3 Ways to Get Social Media Certified

Lauren Peek | @_LaurenPeek Social Media is rapidly becoming a staple in business today. Anyone who knows how to post can claim to be proficient in the platforms. It’s important to distinguish your knowledge of social media for business from the average Twitter or Facebook user. Getting certified is the perfect way to show businesses that you really do know what you’re doing and that you would be a valuable asset to their company. But how do you get certified? Here are three options:

1. The 2014 Social Media Business Equation Certification class is offered by Social Media Delivered at the Hilton Anatole in downtown Dallas from August 4 - 7. It is based on a successful formula developed by Social Media Delivered Founder and CEO Eve Mayer. This four-day course includes instruction in launching and managing social media campaigns on multiple social media platforms, crafting and delivering content according to the Social Media Business Equation, building loyal online communities, best practices to drive results, measurement tools, and real life case studies. After the final exam, attendees walk away with their certificate and a copy of the Social Media Business Equation handbook.  The certification is good for one year and can be renewed each year via a refresher webinar, all included in the $2,500 fee.
2. The University of Texas at Arlington offers a Social Media Marketing Certificate. The classes that make up this certificate teach students how to use social media tools proficiently and meet client goals in addition to providing practical experience outside the classroom with a real world project. The certificate has two required sections and allows students to pick five additional sections. The certificate offers classes in Social Media Marketing, Pinterest, Google+, Meetup, Email Marketing, Blog Marketing (including Tumblr and Instagram), Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn Marketing, Mobile Marketing, and YouTube Marketing. The certificate itself costs $50. Classes to attain the certificate range in price from $200 to $270. Upon verification of completion, the certificate is mailed to the student’s address.
3. Mediabistro offers an online Social Media Certificate Program. The certification has four required courses and two electives. When participants have completed the requirements, they simply request their certificate. These courses cover managing a social presence on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Foursquare and YouTube; connecting with an online audience in an authentic and meaningful way; developing and executing a social media strategy for personal or professional use, and setting strategic goals to measure success. The $1,650 enrollment fee includes priority notice about courses, expedited enrollment, and access to Mediabistro's Freelance Marketplace and AvantGuild.