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Social media has become the preferred way for businesses to promote their products and services, engage with customers, and gain new clients. After all, the reach of social media platforms is huge! Facebook alone had 2.9 billion active users as of 2021, and companies are looking to take advantage of this increasing number since it also means a wider audience for their marketing strategies. Other platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok show much the same numbers. To help with this, businesses look for skilled and qualified social media experts to help.

However, does that really mean that you need a certification to get the job? The answer is yes, and we’ll tell you why:

It sets you apart from the competition

With many companies looking for social media professionals, there is bound to be a lot of competition. Many of the people looking to land a job in social media may have similar educational backgrounds and experiences as you. However, what can set you apart from them is social media strategist certification. This shows employers your commitment to the field and that you exerted extra effort to specialize in the subject.

It proves you can do a specific task

Companies prioritize looking at a person’s skills compared to other aspects, such as location or educational background (though the latter is an advantage). To be more specific, a skills economy discussion by hiring experts on LHH notes that businesses value people with skills who match the specific needs of the company. As such, if the company is looking for someone to lead their social media strategy, they’re going to be looking for a certified social media strategist. The certification proves that you are professionally taught to build social media strategies and tactics, develop content, and manage campaigns.

It ensures your skills are up to date

While social media has maintained its popularity over the years, platforms and trends are always changing. For example, the video-focused social networking service TikTok wasn’t always a popular app. However, it has been predicted that TikTok will be the third-largest social network this year. With the emergence of new platforms and changing trends, staying informed and having a data-driven approach to social media marketing is important. The learnings you get from a social media strategist certification, and the continuously updating resources it comes with, will help you achieve these.

It boosts your work confidence and productivity

Lastly, certification gives you the confidence to do well in your work. Before you receive the certification, you have to undergo training, studies, and, finally, an exam to gauge what you’ve learned. Getting past all that is a personal achievement! A study on work performance published in the Sage Journals found that people with high self-esteem tend to perform better at their jobs than those who lack confidence. You can accomplish more tasks and take on bigger projects simply because you know you have the skills in order to do so. When you feel good about the work you do, you also tend to push yourself harder to maintain your success.

A social media strategist certification should be looked into by every marketer. This is because the demand for this is only increasing, and companies look into people’s skills and qualifications — which certification can prove. Get your social media strategist certification here at the National Institute of Social Media today.

Author: Riva Jane

Riva Jane is a freelance business consultant and a former digital nomad. She has since settled down with her family and does most of her work online. She helps small businesses and startups develop relevant brand strategies and business plans. On the brief occasions that she is not in a remote meeting with clients, she enjoys doing yoga and going on fitness runs with her husband and kids.