BFBS has announced that applications are now open for Social Media Spouses, the first free online social media training programme for the spouses and partners of full-time HM Forces personnel funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust…

Social Media Spouses addresses a real need amongst military spouses and partners to obtain the skills required to find flexible and interesting work that fits around military and family life. As well as being the first dedicated course to offer detailed training on how to use social media to grow a business, or find a career in social media.

This 12-week course is designed by social media experts, to offer military spouses the opportunity to build up professional skills, ultimately enabling them to become social media professionals.

The online course will focus on the following areas of social media:

  • Social Media Platforms: How each platform’s algorithms work, along with effective strategies to make content stand out
  • Campaign Planning: Plan, implement and evaluate social media campaigns
  • Community Management: How to grow and engage an audience, how to moderate comments and discussions, and how to deal with difficult situations
  • Photography: Learn how to take truly show-stopping images using a phone
  • Videos: Create professional social media videos using a smartphone
  • Ads: Using paid-for advertising on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
  • Analytics: Using each of the major platforms’ built-in analytics tools

Course Leader Jackie Rautenbach, BFBS Social Media Manager says: “Being married to someone in the military, I understand first-hand what it feels like having to give up your job or career. Finding work that fits around military life is a challenge, but it’s not impossible. The world of social media offers so many opportunities.

“It’s used by entrepreneurial spouses who run their own businesses, and social media managers who often work remotely. That’s exactly why we want to equip as many spouses and partners with the sought-after social media management skills. We want to change as many lives as possible.”

Social Media Spouses also has a dedicated Facebook group where the course leaders offer advice on careers in social media, content or campaigns, plus ongoing support and feedback on anything related to social media. The course will be completed through a learning platform which can be accessed from anywhere around the world.