Social media in particular has become a very lucrative market for businesses, boasting over 4.9 billion users across multiple platforms, just waiting to click ‘add to cart.’ This makes social media marketing a fulfilling and lucrative career choice for those who currently work in or are interested in digital marketing. Consisting of developing brand identity and increasing brand awareness, social media marketers are essential to any company that sells products or services online.
The 10 Best Online Social Media Marketing Classes
- Coursera—Meta Social Media Marketing Certificate
- Noble Desktop—Social Media Marketing Certificate
- headTrix—Social Media Marketing Training
- Digital Workshop Center—Social Media Beginners Class
- Digital Marketing Institute—Social Media Marketing Course (Professional Certification)
- UCLA Extension—Social Media Marketing MGMT X 460.398
- eCornell—Social Media Marketing Certificate Program
- Noble Desktop—Social Media Content Marketing: Blogs & X (formerly known as Twitter)
- HootSuite—Social Media Marketing Certification Course
- Reforge—Retention + Engagement
#1: Coursera—Meta Social Media Marketing Certificate (On-Demand)
This certificate course will help you build the skills to launch your career in social media marketing. You’ll study how to establish an online presence, build a following, and manage our social media accounts, all at your own pace. Each student will learn to create Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns in Meta Ads Manager, develop a strong brand presence, and evaluate and interpret the results of your ad campaigns with the help of analytics. Plus, you’ll have both portfolio-ready projects and a certification to add to your resume by the end of this course.
Key Information
This certification course is included with a Coursera Plus membership for $59 per month (or $399 annually). There are no prerequisites for this class and it typically takes four months to complete with three hours of on-demand class time each week.
More Details
Once completed, your certificate can be added to your LinkedIn profile, and you’ll also have access to resources like resume reviewing, internet prep, and career support.
Below are a few reviews of this program:
- "I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work." – Jennifer J.
- "To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood." – Felipe M.
- "Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits." – Chaitanya A.
#2: Noble Desktop—Social Media Marketing Certificate (Live)
Become a master of social media in this interactive online certificate program. From creating awareness of your products/services to customer acquisition, social media is increasingly important to a business’s success. You’ll get hands-on experience with Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn while you learn how to develop a successful social media strategy. This course will teach you to create content that increases sales and engagement, how to gain more followers, and the importance of social analytics to help you improve your results. Additional information like class materials and how to log on will be sent after your register.
Key Information
This course consists of 72 hours of live instruction. There are no prerequisites. It costs $2,495 to attend and you can choose to pay upfront, pay in five installments, or apply for a Climb Credit Student Loan. You’ll have no interest or added fees with installments or a loan and will be required to pay a 10% deposit at checkout.
More Details
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to showcase your marketing ideas in a professional portfolio that you can share with employers and clients. You can also optimize your resume, LinkedIn profile, and social media accounts to highlight your certification and make yourself stand out as a job candidate. You also have access to top-notch curricula, supplemental materials to assist both during and after the course and one year to retake your course (or part of it) for free.
Below are a few reviews of this program:
- “Before this class, I didn’t see the point of LinkedIn for a self-employed person like me, but it’s now really clear and I’ll use the platform much more effectively.” – Victoria M.
- “I recently had the opportunity to take a few courses at Noble Desktop and I have to say, it was a fantastic experience. The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable and you can truly learn a lot from them.” – Albert T.
- “I highly recommend Noble Desktop—- all staff are wonderful! So far, I've taken 2 classes with Nicole. She explains complex digital marketing tools in a very user-friendly and simple way to understand. Also, the administration staff are super helpful and friendly. They are always very accommodating, understanding, and provide exceptional customer service at every turn.” – Saudy T.
#3: HeadTrix—Social Media Marketing Level 1(Live)
Become a master of Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, blogs and so much more when you take this two-day live online course. You’ll learn the basics of social media marketing, how to create a web presence, and what the best SEO practices are for blog posts. You’ll also study the ins and outs of Facebook, X, YouTube, Google+, and LinkedIn so that you can feel confident growing your following, launching strategic campaigns, and analyzing your data to improve your results. This class will also cover the differences between subscribers, likes, views, and other tracking methods across these social media platforms.
Key Information
This live online course requires no prerequisites other than basic computer skills and is open to anyone who would like to attend. It’s broken up into two seven-hour days and costs $695 to attend.
More Details
headTrix also offers Social Media Marketing Level 2 that covers Instagram, Pinterest, and Tumbler, among others. By completing both courses, you’ll be well-equipped to launch or propel your social marketing career on a variety of platforms.
Below are a few reviews of this program:
- “The Social Media class was great. Setra was very nice and very knowledgeable. We really enjoyed the class.” – K. White
- “Because of this course, my business doubled in sales. The course was small so that each student could really excel. I was able to ask the teacher individualized questions and he was able to answer them thoroughly—it felt like a private training session!” – Ilana L.
