report, there are an estimated 4.9 billion people using social media this year. This staggering number represents 60.6% of the global population in 2023. Compared to 2022, the number of social media users has grown by 173 million, reflecting massive growth at an average rate of 5.5 new users every single second over the past year.

Top Social Platforms (Estimated as of early 2024)

• Facebook: 2.99 billion monthly active users
• YouTube: 2.53 billion monthly active users
• WhatsApp: 2 billion monthly active users
• Instagram: 2 billion monthly active users
• TikTok: 1.08 billion monthly active users
• WeChat: 1.32 billion monthly active users

Importantly, social media adoption is surging in developing countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. In 2023, an estimated 2.6 billion social media users will come from developing nations. Markets like India, Indonesia, and Brazil are seeing the fastest growth rates as mobile internet expands. Companies seeking to tap into emerging markets are focused on localising content and experiences for these next billion users.

These figures alone reinforce why it is essential to be aware of social media. Each social media platform is a hub of different audiences for you to target and attract. So why wouldn’t you? 

It is understandable that social media can seem like a daunting world. There are so many platforms to choose from – where do you even start? 

This is where social media training comes in. It is a service that is responsible for breaking down in simple chunks what each platform is, the benefits of using it and how to use it. Rome wasn’t built in a day – and neither is a social media legacy. However, with the right techniques and expertise, it can be built for success.

The Benefits of Social Media Training

Being trained in social media opens up a world of benefits for not just your business but yourself and your employees.

Enhancing Skills and Employee Development

• Investment in Employees: Demonstrating a commitment to employee growth and professional development.
• Motivational Impact: Boosting employee morale and motivation through skill enhancement.
• Increased Confidence: Empowering employees to handle social media accounts effectively.
• Creativity and Innovation: Fostering a culture of creativity and innovation by equipping employees with new skills.

Reaching Your Target Audience Directly

• Audience Identification: Pinpointing your ideal customer demographics and interests.
• Engaging Content: Creating content that resonates with your target audience.
• Building Relationships: Fostering connections with customers through interactive platforms.
• Customer Feedback: Gathering valuable insights through customer comments and engagement.

Driving Revenue and Generating Leads

• Effective Product Promotion: Showcasing products and services in a visually appealing and informative manner.
• Targeted Advertising: Reaching specific demographics and interests through social media ads.
• Lead Generation: Capturing customer information through forms and calls to action.
• Sales Funnel Optimisation: Utilising social media to drive traffic, generate leads, and close sales.

Staying Updated with Industry Trends

• Continuous Learning: Keeping up with the latest social media trends, algorithms, and best practices.
• Adapting to Change: Adjusting strategies to accommodate evolving platforms and user behaviours.
• Competitive Advantage: Gaining a competitive edge by staying ahead of industry trends.

By investing in social media training, businesses can unlock the full potential of these platforms, enhance employee skills, reach their target audience, and drive revenue growth.

Social Media Platforms: Where to Post?

We’ve taken you through the importance and the benefits of using social media – but now you’re probably wondering where you can get started.

Social media takes up a huge part of the online sphere. It’s, therefore, no wonder there are so many platforms to choose from! However, we have broken down the top ones for you to consider, including Facebook, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

Facebook

Facebook is still the most popular social media platform in the UK, with 46 million active users. However, its user base has declined recently as younger people have migrated to other platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok. The average age of a Facebook user in the UK is now 34.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the second most popular social media platform in the UK, with 29.5 million active users. It is particularly popular among professionals, with 57.6% of users being aged between 25 and 34.

X/Twitter

X, previously known as Twitter, is the third most popular social media platform in the UK, with 13.7 million active users. It is more popular among younger people than Facebook or LinkedIn, with 38% of users being between 18 and 29 years old.

Instagram

Instagram is the fourth most popular social media platform in the UK, with 26.54 million active users. It is particularly popular among young people, with 30.4% of users being aged between 25 and 34.

TikTok

TikTok is the fifth most popular social media platform in the UK, with 3.7 million active users. It is the fastest-growing social media platform in the UK and is particularly popular among young people, with 26% of users being aged between 18 and 24.

