Deciding to study towards an Online Social Media Marketing (OMSM) qualification can seem overwhelming, there are so many courses to choose from. With so much information available and diverse opinions on social media, how can you make sure you’re making the right decision for you? There is no set formula for success in this industry, but, if you follow this advice you will be well on your way to choosing the right qualification for you.
Know What To Look For
The first step before taking the plunge and committing to study is to make sure that the OMSM qualification(s) you are considering will fit with your long-term career plans. It is imperative that you find a course that will not only suit your needs but also has a good reputation amongst employers. If possible, do some research into the employability of previous students. This will give you a sense of whether or not the course is suitable for you. There are a variety of misconceptions that surround the OMSM qualification, many people believe that it is only relevant for digital marketing, when, in fact, it is a useful qualification to have regardless of your role within digital marketing.
If you are interested in a career in marketing, then it would be beneficial to consider studying towards an OMSM qualification. Even if you don’t intend to enter the field directly, having this qualification will certainly put you ahead of the competition.
Consider Your Goals
With any new venture, be sure to set yourself some challenging yet realistic goals. Being the sole focus of studies for such a substantial amount of time can sometimes work against you. In addition to this, you will need to factor in some free time to complete your studies, especially if you are following a full-time schedule. Setting yourself these goals will keep you focused on what is important and, at the same time, help you gauge your progress. This way, you can identify whether or not you are on the right track and if you need to make any course adjustments.
The Employability Of Previous Students
Having considered what to look for and your goals, it’s time to look into previous students’ opinions. The best place to find this information is from the universities that offer the course. If possible, look into both the graduate’s and undergraduate’s reviews, this will give you a clear indication of whether or not the course is suitable for you. As well as this, there should be some kind of indicator for how helpful the course is in getting you employment. This will vary from university to university, but, in general, the more reviews that are positive the more suitable the course is for you.
The Types Of Skills You Will Learn
The OMSM qualification does not only cover the theory behind social media, you will also need to know how to put this theory into practice. Practice makes perfect and, with any new skill, there is always room for improvement. Therefore, you will be learning throughout the duration of the course. The type of skills you will learn will depend on which area of the world the course is conducted in and the role you play within that area. If the course is conducted in the United Kingdom and you play a supporting role, then you will learn skills such as SEO, SEM, as well as Analytics. In addition to this, you will be expected to keep up with the latest trends and technologies in the field.
If the course is conducted in Australia and you play a support role, then you will learn social selling, customer care and sales enablement. To round off this section, if the course is conducted in North America and you are a support or junior role, then you will learn digital marketing and media planning. With any new skill, there is always room for improvement and, with any new job, you will need to keep up to date with the latest trends and technologies.
How Much Does It Cost?
Depending on where you are in the world and the country you are from, the cost of your chosen OMSM qualification will vary. In general, university courses usually cost a lot more than other types of education. The cost of your qualification will be determined by the university you choose, the license you apply for and how long the course lasts. Typically, the more advanced your role is in your chosen field, the more you will pay. You will need to factor in additional costs such as exam costs, research methods and materials. For example, the Data Analytics module from the Certificate III in Digital Marketing will typically cost around £500 to study for, including exams and a course pack.
The Difference Between The Two
If you are wondering whether or not to study towards an OMSM qualification, then it’s important to understand the difference between marketing and social media marketing. Marketing is the general process of bringing a product to market, this could include TV commercials, print ads, or online marketing. The latter includes all the techniques used to promote a product or service online. When discussing social media marketing, the main thing to keep in mind is: the customer is king.
As a brand or business, you will always be accountable for your actions online and, in this instance, you are the product. Before you launch any kind of marketing campaign, it is essential that you consider the impact that it will have on your target audience. In the case of TV commercials, this means considering whether or not the demographic will like the product or service you are trying to sell. The same goes for print and online ads. Before you put a single penny into any kind of marketing campaign, it is imperative that you consider what your target audience wants and expects. In social media marketing, you will be using various platforms to connect with your audience. These platforms vary from the traditional, such as Twitter and Facebook, to video and audio platforms such as YouTube and SoundCloud.
Whether you are running an online store, blog or an on-demand business, you will need customers to survive. To draw in customers, you will be using various techniques. Some of these techniques are free, while others require a budget. The important thing to keep in mind is that, in any situation, you are accountable for your actions. If you have a social media account, whether you realize it or not, you are always marketing online, even when you are not posting on social media platforms. This means you are responsible for your account’s content, whether you like it or not. In this case, the buck stops here. It is important to be mindful of what you post on social media because, ultimately, it is your content that will drive customers to your business. As much as possible, you want to keep your social media posts PG rated and ensure you do not post any content that could be deemed as harmful to minors.
Taking Time Off Work
It is imperative you take time off work to study, however, this will be difficult for some people. If possible, look into how you can combine your studies with work. For example, you could do a few hours of work each week while also studying. This could be in the form of a part-time job or a pro-bono project. It is important to find a way to make this work, especially if you want to keep your job. Once you complete your studies, you will be free to look for new work and continue earning a living. This will be difficult if you have children, however, with flexible working hours and perhaps even a bit of freelance work, you could manage your studies while also caring for your children.
Choosing The Right University
When choosing a university to study at, the first and most important thing to consider is the location. This is particularly important if you are looking for a career in marketing, you will be spending a lot of time travelling. It is beneficial to study at a university that is close to where you live. If possible, look into the graduate employment opportunities at each university. This will give you an indication of the job prospects in your chosen field. As well as this, be sure to consider the university’s resources. Are they a good fit for a digital marketing graduate looking for a career in marketing?
If you are still deciding which university to study at, then it’s time to put your personal preferences aside and consider what is best for you. As previously mentioned, the decision will depend on your long-term career goals as well as your present financial situation. Ultimately, it is up to you to make the right decision for you and your future. If you are considering an OMSM qualification, then it is imperative you do your research and find a course that is right for you.