- “I couldn't have been more impressed with the quality of the instruction.” – June B.
#4: Digital Workshop Center—Social Media Beginners Class (Live)
If you’re wanting to learn the basics of social media marketing as a way to start a new career, then check out Digital Workshop Center’s Social Media Beginners Class. You’ll learn how to build a strategy for social media that fits your business while developing a strong understanding of how social media has changed the marketing world. This class will also teach you how to determine which social media platform is best for your business, how to establish your brand’s voice, and how to create a system to manage your social media campaigns. Marketing on social platforms is all about building your community and this course can teach you exactly that.
Key Information
This live online course has no prerequisites. Having a Google Adwords account set up is recommended but not mandatory. Broken up into two 90-minute classes held over the span of two days, the total cost for both sessions is $159. They have several flexible payment plan options that can fit your monthly budget and also have scholarship and financial aid options available.
All Digital Workshop Center programs require students to complete a program application and attend a mandatory orientation info session. In your info session, you will speak to a student advisor, learn about program expectations, scheduling, and financial options, and ask questions. A staff member will then evaluate your application and share enrollment details.
More Details
This course is one of several stand-alone courses that make up the Digital Marketing Certificate Program. Certificate programs offer additional classes specific to your career field, portfolio building with a comprehensive Capstone Project, and career coaching workshops. Support and mentoring are a huge part of all of their full-length programs.
Below are a few reviews of this program:
- I'm happy to say I just completed 2 certifications with DWC: Digital Marketing and Advanced Graphic Design. The staff at DWC, specifically Liz and Ally, were incredibly helpful. So grateful for this incredibly valuable opportunity!” – Alisha J.
- “I am taking the Digital Marketing course, and the instructor is outstanding. The information is current and useful. You learn from very experienced instructors who have real-time experience and use the most current information.” – Bryan H.
- “I've taken a few courses with DWC, and I'm regularly checking the site to see what else piques my interest. The organization is well organized (shout out to Liz!) and the support for making sure students have access to materials and tech support make this kind of study really inclusive.” – Juliette R.
#5: Digital Marketing Institute—Social Media Marketing Course (Professional Certification) (On-Demand)
Are you ready to learn every aspect of social media marketing? Check out this professional certification course from the Digital Marketing Institute. This in-depth course is broken up into ten modules covering topics like research, strategy, content, development, and social commerce and affiliate marketing. You’ll also spend ample time learning about various platforms like Meta, YouTube, LinkedIn, and X so that you can expand your business’ reach into multiple channels. With the help of the DMI Specialist, you’ll become an expert digital marketer, even mastering new platforms including TikTok, Twitch, and WeChat.
Key Information
This multi-week course costs $2060 and a payment plan is available, allowing you to pay in three installments. Consisting of approximately 25 hours of coursework, each student has up to 24 weeks to complete the course, but most finish in about 8-10 weeks.
There are no prerequisites for this course so anyone interested in learning about social media marketing is welcome to join!
More Details
When you purchase this course you also become a Power Member, granting you six months of access to additional resources like other training programs, toolkits and premium content, a vibrant connected community, and skills diagnostics tests to keep your skills in tip-top shape.
DMI provides up-to-date coursework directly from tenured digital marketing professionals.
Below are a few reviews of this program:
- “I recommend the Digital Marketing Institute because it is on the cutting edge of the digital marketing industry. DMI partners with the American Marketing Association, so we get two globally recognized certifications.”—Alexandra E.
- “As a digital marketer with over 20+ years of "real-world" experience, I still found myself learning something new. Course modules were very thorough, with instructors from both the United States and the U.K., making it universally relevant.”—Hanny C.
- “The DMI courses are a great resource for any seasoned marketer and they are very easy to follow. I used this course as continued studies in digital marketing and earned my certification, which certainly has brought a lot of attention to my professional profile.”—Glaelis S.
#6: UCLA Extension—Social Media Marketing MGMT X 460.398 (Live)
This social media marketing class teaches you to go beyond posting and liking to examine how to leverage social media as a powerful marketing tool. You’ll take an in-depth look at the marketing, advertising, and communication that goes into creating an integrated social media marketing strategy. This class will incorporate case studies and real-world examples to show you what actionable steps you can take and how strategies can be applied. You’ll also learn about all the various social media platforms so that you can choose the best ones to suit your business or brand needs.
Key Information
This course is priced starting at $525, is offered each season and typically takes about five weeks to complete. UCLA offers several financial aid options for students including direct loans and Pell grants, UCLA Extension grants, private alternative education loans, Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) training, Americorps, and military and veteran aid programs. Familiarity with social media platforms is recommended but not required.