Social Media Usage Statistics (as of early 2024)

As of early 2024, social media usage continued to grow rapidly worldwide. Here are some key statistics:

Global Reach

• Over 5 billion people worldwide are active social media users, representing approximately 63% of the global population.
• Growth: Social media usage has continued to grow steadily, with millions of new users joining platforms each month.

Top Social Media Platforms

• Facebook: Remains the most popular platform with over 3 billion monthly active users.
• YouTube: Continues to experience significant growth, with over 2.5 billion monthly active users.
• TikTok: Has seen explosive growth, reaching over 1 billion monthly active users.
• Instagram: Remains a popular platform for visual content, with over 2 billion monthly active users.
• WhatsApp: A widely used messaging app with over 2 billion monthly active users.

Time Spent on Social Media

• Average daily usage: Users spend an average of 2-3 hours on social media per day.
• Increased engagement: Users are becoming more engaged with social media content, interacting with posts and sharing content.

In social media training, these platforms will be introduced and dissected in greater detail. However, it is useful to know the facts and figures before delving deeper into the information.

Social Media Platforms: What to Post

You may be wondering now: ‘What do I post about my business?’. The best method is to think: ‘What do my customers need to know?’.

In social media training, you are given a wealth of insights into what posts work well and what ones don’t. For example, poorly made graphics, bad-quality images and spelling mistakes have no place on social media. This is because it can damage perception and cause for users not to take you seriously.

Instead, once you become a social media guru, you will be able to avoid these rookie mistakes and create engaging posts. As heads-up, short yet informative product posts, engaging polls, live streams and entertaining memes are just a few variations that will get you traction. 

It is also important that you keep yourself up-to-date with what is in the news and trending in case any of it aligns with your business. This way, you will have timely, relevant content that people will gain value from. 

If you want to tell people more about yourself – you are best using a blog format to host this information. That way, you can use it to post on social media – giving you more of a chance to engage with your audience.

While this blog has provided snippets of information, they are useful insights for you to be aware of and help you prepare before you embark on your intensive social media training. 

ProfileTree’s digital training courses are fully bespoke and personalised to your business’s needs. We take your employees through the most essential elements of digital strategy, enabling them to become more confident and capable online.

Different Social Media Training Formats: Choose the Right Fit for You

Navigating the ever-evolving social media landscape can be challenging, and investing in training can be a game-changer for personal and business success. However, with diverse training formats available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Let’s explore different options and guide you towards the perfect fit.

In-Person Workshops

In-person workshops offer a unique opportunity for participants to engage in interactive learning experiences, collaborate with others, and gain valuable insights.

Advantages

• Interactive learning: Direct interaction with trainers and peers fosters collaborative learning, immediate feedback, and networking opportunities.
• Immersive experience: Hands-on activities and real-time problem-solving enhance engagement and knowledge retention.
• Structured environment: Provides a designated time and space for focused learning, eliminating distractions.

Disadvantages

• Limited availability: Availability may be restricted to specific locations and dates.
• Higher cost: Can be more expensive than online options, especially with travel considerations.
• Less individualised attention: Attention may be divided among participants, limiting personalised guidance.

Suitable for

• Learners who benefit from hands-on activities, thrive in group settings, and value face-to-face interaction.
• Teams seeking a collaborative learning experience and team-building benefits.
• Businesses with multiple employees requiring training, where location allows for in-person sessions.

Online Courses

Online courses have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a flexible and convenient way to acquire new skills and knowledge. With a wide range of topics available, from programming to photography, online courses cater to learners of all levels and interests.

Advantages

• Flexibility: Learn at your own pace, anywhere with an internet connection.
• Wide range of options: Varied topics, difficulty levels, and durations cater to diverse needs and budgets.
• Scalability: Easily accessible for individuals or large teams regardless of location.

Disadvantages

• Limited interaction: Less opportunity for direct engagement with instructors and peers, potentially hindering collaboration and feedback.
• Self-discipline required: Requires individual motivation and discipline to stay on track.
• Technical limitations: Internet connectivity and access to specific devices might be necessary.

Suitable for

• Self-directed learners who are comfortable with independent study and managing their own pace.
• Individuals with busy schedules or geographical limitations.
• Businesses seeking cost-effective training options for geographically dispersed teams.

One-on-One Coaching

One-on-one coaching is a personalised approach to development that involves working closely with a trained professional to achieve specific goals. Coaches provide guidance, support, and accountability, helping individuals unlock their full potential and overcome challenges.

