Many people who start a small business are not excited about marketing on social media. They might have heard that you need to be on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Or that you have to pay for ads to reach customers. I hope to dispel these myths and offer resources to build your social media marketing skills.
Why would you listen to me?
When I started my first librarian job at a small town library in northern Colorado, there was no one managing their social media. I asked if I could give it a try, and the library director gave me the green light. Over two years, I learned how to use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to promote that library's resources and programs. I also created a simple spreadsheet to track the increase in followers, likes, etc. Thanks to my adventure in social media marketing, I have an odd amount of experience and passion for the topic.
Online Courses for Marketing
Now on to the good stuff! To help small business owners and entrepreneurs get started, I recommend courses on LinkedIn Learning (formerly known as Lynda.com), which are free with your library card. Below, I've highlighted several LinkedIn Learning courses and provided tips and suggestions. You can view the entire collection of courses at Social Media Marketing Plan for Small Businesses, opens a new window
For anyone who is in their car more than in front of their computer, I also created a list of audiobooks: Audiobooks - Social Media Savvy for Small Business Owners
Building an Integrated Online Marketing Plan, opens a new window
Instructor: Matt Bailey | Length: 2h 18m | Updated: February 2021
The foundation to successful marketing is based on your business and goals. No matter where you are in your social media experience, start here. This work will help you determine which social media platforms are most worth your time and effort.
Business Librarian Pro Tip: If you would like assistance defining your target customers or creating your "customer persona," check out the database DemographicsNow or submit an Ask a Librarian request for assistance from me.
Marketing on Facebook, opens a new window
Instructor: Megan Adams | Length: 1h 36 | Updated: August 2022
If you've decided that Facebook is right for your business, this course shows you how to set up your business page, create posts and use the scheduling options. The last section is especially awesome because it shows you how to use Facebook Insights to track your views, followers and reactions.
Business Librarian Pro Tips: If you'd like assistance setting up your Facebook business page, spend some time with a Technology Specialist. They'll help you get started and ready to go!
Marketing on Instagram, opens a new window
Instructor: Anson Alexander | Length: 1h 39m | Released: August 2021
Learn how to get set up on Instagram, and use the built-in tools to set up a posting schedule based on your target market. This training also has tips for using hashtags and gathering metrics to determine if you're going in the right direction.
Social Media Savvy Tip: If you're in the business of making beautiful things (cake pops, wedding cakes, art and so much more), you will likely find customers on Instagram.
Marketing on Twitter, opens a new window
Instructor: Megan Adams | Length: 1h 8m | Released: November 2020
Get set up for success on Twitter with this training. The instructor shows you how to set up a great profile, integrate your business website and monitor hashtags and topics.
Social Media Savvy Tip: Twitter often requires the most work and monitoring as a platform, so if your audience isn't there, you don't need to be. It's better to have one active social media account, than several dormant ones.
Marketing Tools: Social Media, opens a new window
Unofficial Title - Which Apps and Software Will Make Social Media Marketing Faster and Easier
Instructor: Anson Alexander | Length: 1h 20m | Released: May 2021
If you are going to use two or more social media platforms, it can be a lot of work. This course introduces you to many different tools that will allow you to be more efficient in getting ideas, creating beautiful posts and scheduling those posts on multiple platforms. I have used and loved the free versions of Hootsuite, opens a new window, Canva, opens a new window, Feedly, opens a new window and BuzzSumo, opens a new window.
Social Media Monitoring: Strategies and Skills, opens a new window
Instructor: Max Waxman | Length: 37m | Released: November 2020
Having accounts on social media requires monitoring them: answering customer questions, deleting off-color comments and looking for opportunities to engage with potential customers.
Get In Touch
If you have questions about any of these topics, I'm here to help. Submit an Ask a Librarian business request for a 30 minute appointment with me.