More Details
You can apply the completion of this course towards three certificates and specializations: digital marketing, general business studies with a concentration in marketing, and marketing with a concentration in digital marketing.
Course content is delivered weekly through an online learning platform where you can engage with your instructor and classmates at your convenience. Assignments are due regularly, but there are no required class meetings. Optional office hours with the instructor are offered through Zoom. This flexible learning format allows you to access course content anywhere, anytime, on your schedule.
Below are a few reviews of this program:
- “I work full‐time, Monday to Saturday, and I'm taking my courses fully online in a different time zone, but I've always been able to get prompt responses and support I need to succeed in my classes. I learn dynamic hands-on skills and practical knowledge which I can apply directly at work.”—Jennifer
- “The instructors and support providers had a personalized approach, facilitating my interest in styling assignments to address the populations I serve. At UCLA Extension, I truly feel like an individual, not just a number in a digital course space.”—Amber
#7: ECornell—Social Media Marketing Certificate Program (Live and On-Demand)
This certificate program will teach you to connect with potential customers by when, where, how and to whom you should be marketing content. You’ll examine best practices for a multitude of social media platforms, create brand-centered content, and identify user-generated content opportunities through the implementation of influencers and affiliate marketing. You’ll also create a proactive cross-platform social listening and community management system that stays consistent with your brand while utilizing metrics to measure the success of your marketing efforts.
Key Information
This course costs $2625 or $675 per month if you choose the installment plan. Students typically complete the program within three months, assuming 5-7 hours of coursework is completed each week. The course has been crafted by industry-leading experts and instructors at Cornell, providing top-notch educational resources.
Each individual course within this certificate program is offered on-demand and can be completed whenever and wherever you choose. Toward the end of your program, you will attend what are called the Symposium sessions: three days of live, highly interactive virtual Zoom sessions. The Marketing Symposium lets you engage in real-time conversations with peers and experts from the Cornell community and beyond.
More Details
This program includes a year of free access to Symposium, which features several days of live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore the marketing industry’s most pressing topics. Symposium events are held several times throughout the year. Once enrolled in your program, you will receive information about upcoming events.
Below are a few reviews of eCornell:
- “I loved the multiple formats used for their coursework. They keep you interested in the material with multiple delivery methods. They engaged in group chats and the facilitators were awesome.”—Ava N.
- "Excellent training and a great learning experience from a top quality school."—Jaime R.
#8: Noble Desktop—Social Media Content Marketing: Blogs & Twitter (Live)
Master copy-based social media marketing with this live online course from Noble Desktop. Geared towards written content, this course explores the different content-based social media platforms, how to develop marketing strategies, and how to use written content to create a defined brand identity. Students will also learn techniques for cross-platform blogging, how to build and engage an audience, and tips for monitoring trends within social media.
Key Information
This class is open to all levels and has no prerequisites. This class can be completed in just one day through the seven hours of live online instruction. The total cost for this course is $425 and it is due at the time of booking.
More Details
Enrolling in this course automatically enrolls you in a rewards program. For every class you book, you’ll get 5% of the cash you spent back in rewards. Once you earn $5 in rewards, you can apply your rewards towards your next class purchase or save them up for later! Whatever you choose, you're always earning and you're always learning.
Below are a few reviews of Noble Desktop:
- “The course was very insightful, it was run very efficiently and covered a lot of top topics.”—Tony D.
- “Class was great. I learned a lot and left with a clear understanding of the material.”—Jordan M.
- “The course was great! The teacher was superb! She took her time to explain everything clearly and was very helpful! Definitely worth going if you are a small business owner and need more customers.”—Anonymous
#9: Hootsuite Academy—Social Media Marketing Certification Course (On-Demand)
Considered intermediate, this class helps you further develop foundational social marketing skills to grow followers, increase engagement, and boost business results. Designed with the help of social media marketing strategists and practitioners, this industry-recognized course arms marketers with practical skills that will quickly produce results.
This course will cover social media strategy, content marketing, inclusivity and accessibility on social media, how to build a community, and how to measure success. You’ll finish your course with the final exam and will then receive your certificate to add to your resume.
Key Information
This course costs $199 and offers a free demo before you buy. This class is listed as intermediate, but those with a basic understanding of social media platforms or digital marketing can also attend. The class takes approximately 3.5 hours to complete, with 60 minutes to complete the final exam.
More Details
For those interested in additional courses, this class pairs perfectly with the Hootsuite Platform Certification which will teach you everything you need to know about the Hootsuite dashboard. While different, the two certifications are complementary. Being certified in both social media strategy and the Hootsuite platform can accelerate your career.
