Rating of the best online courses for beginner SMM specialists for 2020

Now is a convenient time to engage in self-education, to discover a new profession. Learning new knowledge will help not only take up time, but also spend it with benefit.

A new and demanded specialty on the labor market in modern realities is SMM marketing (translated from English - social media marketing). The main task of such a specialist is to promote goods and services in social networks. There is a misconception that an SMM manager performs the functions of a site administrator, filling them with content, or is engaged in sending advertising. This concept is too simplistic, since the best marketer forms a whole brand promotion strategy, which includes a large number of tools for work.

Since many managers understand the purpose of this profession too simplistically, they appoint an inexperienced employee to such a position who has only a general idea of ​​what exactly needs to be done and does not have the necessary knowledge. Because of this, the end result suffers, sales fall. In order to avoid such mistakes, it is recommended to appoint to a responsible position specialists who have at least minimal knowledge in the profession. Since this specialty is still new for the Russian labor market, it is impossible to get it in a college or higher educational institution. However, a large number of online courses are now offered that provide the necessary knowledge base. In this article, we will consider all the available forms of remote knowledge acquisition, their applied functionality, types and selection criteria, we will find out what to look for in order not to make mistakes when choosing, and we will also compile a rating of companies engaged in online education, based on customer reviews ...

What does an SMM marketer do

As mentioned earlier, marketing tools include a large number of possibilities. From these opportunities, the job responsibilities of a brand promotion manager are formed. The main ones are:

• creation and administration of a page on social networks from scratch, filling it with information;
• developing tactics and strategies for promoting a product or service, creating a plan and following it;
• attracting the maximum number of subscribers by conducting various contests, advertising games and sweepstakes;
• analysis of competitors' activities in order to obtain information and adjust their own page development plan in social networks;
• market monitoring and analysis of new products in the field of sales, introduction of new methods and technologies;
• maintaining contact with customers, establishing feedback, involving people in filling the page, increasing their activity.

SMM Marketing Process

In order for the brand promotion system to work effectively, the manager must follow a sequence of certain steps, while at each stage the required result must be achieved.

It is necessary to start your work, first of all, with the choice of a social network in which the work will be carried out. At this stage, you need to decide on the choice of the target audience, set the age range, study the interests of people in order to establish effective work with them. It is not recommended to be "scattered" on several social networks, as this will not only increase the budget of advertising campaigns, but also take more time for the employee, while the desired result will still not be achieved. After that, you need to develop a strategy for further development, as well as create all the conditions for attracting a potential audience. To attract attention, you can post interesting material, hold contests and sweepstakes.

After the audience is interested, you need to redirect their attention to the promoted brand. It is important not only to attract attention, but also to keep it. According to the recommendations of SMM-specialists, you need to constantly increase the number of subscribers, attracting new ones instead of those who are losing interest in the product.

Separately, it should be noted that in order to organize effective work, an SMM marketer must have deep knowledge in the field of the proposed product, in order to inform subscribers about all its features, as well as to point out to the management about possible shortcomings.

What an SMM shouldn't do

Many executives believe that the person promoting a product on social media has a wide range of responsibilities. In order for a marketer to be able to concentrate on his responsibilities and perform them properly, he should not do such work as:

• write texts to fill content, since this is the specialization of copywriters who have the necessary knowledge in this area;
• take photos and record videos, it is also recommended to entrust this business to professionals;
• keep in touch with users on technical issues, as well as draw up sales and purchase transactions, conclude contracts (these tasks must be performed by technical support staff or the sales department);
• engage in the development and customization of advertising (for this there is a position of a targetologist).

What it takes to become an SMM specialist

Everyone who wants to enter the profession is faced with the need to choose from two options - to study on their own, or to take online courses on the Internet.

The first option has only one advantage - it does not require financial costs, while it has a number of disadvantages: the student will not receive a certificate (which may cause problems with further employment), it takes a lot of time to find the necessary information, information on the Internet is in a fragmented form, there is no structure and it is possible to use outdated information.

Free online courses also have their own advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage is that they do not require cash injections. In some of these classes, certificates are even issued, knowledge is presented in a structured form. Among the shortcomings, one can note a large amount of unnecessary information, as well as its superficiality.

Paid classes, despite the fact that they are expensive, offer systematized information that is relevant at the moment. At the end of the program, all students are required to receive a certificate, it is possible to get an individual consultation with a teacher if necessary, homework is checked by a mentor indicating errors and shortcomings. After completing the program, you can practice on paid orders, thus earning your first salary.You can also find job-guaranteed programs on the internet (although such promises turn out to be a marketing ploy in most cases).

