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Want to hire a Certified Social Media Specialist?

I was looking through some online job-wanted postings recently and found one aspiring enterpreneur who had billed himself as a "certified" social media specialist.  Upon reading further, it appeared as if he had taken an online course or two and whatever organization had billed him for said courses had given him some form of assurance that successful completion of said coursework conferred their certification of his skills as a social media specialist. 

What an interesting world in which we live, that it is easy to believe that certification somehow makes all people claiming a specialty to be better at what they do. 

Is Social Media Specialist Certification Better?

Let’s think about certification in social media for a moment.  I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed that the more I delve into social media, its various platforms and applications, the only constant is CHANGE!  Every few months, there’s an upgrade, a new platform, a change in appearance and function, additional terms of service, etc.   Even if a professional organization existed, the very moment a certification program were outlined, it would be on its way to becoming irrelevant, outdated, and useless to individuals pursuing it and organizations seeking to benefit from those skilled in the strategic use of social media in business. 

If not certification, then what?

If certification in social media strategy or social media marketing management isn’t the answer to ensuring a professional level of knowledge, then how does one judge the competence of a social media manager or social media manager?  The answer is deceptively simple. 

The proof is in the pudding!

Have you ever heard that old saying?  Its simplicity applies even in the world of technology.  When searching for a professional to strategize and manage your company’s online presence, either a blog writer/ghost writer or other form of social media manager, take time to review his or her past communication via blog, Twitter, Facebook, and the like.  Social Media is all about communication.  If someone communicates well, it will be obvious – there will be fresh, relevant content, regular audience engagement, and a high level of sharing of information. 

On the other hand, if someone is claiming to be certified without regular content updates or consistent engagement with his or her audience via a multitude of social media platforms, that may be one kind of being certifiable that it’s better to do without!

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