Social Media Marketing: Earn Your MBA in Data Analytics Online for Practical Marketing Skills

The numbers speak volumes: There are over 5.2 billion social media users worldwide, according to Statista. This massive audience represents more than half the global population, an unprecedented marketing opportunity no business can afford to ignore. Social media marketing transforms how companies connect with customers to promote products, build relationships and drive revenue. 

This approach requires strategic planning rather than random posting, helping businesses achieve measurable results aligned with specific objectives. The University of Wisconsin-Parkside (UW-Parkside) online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Data Analytics program equips professionals with essential skills to master this dynamic digital environment.   

Unlike traditional advertising channels, social media creates two-way conversations between brands and consumers. When a business promotes new products on Instagram, responds to customer comments on Facebook or showcases brand values on YouTube, that is social media marketing in action.  

The Power Behind Social Media Marketing Strategy 

A well-defined social media marketing strategy aligns your social efforts with broader business goals, establishing clear boundaries around your team’s expertise and resources. This framework helps marketers focus on activities that deliver measurable results rather than chasing every trending topic. 

According to Sprout Social, 90% of consumers use social media to keep up with trends and cultural moments. When brands commit to consistent strategies, they develop the identity needed to stand out and connect meaningfully with target audiences. The same research reveals that authenticity and relatability are two of the three most valued brand content traits. 

The online MBA in Data Analytics program from UW-Parkside teaches students to develop data-driven social media strategies by analyzing audience behavior, tracking campaign performance and optimizing content based on real-time metrics. These analytical skills prove invaluable as businesses compete for attention in increasingly crowded social feeds. 

Marketing Social Media: Practical Tools and Techniques 

Creating engaging content is the primary key to effective social media marketing. The most successful brands diversify their approach with a mix of content, including educational posts, behind-the-scenes glimpses, customer testimonials and product demonstrations. This variety keeps audiences engaged while showcasing different aspects of the brand personality. 

Visual content dominates modern social feeds, with short-form video emerging as the most engaging format across platforms. According to Sprout Social, 84% of social users maintain Instagram profiles, and 61% use the platform to discover their next purchase. 

Finding your authentic brand voice represents another crucial element of social media success. The most effective social accounts present themselves as humans rather than robots by adopting consistent language and tone appropriate for their industry and audience. Over time, these choices forge a sense of trustworthiness. In UW-Parkside’s online MBA program, students master these practical techniques while developing skills in database technologies and programming.  

B2B Social Media Marketing and Advanced Analytics 

Though often associated with consumer products, social media marketing delivers exceptional value for B2B companies. Business-focused platforms like LinkedIn provide ideal environments for showcasing industry expertise, connecting with decision-makers and generating qualified leads. 

Integrating advanced analytics transforms B2B social media from single-use communication channels to strategic business assets. Companies leverage data from social platforms to understand customer sentiment, track competitor activities and identify emerging market trends for insights that drive informed business decisions. 

The program prepares students for this data-driven marketing environment through coursework in quantitative decision-making techniques. Students learn to apply linear programming, risk analysis and multicriteria decision models to real-world business challenges. 

SEO and Social Media Marketing Services 

The relationship between social media and search engine optimization creates powerful synergies for digital marketers. While social profiles enhance online visibility, the traffic, engagement and links generated through social media significantly impact search rankings. 

Search engines increasingly incorporate social signals into their algorithms, recognizing that popular social content often indicates relevance and quality. Shares and click-throughs from social platforms represent positive search signals, making social media a valuable SEO asset. 

Students in the program develop expertise in both SEO and social media marketing through specialized courses that explore digital consumer behavior, web analytics and creative strategy. This integrated approach prepares graduates to implement comprehensive digital marketing campaigns. 

Advance Your Career With Marketing Insights Through a Data Analytics MBA Online 

The demand for professionals who understand both business strategy and data analytics continues to surge across industries. The online MBA in Data Analytics program from UW-Parkside positions graduates for success, developing the abilities to assimilate, interpret and present information for effective organizational decision-making. 

The Social Media Marketing course provides powerful training for careers in digital marketing, equipping students with high-demand skills. All courses feature instruction from faculty with extensive corporate management and entrepreneur backgrounds. The curriculum undergoes regular updates based on industry trends and feedback from the Business Advisory Board, ensuring graduates bring employers relevant skills that digital markets demand. 

Learn more about UW-Parkside’s online MBA with a Concentration in Data Analytics program.