Rating of quality paid online SMM courses

ConvertMonster

Address: Moscow, st. Aviamotornaya, 8, building 39

Phone: ☎ +7 (499) 116-53-41.

The official website on the Internet: hello@convertmonster.ru.

This internet marketing agency is well known among professionals. The company has been promoting for more than 6 years, and has gained popularity not only among job seekers, but also among employers who know that after training, here you can find a specialist with a full set of basic knowledge.

Among the agency's clients are such well-known companies as Knauf, Humana, Daewoo, Michelin and others. The center trains newcomers to the SMM profession using tools such as targeted and contextual advertising, landing page, and web analytics. Classes are held in the form of online courses (live meetings), which involves feedback with the teacher, participation in the discussion of general issues, etc. , but also in the next 30 calendar days). Each student must complete 31 (25 is an abbreviated program) lesson, each of which is given homework, checked by the curator, indicating errors and shortcomings. The agency guarantees each student assistance in further employment.

Webinars are held twice a week at a convenient time - 18:30 Moscow time, so that training can be combined with main work or full-time studies. Students are offered full knowledge with final exams and the issuance of a certificate of the established sample.

The average price of one program is from 33,000 to 65,000 rubles per month, depending on the duration and complexity. It is possible to arrange the provision of services in installments without overpayments for a period of 3, 6, or 12 months. Mentors constantly monitor the latest trends in SMM marketing, adjusting the program right in the process of transferring knowledge. Those students who did not make it to the webinar are sent the recording and presentation by email. All materials on the topic are stored on the GetCourse platform, access to which is retained forever. The next webinar is scheduled for May 25, 2020.

• a convenient site where you can find all the information you need, including how to choose one or another intensive, and find out what they are (there is a detailed description);
• webinars are suitable for beginners;
• the knowledge gained in the center can be applied not only to work in large grocery companies, but also in advertising agencies;
• each student is assigned an individual curator, who subsequently assists in finding a job;
• there is a free first trial lesson;
• payment can be made in installments without overpayments;
• webinars with the function of workshops (collective participation in the discussion of the problem);
• there are homework and practical assignments that are checked with an indication of the main mistakes and shortcomings.

• small number of threads;
• courses are paid.

Skillbox

Address: Moscow, Leninsky Prospect, 6.

Phone: ☎ + 7 (495) 266-81-84.

Official website on the Internet: https://skillbox.ru/.

The training courses “SMM Marketing from A to Z” are designed for beginners, representatives of creative agencies, businessmen and other interested parties. After completing the course, students will have the following knowledge and skills:

• Correct setting of tasks. This skill will allow you to choose the right business direction, determine the target audience and find out the competitiveness of your product.
• Strategy Development. At this stage, you need to decide on the methods to achieve the set goal, to work out a general approach to marketing.
• Direct promotion of your own brand.
• Search for new ideas, projects, creation of priority areas of development.
• Management and organization of the creative team.
• Ability to conduct a constructive dialogue with the target audience, search for approaches to the peaceful solution of emerging problems and disagreements.

The unique program consists of 11 thematic blocks, each of which contains not only theoretical foundations, but is also supported by practical tasks. To complete the courses, you need to study a theoretical assignment (watch a video tutorial), then do your homework and send it for review. According to the mentors, 3 to 5 hours a week is enough for this. All homework can be done at a pace that is comfortable for the student. After the mentor reviews the homework, they will point out mistakes and recommend ways to fix them. After passing all the thematic blocks, the student must defend his thesis project, a link to which can be added to his future portfolio. Upon completion of training, a diploma is issued. The cost of the course is 65,000 rubles. The first 20 students are offered a 35% discount.

• suitable for beginners;
• a wide range of covered issues;
• even after completing the courses, you have access to all content to repeat key points;
• there are discounts for those who were among the first to sign up;
• there is an opportunity to study independently at a convenient time, without adjusting to other students.

• payment for the course is made at a time;
• classes are expensive for the price.

GeekBrains

Address: Moscow, Leninsky prospect, 39, building 80, 16th floor.

Phone: ☎ +7 (495) 700-68-41.

Official website on the Internet: https://geekbrains.ru/.

The company positions itself as an educational portal, and provides training to everyone in the basics of programming, web design and marketing. It hosts both online courses and free master classes in popular areas.

A person who does not have the slightest experience in marketing and sales can gain new knowledge here. Classes are held online, the duration of the course is 4 months.

