Why Digital Marketing and Social Media Marketing Are Ideal for Remote Learning

Why Digital Marketing and Social Media Marketing Are Ideal for Remote Learning

Traditionally learning has taken place in person, with students attending premises to receive training and instruction from qualified staff — anything else has been seen as an inferior substitute. However, the rise of the internet has revolutionized the possibilities of remote learning, providing access to a wealth of material.

Universities and other educational institutions have been quick to respond to this, and in recent years, an array of courses have been created that can be studied from anywhere in the world at a time and place convenient to the student. Among the subjects that are particularly suitable for remote learning are digital marketing and social media marketing, which are becoming increasingly relevant in today’s world.

Digital marketing and social media marketing: What’s the difference?

Both digital and social media marketing focus on the promotion of businesses, products, and services, but digital marketing carries a much broader sweep of media. Social media marketing, as the name suggests, focuses on promotion via social media such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Snapchat, engaging there with the target audience. A thorough digital marketing course will include social media marketing, but also explores a variety of other online and offline media, such as email marketing, SEO content, and web banners as well as traditional marketing media such as television, radio, and digital signs.

Both courses are highly relevant for those wanting to pursue a career in marketing and have good employment prospects. Studying digital or social media marketing in person is one way to gain qualifications, but it is not the only way. Increasing numbers of students are looking at online courses and finding that, for a myriad of reasons, this is a highly effective way to get qualified.

The online nature of the material

Studying digital or social media marketing in any way is going to involve a fair amount of time online, looking at the different strategies used in marketing. There are, therefore, no advantages to traveling elsewhere to do this, when it can be done from anywhere with an internet connection.

Also, practical experience will require only an internet connection, as students create their own social media marketing campaigns or use internet-based tools such as Google Analytics to measure their performance.

The bulk of any campaigns you carry out once qualified and in employment will involve the internet in some shape or form. A remote course, with online communication, study materials, and tools, will help prepare you for your future career.

The students

Digital marketing and social media marketing students are likely to already be tech-savvy to want to pursue this career. If they are not, they certainly want to be. For tech-savvy students, an online course is a course that will use your existing abilities, allowing you to flourish. For those who are not as skilled as you would like, it gives you plenty of practice in the relevant areas, so that by the time you are qualified, you will be able to confidently navigate the digital world.

The teachers

A good course, whether remote or in-person, will be designed and delivered by experts in their field. Digital marketing or social media marketing courses are no exception to this, as students will require a course with effectively delivered, up-to-date material. Social media marketing and digital media marketing experts are, of course, highly proficient at delivering information online or in a digital format. In fact, it may well be their most effective mode of communication. You can certainly be confident that online study materials delivered by a digital expert will not be inferior to an in-person lesson.

When looking for an online course, checking the qualifications and experience of the teachers is as important as for in-person study, as well as the material covered. As an example, a student considering an online master’s in marketing at Emerson College will find a comprehensive course covering digital and social media marketing that has been developed by industry professionals. These experts will bring their real-life experience in marketing, as well as up-to-date knowledge of the latest tools and technologies, to their students. As a result, students can be confident that this course will prepare them well for their future careers.

Flexibility

There are many reasons why students choose to embark on a digital marketing or social media marketing course. However, it is common for students already working in the marketing field to want to hone their skills for the digital age. Those who have their own small business may also want to equip themselves with the latest tools and abilities to successfully promote it. These students, with existing work commitments, are unlikely to be able to devote the time to full-time study.

Remote learning is highly flexible, allowing you to study from home at a time of the day or night that is convenient to you. There are also fewer time constraints, allowing students to progress quickly if they’re able, but not penalizing those students with less time to study, who can gain the same qualification at their own pace.

Choosing a course

It should be stressed that the unregulated nature of the internet means that not all digital and social media marketing courses will be of a high standard. Time spent researching before choosing a course is time well spent.

As well as checking on the course content and the qualifications of those who developed and deliver it, look to see what qualification you gain at the end of it and how widely it is recognized. Also, check on the support available from your course provider. A good course should want you to succeed and be willing to offer such support and guidance.

Lastly, find out where course alumni are working now. Opportunities in social media and digital media marketing are increasing all the time, many with rewarding salaries. A good course should give you a competitive edge, helping you gain a position in this exciting new field.