In this comprehensive lecture series, students will explore the intricacies of advertising on social media platforms, particularly Twitter and Facebook. The lectures will cover the differences between social media and search engine advertising, ad types, targeting options, and challenges associated with inferenced data and user anonymity. We will also discuss the limitations of Twitter and Facebook advertising, such as ad relevance, targeting challenges, and spam prevalence. Furthermore, students will learn about the effectiveness of ads on both platforms, analyzing campaign data, and utilizing the Twitter Ads API and Facebook Pixel for demographic prospecting. By the end of this lecture series, students will have a comprehensive understanding of social media advertising and how to optimize their campaigns on both Twitter and Facebook.

In this lecture series, we will explore the power and effectiveness of Instagram as an advertising platform, examining its unique features, targeting capabilities, and performance metrics. We will discuss the role of influencers in marketing and the evolving landscape of influencer marketing, as well as the importance of aesthetics and authenticity in Instagram content. Additionally, we will compare Instagram to other social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, and delve into strategies to overcome the lack of purchase intent on social media. Lastly, we will touch upon the regulations surrounding sponsored content and the immersive nature of Instagram as a medium.

This project offers three assignment options for students to apply their knowledge of social media advertising on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Students will either create a report identifying an audience persona and relevant targeting parameters for a Facebook ad campaign, assess the potential success of an Instagram advertising campaign for two small businesses, or develop a Twitter ad strategy for a gourmet deli. Through these assignments, students will demonstrate their understanding of targeting parameters, creative options, and key metrics for evaluating the success of social media advertising campaigns.