The company has a convenient website where you can not only find out the contact information and the name of the course, but also learn the advice and recommendations of experienced marketers on choosing a suitable SMM direction, find out which course is better to buy based on the wishes of the students. The training programs are designed for aspiring marketers, businessmen, students and freelancers.

Completing training at GeekBrains will allow you to learn how to develop a product promotion strategy, attract and retain an audience, quickly and positively resolve emerging conflict situations, invent and post interesting content, etc. All information provided is divided into several blocks:

• introduction to SMM marketing, general concepts - at this stage, students will be taught to understand the essence of the process of attracting customers, to decide which social network to focus on in their work;
• strategy development - here they will teach you how to analyze the target audience, compare your approach with the tactics of competitors;
• adding content, creating it and choosing interesting information for users;
• introduction of creativity, the use of informational reasons for the publication of posts;
• creation and management of targeted advertising;
• development and planning of the advertising company budget;
• basics of working with the audience;
• at the end of the course, an internship is offered in your own company, as well as in a remote format in Mail.ru Group, the work performed can be added to your own portfolio.

The cost of the full course is 60,000 rubles. It is possible to arrange bank installments.

• classes are conducted online - you can ask the teacher a question while studying the topic;
• it is possible to arrange a bank installment plan;
• each student is assigned a mentor who guides him throughout the entire period of acquiring knowledge;
• there are home practical lessons;
• an internship is offered for those who have studied all the necessary information.

• high cost of training;
• there is no first free trial lesson.

SMM Spetsnaz 2.0

Official website on the Internet: https://ffring.ru/smmforyou.

The review continues with one of the most famous online courses in Runet - SMM Spetsnaz. The course is in the TOP of user reviews due to the fact that, first of all, it provides practical skills, not theoretical ones.

According to the assurances of the ideological inspirer and creator of the course - Denis Ffring, here you can get several advantages at once: the opportunity to create a business on social networks from scratch, gain invaluable knowledge that other teachers do not have, learn about the know-how and life hacks of advanced SMS-specialists, support mentors at all stages of training, and even after, and much more.

The training program consists of 12 modules, as well as several bonus blocks. Students will learn how to find a project for work, study digital marketing, learn how to work with the target audience, quickly respond to its requests, create unique product offers, master the skills of working with graphic editors, the basics of targeted advertising. After studying the theoretical foundations, each student will try to create their own advertising campaign, study the features of working on Facebook and Instagram, Target Hunter. As bonuses, students will discover such a novelty as artificial intelligence on Vkontakte, learn how to promote a channel on Youtube and create chat bots on social networks.

In order to get used to SMM marketing, the student will be offered all the necessary tools for work, such as a set of templates, checklists and cheat sheets, layouts, samples, draft contracts. Upon completion of training, a certificate of the established form is issued in electronic form, if necessary, you can order the original on paper. After completing the courses, all students can participate in webinars where existing marketers share problems and find a common solution. Programs are designed for a different amount of information, their cost varies from 8,000 to 25,000 rubles.

• a large amount of practical training;
• budget prices, compared to competitors;
• one of the best intensives, according to buyers;
• it is possible to arrange a monthly installment plan;
• support of students not only during training, but also after it;
• there is a large community of those who have completed courses and continue to communicate.

• it is impossible to find the contact number or the actual address of the organization, all services are issued via the Internet.

Netology

Address: Moscow, Varshavskoe shosse, 1, p. 3.

Phone: ☎ +7 (495) 301-39-69.

Official website on the Internet: https://netology.ru/.

Netology is a well-known online university among industry professionals. Mastering the profession at the SMM faculty consists of several blocks: SMM manager, targeted advertising, promotion on Instagram, Influencer marketing, community management, promotion in messengers.

Based on the results of the training, the student will learn how to choose a strategy for work, determine the goals and objectives of an advertising campaign, select the best tools to influence the target audience. In addition, here they will teach you how to find contact with the audience, correctly respond to conflict situations, find approaches to involve users in discussions, reposts, etc. Here they will also give basic skills in such specialties as copywriting (writing texts on a given topic), web design , graphic arts. Knowledge of how to use advertising tools, bots and mailings will not be superfluous in further work.

Video lectures can be viewed at a convenient time for the user, practical lessons are held at the appointed time once a week. Homework assignments are constantly given, which are checked by mentors, indicating mistakes and ways to correct them. After the training is completed, the teachers help to write a resume, correctly placing the accents, help prepare for the interview, and offer a list of vacancies in well-known companies.The company has its own chat, in which those who have graduated and work in their specialty communicate.

There are three different training programs to choose from, depending on the complexity, their cost is 36,000, 42,000, 129,000 rubles.

