Social Media Examiner
Long-running social media marketing publisher and community, with free content, an annual industry report, and a paid conference.
Overview
Founded by Michael Stelzner and running continuously since 2009, Social Media Examiner is one of the longest-standing social media marketing publishers, reaching over 385,000 marketers through free articles, its long-running Social Media Marketing Podcast, and an annual Social Media Marketing Industry Report built from tens of thousands of survey responses. Beyond free content, the company runs Social Media Marketing World, a large annual in-person conference, and membership options for deeper training and networking. Because it has operated transparently under one identifiable founder for over 15 years with a genuinely large free-content library (not just a lead magnet), and its flagship 'product' is largely journalism/research plus a real conference rather than a high-ticket coaching funnel, it sits on the safer end of the marketing-education space. Best for freelance social media managers and marketers who want ongoing, credible industry research and community, supplemented by an optional paid conference, rather than a single structured course.
What's included
- Free articles and marketing guides
- Social Media Marketing Podcast
- Annual Industry Report (free)
- Social Media Marketing World conference (paid)
Pros
- 15+ years of consistent, checkable operating history
- Large amount of genuinely free, high-quality content
- Annual industry report is a real, data-backed resource
- In-person conference offers real networking value
Cons
- Conference and deeper training options cost money
- Less structured than a single step-by-step course
- General social media focus rather than one narrow tactic
Frequently asked questions
Quick info
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