Last Updated on August 2, 2024
I am teaching a course about social media, specifically for graphic designers. What do you think?
The course structure provides a comprehensive overview of social media management, combining theory with practical skills and culminating in a hands-on project.
The final week allows students to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world scenario, preparing them for the challenges of social media marketing in their design careers.
Week 1: Foundations and Platforms
Social media management essentials: strategies, tactics, and platform-specific insights. Covers goal-setting, content planning, engagement, and adapting design skills across established and emerging platforms.
- Beyond the Likes: Fundamentals of Social Media Management
- Understanding social media ecosystems
- The role of graphic designers in social media
- Key metrics and their significance
- Be the Spark! #1: Crafting Effective Social Media Strategies
- Setting SMART goals
- Audience analysis and persona development
- Brand voice and consistency across platforms
- Be the Spark! #2: Implementing Powerful Social Media Tactics
- Content calendars and scheduling
- Engagement techniques
- Cross-platform promotion
- Social Media All-Stars #1: The Classics
- Deep dive into Facebook, X (Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram
- Platform-specific design best practices
- Case studies of successful campaigns
- Social Media All-Stars #2: The Trendsetters
- Exploring LinkedIn, TikTok, and Mastodon
- Emerging platforms and their potential
- Adapting design skills for each platform
Week 2: Content Creation and Legal Considerations
Social media advertising, commerce, and SEO essentials. Content strategies, tools, and AI applications. Legal considerations including copyright, privacy, and disclosure requirements for sponsored content
- When Ads Meet Cart: Social Advertising & Social Commerce/SEO
- Creating effective ad designs
- Understanding e-commerce integration
- SEO basics for social media
- Content is King! #1: Content Strategies
- Types of content: images, videos, stories, reels
- Creating shareable and viral content
- Balancing promotional and value-added content
- Content is King! #2: Tools, Techniques, Planning, and Organization
- Design tools for social media (e.g., Canva, Figma)
- Content creation workflows
- Collaboration tools for teams
- Unleash the Beast! AI in the Social Media World
- AI tools for content creation and curation
- Using AI for audience insights and targeting
- Ethical considerations of AI in social media
- Legal Seminar: Press Law, Freedom of Expression, and Data Protection
- Copyright and intellectual property in social media
- Privacy laws and data protection regulations
- Disclosure requirements for sponsored content
Week 3: Advanced Strategies and Analytics
Influencer marketing, community management, crisis communication. Leveraging business networks, personal branding. Social media monitoring, analytics, and reporting. Strategies for growth, engagement, and data-driven decision-making in digital marketing.
- In the Spotlight: Fundamentals of Influencer Marketing
- Identifying and partnering with influencers
- Creating content for influencer campaigns
- Measuring influencer campaign success
- From Fans to Loyal Customers: Community Management
- Building and nurturing online communities
- Responding to comments and messages effectively
- User-generated content strategies
- Crisis-Proof in the Click Storm: Crisis Communication During a Shitstorm
- Preparing for potential crises
- Real-time response strategies
- Rebuilding trust post-crisis
- Grow Your Business! Business Networks & Industry Trends
- Leveraging LinkedIn and other professional networks
- Staying current with industry developments
- Personal branding for graphic designers
- From Data to Insights: Monitoring and Reporting
- Key performance indicators (KPIs) for social media
- Analytics tools and dashboards
- Creating impactful reports for clients or management
Week 4: Project Week and Presentation
Project-based learning: Teams form, define objectives, and develop social media campaigns. Work sessions, peer reviews, and refinement lead to final presentations.
- Project Kickoff and Planning
- Forming teams or individual project selection
- Defining project scope and objectives
- Project Work Sessions
- Guided work time with instructor support
- Peer review and feedback sessions
- Final Project Development
- Refining strategies and designs
- Preparing presentation materials
- Presentation Preparation
- Crafting compelling narratives
- Visual presentation design tips
- Final Presentations and Course Wrap-up
- Student presentations of social media campaigns
- Peer and instructor feedback
- Course review and future learning paths
With thanks for the article image to: https://unsplash.com/@leafandlotus