The First Graduates from the LSU Social Media Specialist Certificate Class Spring 2011

The Spring semester of the Social Media Specialist Certificate Program is set to kick off on February 28 this year with the Social Media Essentials for Business class. A lot has happened in Social since the first class graduated in the spring of 2011. We continue to update the course and are excited to mention a few of the updates for this semester…

1. Google+

Google’s new Social Network is growing fast having exceeded 90 million users early in 2012. Google+ brings new and interesting strategies for business including creative use of the Hangout feature and impacts to being found on YouTube and the Google search engine.

2. Pinterest

One of many newer players gaining popularity. Pinterest’s simplicity and visuals are attractive to many. Pinterest is more brand friendly than Flickr.

3. Major changes in the Google Search Algorithm

Some have been cursing Google’s Panda updates that started in 2011 and some are very pleased. The rules for getting found in Google Search and the functionality of Places, Analytics and Adwords have changed significantly.

4. More Practical Hands-On Experience

In the fall of 2011 the class worked with the instructor during class time to consult with a small startup on their Social Media effort. The experience was so positive that we will incorporate real projects for non-profits or small business this year to provide a richer hands-on experience.

This course series discusses strategies, legal liabilities, policy and all forms of Social Media communication from employee engagement to marketing. Feel free to post any questions you have about the course below.

Here are the links to the program and the first course:

LSU CE Social Media Specialist Certificate Program Description

Social Media Essentials for Business Course (First of 5 courses)