• inexpensive basic course price;
• lectures can be watched at a convenient time for the user without being tied to a deadline;
• the company has been working in the SMM market for a long time, has worked out all possible nuances;
• support for students at all stages, including after receiving a diploma;
• there is a feedback from teachers.

• a full course of knowledge will cost a decent amount.

Ranking of free online SMM courses

Despite the fact that free training provides a small amount of relevant information and applied skills, it allows you to get acquainted with the profession and understand whether it is suitable for a person, whether he is ready to work in this field. Since such webinars do not require financial investments, anyone can sign up for them.

RedSMM

Address: Rostov-on-Don, st. 13th Line, 18/26.

Official website on the Internet: https://www.rusprofile.ru/.

The company offers to study a demanded profession - Instagram administrator. According to the creator of the webinar, anyone can get access to the classes, for this it is enough just to register. After completing all the necessary procedures, the user has access to 15 blocks of the program, in which the specifics of maintaining an account in a popular social network are discussed in detail.

Since the administrator is responsible for promoting the account and its development, the basic knowledge after completing the course will help you understand the strategy for attracting new customers, the specifics of working with the target audience, as well as learn how to look for new customers - business creators.

The process of acquiring knowledge begins with watching videos. The first of them are introductory - they tell general information about what Instagram is, how communication takes place here. After the introduction, a theory begins, according to the results of which you need to do your homework. In order to open access to the next video tutorial, you need to buy it for coins, which are awarded for completed homework.

• video tutorials are provided free of charge;
• interesting teaching for the user;
• in order to order classes online, it is enough to register;
• a good set of information for a free course.

• narrow direction - only the theory on Instagram is covered, other social networks are not considered.

GeekBrains for Odnoklassniki

Address: Moscow, Leninsky prospect, 39, building 80, 16th floor.

Phone: ☎ +7 (495) 700-68-41.

Official website on the Internet: https://business.ok.me/.

Odnoklassniki's short-term collaboration with the advertising agency Ikra has come to a logical conclusion, and now the social network has teamed up with GeekBrains to create a new educational product. The previously reviewed course for SMMs of this company is not always popular due to how much it costs, since many beginners have not yet decided on the direction of their future profession and are not ready to pay a large amount for the program. In this case, we recommend trying a free workshop from Odnoklassniki.

Course students will learn how to work with a social network, create content that is interesting and attractive to the target audience, and increase the number of orders. Here you can find out which posts are popular with users, get acquainted with the basics of creating targeted advertising, depending on the preferences of the target audience.

In order to get started, you need to have minimal communication skills in social networks, as well as have a personal account on Odnoklassniki. You can find a course in the group or the Odnoklassniki educational portal. Much of the information provided on the course overlaps with that given for study by students in paid classes.In connection with the current situation with the coronavirus, and in order to support business in difficult times, Odnoklassniki is doubling the budget for businessmen for marketing promotion on their site.

• a lot of information is served, great attention is paid to the creation of posts of various types to attract an audience;
• all training is free of charge;
• in terms of characteristics and content, the information in the free program is not too inferior to paid courses.

• narrow direction - training is carried out only at work in Odnoklassniki.

Completo

Address: Moscow, st. Sadovnicheskaya, 54, building 2.

Phone: ☎ +7 (495) 640-89-97.

Official website on the Internet: https://www.completo.ru/videocourse.

Completo is well-known not only in Russia, but also abroad. She conducts training in a large list of specialties, has her own educational portal.

Intensive is suitable for those who are not yet ready to invest in training, but want to get to know more about the profession of an SMM manager. The program consists of eight video tutorials with basic information on social media marketing. The videos are made in the format of master classes, at the end of each of them a list of materials for self-study is offered. As a result of studying the entire program, a certificate is issued, which is rarely found in free webinars. The advantage of the classes is the acquisition of systematized knowledge of SMM marketing, giving students not only theoretical, but also practical knowledge, the study does not require physical presence in the classroom.

• knowledge is given free of charge;
• despite the fact that the program is small, it contains a large amount of necessary and useful information;
• at the end of the program, all students receive a certificate;
• lectures are taught by teachers with practical experience in the field of product promotion.

• no feedback from teachers.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that SMM marketing is a new profession, on the Internet you can find a large number of offers from large and little-known companies that offer their services for training in this specialty.

Before you pay money for paid education, you need to make sure that your choice is final, and the knowledge gained will help you with further job search and employment. If you are still hesitant, you should think about how to study free intensive courses and understand whether it is yours or not. We hope that our article will help you make the right choice!