Digital, Creative & Business
Social Media Marketing
Grow and convert audiences on Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and TikTok.
Syllabus at a glance
Around 4 weeks of guided study, with weekday evening or weekend sessions and short practical tasks between sessions.
| Unit | Study block | Module |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Week 1 | Platform strategy and audience research |
| 2 | Week 2 | Content pillars and calendars |
| 3 | Week 3 | Community management and messaging |
| 4 | Week 4 | Analytics, growth and conversion |
Module breakdown
- 1
Platform strategy and audience research
Week 1Build a shared working vocabulary for platform strategy and audience research and set the standards this course expects of you.
What you cover
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind platform strategy and audience research
- Step-by-step methods and templates for platform strategy and audience research
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in platform strategy and audience research, and how to avoid them
- Applying platform strategy and audience research in low-resource and community settings
Assessed work: Case study discussion applying platform strategy and audience research to a local scenario.
- 2
Content pillars and calendars
Week 2Work through the methods and tools used for content pillars and calendars in day-to-day programme work.
What you cover
- Step-by-step methods and templates for content pillars and calendars
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in content pillars and calendars, and how to avoid them
- Applying content pillars and calendars in low-resource and community settings
Assessed work: Practical task: draft one working document related to content pillars and calendars.
- 3
Community management and messaging
Week 3Practise community management and messaging on realistic case material drawn from Sierra Leonean community and field settings.
What you cover
- Common problems, risks and mistakes in community management and messaging, and how to avoid them
- Applying community management and messaging in low-resource and community settings
- Recording, reporting and communicating your community management and messaging work
Assessed work: Group simulation using community management and messaging under time pressure.
- 4
Analytics, growth and conversion
Week 4Turn analytics, growth and conversion into documents, plans and decisions your team or employer can actually use.
What you cover
- Applying analytics, growth and conversion in low-resource and community settings
- Recording, reporting and communicating your analytics, growth and conversion work
- Key concepts, terminology and standards behind analytics, growth and conversion
Assessed work: Portfolio entry: reflect on how you will use analytics, growth and conversion in your role.
Who this course is for
- • Learners, freelancers and small business owners who want practical, job-ready digital skills.
- • Programme, project and community staff who need structured, practical training.
- • School leavers and graduates building a first professional portfolio.
Entry requirements
- • Open to all learners; no formal qualification required.
- • Access to a phone, tablet or computer for online and blended study.
- • Commitment to attend sessions and submit assignments on time.
How you are assessed
- • Short module tasks completed during the course.
- • Practical component: Portfolio piece completed and reviewed in class.
- • A final assessment or portfolio review covering the full syllabus.
- • Participation in guided sessions, discussions and group exercises.
Materials and support
- • Session handouts, checklists and templates you keep after the course.
- • Practice files and design or campaign briefs for each tool covered.
- • Tutor guidance by WhatsApp between sessions.
Certification
Learners who complete all assessments receive an SLIHSD professional certificate of completion. This records completion of an SLIHSD short course and is not presented as an accredited academic award.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the certificate you should be able to:
- Build a platform-specific strategy
- Grow engagement with a content plan
- Report on growth and conversion
Practical component
Portfolio piece completed and reviewed in class.
How this programme is delivered
Online
Guided sessions and assignments you can follow from anywhere with a connection.
Face-to-face
Classroom sessions at our Mile 91 learning centre, including weekend and evening options.
Blended
A mix of online study with periodic in-person workshops, field exercises and simulations.
Ready to start Social Media Marketing?
Applications for the Founding Student Intake 2026 are open. Register your interest and we will guide you to the right programme.