Foundations and Strategies of Social Media Marketing
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Foundations and Strategies of Social Media Marketing
This course is part of The Sage Handbook of Social Media Marketing Specialization
Instructor: Sage Instructors
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What you'll learn
Analyze consumer behavior and social media interactions for strategic marketing insights
Evaluate cultural differences to optimize international social media campaigns
Apply online community concepts to design effective and engaging marketing strategies
Skills you'll gain
- Social Media Marketing
- Community Development
- Marketing
- Driving engagement
- Digital Communications
- Business Ethics
- Social Media Management
- Marketing Communications
- Digital Marketing
- Social Media Analytics
- Consumer Behaviour
- Social Media Strategy
- Social Media Campaigns
- Business-To-Consumer
- Digital Marketing Campaigns
- Cultural Diversity
- Social Network Analysis
- Global Marketing
- Marketing Management
- Digital Media Strategy
Details to know
June 2026
5 assignments
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There are 5 modules in this course
This course provides a deep dive into the principles and strategic approaches of social media marketing, emphasizing its impact on professional marketing practices. Learners explore key frameworks for designing effective campaigns and understanding the evolving digital landscape.
Participants develop skills to analyze consumer behavior, apply social network theory, and evaluate online communities. Practical insights guide learners in shaping marketing strategies that resonate across diverse audiences and cultural contexts. The course uniquely combines theory with real-world application, enabling learners to translate academic concepts into actionable marketing strategies. Expert-led content integrates illustrative examples and interactive exercises for a well-rounded learning experience. This course is designed for marketing professionals, students, and anyone interested in understanding digital engagement. No prior experience is required to gain value from the course material. This course is part one of a three-course Specialization designed to provide a comprehensive learning pathway in this subject area. While it delivers standalone value and practical skills, learners seeking a more integrated and in-depth progression may benefit from completing the full Specialization. Copyright Β©2022 by Sage Publications Limited. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies. Published by Sage Publications Limited, London. Used by arrangement with Sage Publications Limited.
This module introduces the foundational concepts, methodologies, and ethical considerations of social media marketing. Learners will explore key theories, analyze major platforms and channels, and examine strategies for managing and measuring social media initiatives. The module also addresses the challenges of maintaining ethical standards and reputation in the digital landscape.
What's included
1 video5 readings1 assignment
1 videoβ’Total 1 minute
- Overviewβ’1 minute
5 readingsβ’Total 26 minutes
- Introductionβ’5 minutes
- Methodologies and Theories in Social Media Marketingβ’4 minutes
- Channels and Platforms in Social Media Marketingβ’8 minutes
- Management and Metrics in Social Mediaβ’5 minutes
- Ethical Issues in Social Mediaβ’4 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 16 minutes
- Foundations of Social Media Marketingβ’16 minutes
This module traces the evolution of B2C social media marketing, examining key theoretical frameworks and essential research topics that shape digital relationship building and market sensing. Learners will explore consumer behaviors, strategic approaches, and the impact of online communities on brand engagement.
What's included
1 video6 readings1 assignment
1 videoβ’Total 1 minute
- Overviewβ’1 minute
6 readingsβ’Total 31 minutes
- Introductionβ’6 minutes
- 2011β2019 β Exponential Growth of Social Media Technologies and Researchβ’6 minutes
- 2021 and beyond β Trust Slides and Expenditures Growβ’6 minutes
- Self-Presentation Theoryβ’4 minutes
- Seven Essential Topics of B2C Social Media Marketing Strategy Researchβ’2 minutes
- Leveraging Online Communities in Social Mediaβ’7 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 16 minutes
- Strategic Directions in B2C Social Media Marketingβ’16 minutes
This module explores how cultural differences shape social media usage patterns and influence the effectiveness of international marketing strategies. Learners will examine conceptual frameworks, key social media functionalities, and practical implications for global engagement. By understanding these dynamics, students will be better equipped to tailor marketing approaches for diverse audiences.
What's included
1 video10 readings1 assignment
1 videoβ’Total 1 minute
- Overviewβ’1 minute
10 readingsβ’Total 50 minutes
- Introductionβ’5 minutes
- International Social Media Marketing Strategyβ’4 minutes
- A Conceptual Model and the Scope of Current Researchβ’4 minutes
- Impacts of Culture on Social Media Use: Research Propositionsβ’4 minutes
- Conversationsβ’6 minutes
- Presenceβ’5 minutes
- Reputationβ’6 minutes
- Implications for firms' international social media marketing strategyβ’6 minutes
- Presenceβ’5 minutes
- Groupsβ’5 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 16 minutes
- Cross-Cultural Insights in Social Media Marketingβ’16 minutes
This module examines how social media platforms shape consumer relationships and cultural interactions through the lens of social network theory and social capital. Learners will explore the unique dynamics of online communities, the impact of platform design, and the implications for consumer behavior in digital environments.
What's included
1 video5 readings1 assignment
1 videoβ’Total 1 minute
- Overviewβ’1 minute
5 readingsβ’Total 26 minutes
- Introductionβ’4 minutes
- Social Media and Social Network Theoryβ’5 minutes
- Consumer Ties in Social Media Networks β A Frameworkβ’5 minutes
- Social Media Platform: Platform Effects on Consumer Tiesβ’4 minutes
- Implications of Social Media Networks for the Study of Consumer Tiesβ’8 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 16 minutes
- Exploring Social Media and Consumer Relationshipsβ’16 minutes
This module explores the diverse landscape of online communities, examining their structures, dynamics, and the roles they play in technology and marketing. Learners will investigate different community typologies, including brand and influencer communities, and understand how virtuality shapes digital engagement. The module also introduces methodologies for classifying and analyzing online communities.
What's included
1 video6 readings1 assignment
1 videoβ’Total 1 minute
- Overviewβ’1 minute
6 readingsβ’Total 34 minutes
- Introductionβ’7 minutes
- Marketing Focus on Specific Communitiesβ’6 minutes
- Broader-focused Community Typologiesβ’5 minutes
- Methodologyβ’6 minutes
- Fashionistas: Influencer/Lifestyle Communityβ’6 minutes
- Virtualityβ’4 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 16 minutes
- Exploring Online Community Dynamicsβ’16 minutes
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Status: Free TrialCategory: Credit offered- S
Sage Publications
Course
Status: Free TrialCategory: Credit offered
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