[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
It\u2019s no secret that social media moves quickly, and we\u2019re not talking about the latest TikTok dance trend. The platforms themselves are almost always in a state of flux. Algorithm changes and evolving user bases keep marketers on their toes.<\/p>\n
Whether social media is new to you or old hat, having a list of social media blogs and sites to keep tabs on is a great idea. That way, you can check in with the experts any time you feel the need to refine your social media strategy to help your local small and medium-sized (SMB) business clients succeed on social channels.<\/p>\n
Choosing which blogs and sites to follow can be tricky. There are plenty of knowledgeable bloggers sharing great social media tips. We picked a few of our favorites to help you keep your finger on the pulse of the social media world in 2022.<\/span><\/p>\n [et_pb_section global_module=\"113194 \"][\/et_pb_section]<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”The Content Marketing Institute links social media with other marketing initiatives When we\u2019re talking about social media blogs, the <\/span>Content Marketing Institute<\/span><\/a> (CMI) is a good first stop. CMI focuses more broadly on content as a whole, but, of course, most of the content we create ends up on social media these days.<\/span><\/p>\n A broader view lets you see social media as part of your larger marketing strategy. In turn, you can unify your marketing efforts across platforms. By doing so, your social media efforts can seamlessly blend in with the rest of your campaigns.<\/span><\/p>\n The Content Marketing Institute offers much more than a blog as well. From research reports to events, CMI has plenty of information to help you stay on top of all your content needs.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Neil Patel offers one-stop marketing advice Is any list of social media sites complete without <\/span>Neil Patel\u2019s insightful blog<\/span>? The brain behind Crazy Egg and KISSmetrics has been knee-deep in digital marketing for more than two decades now (<\/span>ZenBusiness<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n Patel first rose to fame for his SEO strategies, not his social media advice. However, today, his blog has expanded to cover almost every aspect of digital marketing you can imagine.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for social media insights, then Patel\u2019s blog should be on your radar. While SEO might still be Patel\u2019s expertise, there are plenty of articles with insights about social media specifically. The blog also provides business leaders with a view of everything that goes into digital marketing.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Win in the social media sphere with expert tips from Vendasta The <\/span>Vendasta blog<\/span><\/a> is peppered with a wide range of digital marketing insights including social media best practices. The useful tips help boost any brand\u2019s online presence with advice from the experts behind a purposefully designed <\/span>social media management platform<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Vendasta platform provides a unified set of social media tools that allow partners and their local business clients to manage, understand, and improve their social media presence. Use the social media insights on our blog to connect the dots with your other marketing efforts, sales, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Social Media Examiner digs deeper than other social media blogs” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Social Media Examiner<\/span><\/a> delivers on its name, providing not only the latest news but a helpful dose of insight too.<\/span><\/p>\n Since the site launched, it\u2019s grown to include blog posts, marketing guides, and even podcasts. The site\u2019s team also prepares a \u201cstate of social media\u201d report to help your team analyze emerging trends. With new content rolling out all the time, Social Media Examiner is one of the top stops for many marketers and social media specialists.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Forbes offers a who\u2019s who of social media experts” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n You might not think an established outlet like <\/span>Forbes<\/span><\/a> would be up to date on all things digital. Yet, their strategy allows them to showcase great advice from some of the top names in the social media sphere.<\/span><\/p>\n Forbes frequently invites industry experts to write for them. Articles are vetted by the Forbes editorial team. The result is a surprising combination of trustworthy reporting and up-to-the-minute tips.<\/span><\/p>\n Forbes can also be a great place to discover new social media bloggers to follow. If you read a couple of articles from an expert and find their tips useful, then you can usually find more of the same on their own blog. If you\u2019re not sure who to turn to, then checking out Forbes can be a great way to find fresh perspectives.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”HubSpot has industry-backed expertise” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The <\/span>HubSpot blog<\/span><\/a> offers practical advice and tips on a wealth of sales and marketing topics, including social media. HubSpot\u2019s position in the industry gives the team insights into many marketers’ activities. That data, in turn, gives them a bird\u2019s eye view of what\u2019s working\u2014and what\u2019s not.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Social Media Week keeps you up to date” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Social Media Week<\/span><\/a> has become a go-to for many social media marketers. You’ll find plenty of insightful news articles, as well as tricks of the trade.<\/span><\/p>\n Social Media Week helps marketers and business owners take their skills to the next level with SMW+. This content includes insights that go above and beyond \u201cthe usual\u201d advice. Finally, Social Media Week sponsors a series of events of the same name. You can learn from some of the best in the industry, and link up with others who share your passion for social media.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Gary Vaynerchuk breaks down tech on his blog” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Business leaders love <\/span>Gary Vaynerchuk<\/span><\/a>, and for good reason. Gary Vee, as he\u2019s known, has made it part of his life\u2019s work to identify trends in technology. He then translates those trends to actionable ideas for business leaders.<\/span><\/p>\n That mission extends to social media platforms. Vee breaks down the technical realities driving Facebook, TikTok, and other platforms. By illuminating the algorithms and AI behind social media, Vee shows how you can make the tech work for you. In turn, you can deliver better social media marketing results.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”No one knows Facebook like Mari Smith” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n One name should come to mind when you say \u201cFacebook marketing,\u201d and that name should be Mari Smith. Smith has been guiding businesses through the weeds of Facebook marketing since 2007 (<\/span>natfluence<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n As a result of her years of experience, <\/span>Smith\u2019s blog<\/span><\/a> is a wealth of knowledge. Smith works hard to keep her advice fresh. Recent tips include maximizing the results of live video and what to do if your Facebook account has been hacked. She even goes over using hashtags to increase organic reach (and they told you organic reach was dead!).<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”MarketingProfs gives a crash course in everything social media Hundreds of thousands of marketers can’t all be wrong. That’s how many people rely on MarketingProfs for everything from webinars to informative guides. The site also includes courses, research reports, and much more.<\/span><\/p>\n Although some content is behind a paywall, there are still plenty of free articles available on their site. If you\u2019ve ever had a question about social media or how to use it for your business, the answer is here.<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>MarketingProfs blog<\/span><\/a> is a good place to start out, as many of their resources<\/a> are foundational. Of course, if you\u2019re looking for something more advanced, you might find it here too.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Neal Schaffer helps business put ideas into action” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n If you check out lists of the best social media blogs, one name that comes up without fail is Neal Schaffer. Schaffer has shared his social media insights in two books. He\u2019s often a keynote speaker at conferences as well. Of course, he shares a lot of his advice on his blog, as well as in the podcast he hosts.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nThe Content Marketing Institute links social media with other marketing initiatives<\/h2>\n
\n” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nNeil Patel offers one-stop marketing advice<\/h2>\n
\n” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nWin in the social media sphere with expert tips from Vendasta<\/h2>\n
Social Media Examiner digs deeper than other social media blogs<\/h2>\n
Forbes offers a who\u2019s who of social media experts<\/h2>\n
HubSpot has industry-backed expertise<\/h2>\n
Social Media Week keeps you up to date<\/h2>\n
Gary Vaynerchuk breaks down tech on his blog<\/h2>\n
No one knows Facebook like Mari Smith<\/h2>\n
\n” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nMarketingProfs gives a crash course in everything social media<\/h2>\n
Neal Schaffer helps businesses put ideas into action<\/h2>\n