Advantages

• Highly personalised: Tailored learning experience designed around your specific needs, goals, and learning style.
• Maximised attention: Receive focused feedback and guidance from an experienced coach.
• Flexible scheduling: Sessions can be customised to fit your availability.

Disadvantages

• Highest cost: Typically the most expensive format due to individualised attention.
• Limited availability: Finding a qualified coach with your required expertise might be challenging.
• Requires active participation: Success hinges on your commitment and active engagement.

Suitable for

• Individuals who are seeking rapid progress and personalised guidance to overcome specific challenges.
• Executives or high-profile individuals require tailored training and strategic expertise.
• Businesses with unique needs or complex marketing objectives demand highly customised training.

Remember

• Consider your learning style: Are you hands-on, visual, or auditory? Do you prefer independent study or group interaction?
• Evaluate your budget: Compare costs associated with different formats and choose what aligns with your resources.
• Assess your needs: Determine your specific goals and challenges to select the format offering the most relevant and targeted training.

Key Skills Learned in Social Media Training: Level Up Your Online Presence

Mastering the ever-evolving social media landscape requires more than just knowing your way around different platforms. Effective social media training equips you with a powerful toolkit of skills to engage your audience, build your brand, and achieve your online goals. Let’s delve into some crucial skills you’ll gain through comprehensive training:

Content Creation

• Content Strategy & Planning: Learn how to develop a content strategy that aligns with your brand voice and resonates with your target audience. Master calendar planning and content mix optimisation for maximum impact.
• Storytelling & Engagement: Discover the art of crafting compelling stories that captivate audiences and drive action. Learn to leverage different content formats (text, images, videos, live streams) effectively.
• Copywriting & Editing: Hone your writing skills to create clear, concise, and persuasive copy that grabs attention and motivates engagement. Learn best practices for platform-specific writing and SEO optimisation.

Community Management

• Building & Nurturing Communities: Foster a thriving online community by understanding your audience, interacting authentically, and addressing concerns promptly. Learn effective community management strategies to boost loyalty and advocacy.
• Moderation & Conflict Resolution: Develop the skills to effectively manage online conversations, address negativity, and maintain a positive community environment. Learn best practices for handling sensitive situations and fostering respectful interactions.
• Social Listening & Engagement: Master the art of listening to your audience on social media. Analyse conversations, identify trends, and leverage insights to inform your content and engagement strategies.

Advertising & Paid Promotion

• Campaign Planning & Targeting: Learn how to develop targeted social media advertising campaigns that reach your ideal audience and achieve your specific goals (brand awareness, lead generation, conversions).
• Budgeting & Optimisation: Understand different ad formats, bidding strategies, and budget allocation to optimise your paid advertising campaigns for maximum return on investment (ROI).
• Analytics & Reporting: Track your campaign performance, measure key metrics, and gain valuable insights to refine your targeting and optimise your ad spend for continuous improvement.

Social Media Analytics & Insights

• Data Analysis & Interpretation: Learn how to analyse key social media metrics (engagement, reach, impressions, conversions) to understand your audience and measure the effectiveness of your efforts.
• Reporting & Presentation: Develop skills to translate complex data into actionable insights and present them effectively to stakeholders or clients, demonstrating the impact of your social media activities.
• Industry Benchmarking & Trends: Understand industry benchmarks and emerging trends to stay ahead of the curve and adapt your social media strategy for continued success.

Social Media Campaign Management

• Measurement & Optimisation: Continuously monitor campaign performance, analyse results, and make data-driven adjustments to optimise your campaigns for maximum impact.
• Campaign Development & Execution: Learn how to develop comprehensive social media campaigns that integrate organically and paid elements, aligned with your overall marketing goals.
• Project Management & Collaboration: Master project management skills to manage timelines and resources and collaborate effectively with team members to ensure smooth campaign execution.

Conclusion

Investing in social media training can be a game-changer for your online success. By developing essential skills, staying informed about trends, and accessing ongoing support, you can navigate the dynamic social media landscape with confidence. Remember, the key is continuous learning, adaptation, and utilising the knowledge gained to create engaging content, connect with your audience, and achieve your desired outcomes. Take the first step today and embark on your journey to social media mastery!

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