Below are a few reviews of Hootsuite:
- “I enjoyed this course as the videos were extremely detailed. I learned how to manage several social media accounts on this one platform. I was able to schedule posts and create content.”—Anonymous
- “It was a great way to earn more knowledge on social marketing—specifically social media and best practices. I'd recommend it to anyone in the field of marketing, communications, or anyone who works with social media.”—Anonymous
- “My educational experience with Hootsuite was exceptional. I completed the course at my own pace, while in the comfort of my home. The program was easy to understand and prepared me for my desired career.”—Anonymous
#10: Reforge—Retention + Engagement (Live and On-Demand)
This intensive course is designed for marketers, product managers, designers, engineers, and anyone else who works on maintaining a customer base. You’ll learn to retain, activate, engage, and resurrect users with proven frameworks by first defining and analyzing your current retention. This class will teach you activation and engagement strategies and how to define and measure both of these tactics. You’ll also practice identifying non-activated users vs. dormant users, and learn to implement resurrection strategies.
Retention determines category leaders and better retention improves monetization, lowers acquisition costs, increases LTV, and gives you a competitive edge. Retention + Engagement offers you proven frameworks that can be used throughout your career to retain, activate, engage, and resurrect users.
Key Information
Reforge offers courses as part of its membership packages. The basic ‘Individual’ membership has an annual fee of $1995 which includes access to custom collections, the full content library (including more than 20 full programs, all frameworks, and lessons), downloadable templates, and Reforge’s Slack community.
To get the most out of the program, students typically dedicate 3-5 hours per week to this course, including a 90-minute event. The course typically takes up to six weeks to complete. Many members also devote additional time to consuming content more deeply, filling in provided templates, and engaging with the Cohort.
More Details
Reforge’s Cohort courses offer students the chance to attend events and interact with other members participating in the same course within their cohort. While the course content is the same as what’s available in the self-paced format, you will have the opportunity to interact with Executives in Residence and experts in the field throughout the cohort.
There will be a live event each week of your course, typically offered during two time slots to accommodate members in various time zones. Live events are recorded in case you're unable to join at the scheduled time.
Reforge understands that career development isn’t always a straight line, which is why their courses have no prerequisites. If you’re new to Reforge, they recommend starting with their popular Growth Series.
Below are a few reviews of Reforge:
- “The community and guests are awesome. They share great use cases and I reached out to some of them to talk about specific points and always learned something new.”—Tecassiano
- “The first plus that I would highlight is the perfect structure of the content and its organization. The practical aspect of knowledge is visible, it is clear that everything was created by practitioners for practitioners.”—Maxim T.
- “Content was meaningful and had an immediate impact.”—Anonymous
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Different Types of Online Social Media Marketing Classes?
There are two main types of online social media classes: live and on-demand. Live classes allow you to interact with your instructor and other students. You can ask questions, receive instant feedback, and engage in live discussions or debates. On-demand classes offer more flexibility for those with difficult schedules or those who may live in varying time zones. All course content is pre-recorded and can be completed at your own pace.
Some online courses may be a hybrid of both pre-recorded lessons and live sessions, allowing for both flexibility and face-to-face interactions. There are also free trainings available but these typically lack the depth of knowledge and recognized certification of more intensive courses.
What Will I Need for an Online Social Media Marketing Class?
Good news: the list of essential supplies for a social media marketing course is short. You will need access to a computer, as well as access to and a general understanding of various social media platforms (your personal Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn accounts are perfectly adequate).
While most entry-level purses won’t require more than what is listed above, higher-level courses may have varying prerequisites like experience with SEO, social analytic tools, or basic HTML knowledge.
Can I Learn Social Media Marketing Online for Free?
It is possible to study social media marketing online for free. These resources are typically shorter, less in-depth courses or free short-term trials and demos of more expensive programs. YouTube can be a great place to learn more about the benefits of optimizing social media for your business, and various blogs can also offer helpful resources. While these free methods are great for introducing you to the basic concepts, a structured course or certification program will provide a higher level of expertise and a deeper breadth of knowledge.
Is It Better to Learn Social Media Marketing in a Live or Self-paced Class?
Both self-paced and live classes have their respective pros and cons. As previously stated, self-paced classes allow students to complete the coursework on their own time. These classes can be a great option for those who live in a different time zone than available live classes, or for those that work atypical schedules. All lessons are pre-recorded by experts within the industry and typically include self-guided lesson plans, assignments, and quizzes or tests. These classes allow you to spend as much time as you need on each lesson, allowing them to accommodate those with differing learning styles or attention spans.
Live online classes, while less flexible, grant you access to a highly-trained instructor and allow you to interact with other students. You won’t need to wait for responses from your teacher as you can ask questions live during your class session. If you value interactive learning, a live online course is a great option for you. You also have the added benefit of a more structured environment that helps to hold students accountable and keep you on task. Interacting with other students also allows you to make friends and collaborate with other creative minds within your industry.