About HubSpot 

HubSpot is a website where you can sign up for courses to receive a certificate on a specific topic. This course is about the various aspects of social media marketing. Topics covered in the course included building a social media strategy, influencer marketing, user generated content, digital advertising, and crisis management. There are 10 different modules on different concepts, and then inside of each module there are more specific topic videos. 

Concepts included:

• Developing a Social Media Strategy
• Building a Content Strategy for Social Media
• Introduction to Social Media Advertising

There are quizzes along the way, and at the end of the course you take an exam to receive the certificate.

https://app-na2.hubspot.com/academy/245135930/tracks/9206658/9351196/7873670?language=EN

Social Media and Me

The two concepts that stood out the most to me were Extending Your Social Reach on Social Media and Introduction to Social Media Advertising. 

• Extending Your Social Reach on Social Media focuses on how to take your social media strategy to the next level, the value of influencer marketing, and the importance of User Generated Content (UGC). 
• Introduction to Social Media Advertising explains the advantages and importance of advertising on social media, and how to tailor an Ad for social media. 

These two concepts relate most closely to my career plans. I want to go into event planning and social media marketing, and extending your social reach on social media is a vital part of a successful event planning business. Understanding the differences between traditional advertising and social media advertising and knowing when to use each are crucial when working in social media marketing. Advertisements are much more personalized and intentional on social media because of the platform’s algorithm. 

Platforms take user data such as who you follow, what you like, how long you watch a video, etc., to push ads that relate to each individual user’s interests and lifestyle. For example, you are talking about a specific product, and later that day it pops up on your Instagram for you to buy it. Your phone isn’t secretly listening to you; rather, the algorithm has analyzed your behavior and successfully reached the product’s target audience.    

My Future in Social Media 

I think this course taught me several valuable things that I can use both in my education and in my professional life. While I was already familiar with some of the concepts, the course gave me a clearer understanding of how they can be used. Learning more about topics like influencer marketing, user-generated content, and social media advertising will be especially useful as I pursue my career plans. Earning this certification will also strengthen my resume when applying for internships and jobs.