As social media evolves, it provides organizations with new and exciting ways to share their message and engage their audiences. However, to drive real action, they need to understand the science behind social media and the key to harnessing it effectively for business success.

The Social Media Strategy: Creating Engagement, Insight, and Action online short course from the MIT Sloan School of Management offers an in-depth look into the forces driving social media and how you can use them strategically to reach your organization’s goals.

Drawing on Sinan Aral’s book, The Hype Machine , you’ll gain an understanding of the technologies and trends impacting the social media landscape, as well as the neurological and economic factors that shape human behavior. Throughout this course, you’ll also learn about several powerful techniques to improve your social media marketing strategy. With guidance from MIT faculty and industry experts, you’ll walk away with the tools to leverage social media’s potential now and in the future.

The functional and strategic skills taught in this social media strategy course from MIT Sloan can be applied across any organization, both in the public or private sector. Business leaders and marketing professionals will all benefit from the various case studies featured throughout the program, as well as the practical frameworks for navigating today’s social media environment. It’s also relevant for NGOs, governments, policymakers, and influencers who wish to influence and engage their audience in an effective but ethical way.