I love a good challenge, especially work-related challenges that often force you to step out of your comfort zone and expand your knowledge on a certain topic. When asked to take on something new, some of us work better under pressure (aka procrastinators), while others are organized and like to get things done as soon as possible. No matter your working style, in the end you’ve learned something new.
After recently finishing a course on Facebook marketing, I learned that there are some things that cannot be taught in the span of an 11-hour internet course. Sometimes, you have to learn as you go. Once you’re familiar with the ins and outs of a specific platform, you know it like the back of your hand. Facebook is, by far, the most intricate of these platforms because they are always updating to enhance the user experience. It’s challenging to keep up with these changes. Instagram is often a preferred channel, because of its simplicity. Even with the plethora of trending hashtags and eye-catching pictures and videos, it still manages to cut right to the chase. However, the two go hand-in-hand because they can be linked together.
It’s no secret that social media marketing is in high gear. If you have a Facebook page, you know what I’m talking about. We’ve all seen the ads that pop up in our newsfeed while scrolling through updates. Those ads sometimes make you wonder, ‘how does Facebook know I’m interested in that?’ Well, because you are part of a targeted audience that showed interest in that product at some point in time. Even if it wasn’t on Facebook! Creepy, right? Well, in the eyes of a social media manager, it’s smart marketing.
As a social media manager, my job is a beast. Creating content is one thing, but making sure your content is properly targeted and strategically positioned to help your client capture leads is another. On the outside looking in, ads seem simple and relatable most of the time. But like a lot of things, it’s an art and a science. Trial and error is a way to ensure that you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck. There is no one-size-fits-all, especially for #Strella.
Indeed, there is no substitute for experience.
Do you think social media marketing can be taught? Or, do you believe it’s learned over time?
