Social Media Production I

Social Media Production I

Lesson 3 – Competitive Research & Content Ideas

Study What Exists Before You Create What’s Next

Before launching a social media campaign, successful brands don’t just start posting. They research. They observe. They analyze what already exists in their space.

Competitive research isn’t about copying others. It’s about understanding the landscape so you can make smarter, more strategic decisions.

If you skip this step, you risk:

  • Repeating what everyone else is doing
  • Missing opportunities
  • Setting unrealistic expectations
  • Posting content that doesn’t connect

If you do it well, you gain clarity.

What Is Competitive Research?

Competitive research means studying brands similar to yours and evaluating:

  • What they post
  • How often they post
  • What performs well
  • How they engage their audience
  • What their tone and style look like

You’re looking for patterns, gaps, and opportunities.

Instead of asking, “What should I post?”
Start asking, “What’s already being posted—and what’s missing?”

Why This Matters

When you study other brands in your niche, you begin to:

• Gain insight into what works (and what doesn’t)
• Avoid common mistakes others have already made
• Understand realistic engagement levels
• Identify content trends
• Clarify your own positioning

This helps you develop a strategy that feels intentional—not random.

It also helps you fine-tune:

  • Your voice
  • Your audience targeting
  • Your visual direction
  • Your content mix

The goal is not to blend in.
The goal is to understand the room before you walk into it.

Where to Start

Begin by identifying the top 3 brands in your industry or niche.

Ask yourself:

  • Which platforms are they active on?
  • What type of content do they post most often?
  • What posts seem to get the most engagement?
  • What tone do they use? Professional? Casual? Humorous?
  • What feels strong? What feels weak?

If you’re working with a real organization, like Hennepin Technical College or another local brand, look at both direct competitors and aspirational examples.

Helpful Research Tools

You don’t need paid enterprise software to get started. These tools can give you valuable insight:

Google Trends
https://trends.google.com/trends/?geo=US
See what topics are gaining or losing popularity over time.

Helpful Guides on Competitive Research:

These break down the process step by step and even include templates.

Turning Research into Content Ideas

Research isn’t the final step—it’s the starting point.

Once you understand what others are doing, you can begin generating your own content ideas. Instead of copying formats, use research to inspire variation.

If competitors are posting:

  • Mostly product photos → Could you add behind-the-scenes content?
  • Only promotional posts → Could you share educational or entertaining content?
  • Highly polished visuals → Could you test something more authentic and raw?

Content ideas don’t have to be complicated. They just need to align with:

  • Your audience
  • Your brand voice
  • Your campaign goals

If you need inspiration, explore these resources:

Final Takeaway

Strong social media strategy doesn’t start with posting.
It starts with studying.

Competitive research saves time, reduces guesswork, and increases your chances of creating content that stands out for the right reasons.

Discussion 3 – Your First Memory of Something Going Viral

*Submit Discussion into D2L

Think back to the earliest viral piece of content you remember seeing online. What was it?

Describe what it was and why you think it stuck with you. Was it funny? Shocking? Relatable? Something everyone was talking about?

Keep your response family-friendly, and feel free to reflect on how viral content has changed over time.

Assignment 3 – Your Brand Initial Research & Content Ideas

*Submit Assignment into D2L

Before building a strong campaign, you need to understand the space your brand lives in. This assignment is about researching similar brands and using what you learn to generate intentional content ideas for your own strategy.

Part 1 – Competitive Research

Analyze how your brand compares to other similar brands in the same industry or niche.

  1. Identify 2–3 leading brands in your industry.
    • Which platforms are they active on?
    • Which platforms appear strongest for them (followers, engagement, consistency)?
  2. Posting frequency.
    • How often does each brand post on their top platforms (daily, weekly, etc.)?
    • Do they post consistently?
  3. Content types.
    Create a list of the types of content they share. Examples may include:
    • Basic photos
    • Edited graphics
    • Memes
    • Quotes or testimonials
    • Short-form video
    • Long-form video
    • Behind-the-scenes content
    • Promotional posts
    Collect at least 3 strong examples of their content (links, screenshots, or compiled into a zip file). As you review these posts, ask yourself:
    • Do certain content types appear more frequently?
    • Do some types seem to receive more engagement (likes, comments, views)?
    • What patterns do you notice?
  4. Opportunities for improvement.
    • Do you see any gaps or missed opportunities in how these brands run their accounts?
    • What could they be doing better?
  5. Strategic takeaway for your brand.
    Based on your research:
    • Which platform(s) do you believe your brand should focus on?
    • What are the top 3 content types you believe would perform best for your brand?

The goal here is not to copy competitors. It’s to understand the landscape so you can make smarter decisions.

Part 2 – Content Idea Development

Now that you’ve completed your research, begin outlining potential content ideas for your own brand.

Create a simple list of 5–10 content ideas you would like to work toward this semester. You are not required to create these pieces yet—this is strictly ideation and planning.

Your ideas might include:

  • A meme concept (describe the tone, headline, and visual direction)
  • A short educational video explaining something about your brand
  • A caption contest or interactive post
  • A close-up product spotlight
  • A throwback or history post
  • A behind-the-scenes feature
  • A testimonial series
  • A seasonal promotion

Be specific. Instead of writing “Funny Meme,” explain what kind of meme and what it would reference. If you propose an educational video, describe what topic it would cover and why it would matter to your audience.

The more detail you include now, the easier content creation will be later.

Why This Matters

This assignment builds the foundation for the rest of your semester. By researching first and brainstorming intentionally, you’ll avoid guessing later. When it’s time to create, you’ll already have direction and momentum.

You do not need to create new content yet. Focus on observation, strategy, and thoughtful planning.

Submit your findings and ideas in D2L, and reach out if you have any questions.

Sample Student Work

Lesson 4 – Social Media Templates & Viral Content

Structure Creates Consistency. Consistency Creates Growth.

By now, you’ve researched competitors and generated content ideas. The next step isn’t “post more.” It’s build structure.

Successful brands don’t rely on memory or random posting. They use systems. One of the simplest and most powerful systems you can use is a social media template.

Templates bring clarity to creativity.

Why Social Media Templates Matter

Running a social media account without tracking data is like driving without a dashboard. You might be moving—but you don’t know how fast, how far, or whether you’re improving.

A simple social media tracking template allows you to record key metrics like likes, comments, shares, views, and engagement rates over time. When you track performance consistently, patterns begin to appear. You start to see which posts resonate and which fall flat.

Templates also help refine your content strategy. When you log what type of content you posted—photo, graphic, meme, short-form video—you can quickly identify which formats consistently perform better for your audience.

Beyond performance, templates support planning. You can map out posting schedules, content categories, campaign timelines, and resource allocation in advance. Instead of scrambling, you’re operating intentionally.

If you’re running promotions or paid campaigns, templates help you track spending, reach, and return on investment. They also allow you to monitor campaign results side by side and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Over time, templates become a historical record. They allow you to:

  • Identify trends
  • Track growth
  • Set and monitor goals
  • Compare performance to competitors
  • Document A/B testing experiments
  • Demonstrate progress to clients or stakeholders

Most importantly, templates increase efficiency. They remove guesswork and help you make decisions based on data—not assumptions.

If you’d like examples, explore these template resources:
https://blog.hootsuite.com/social-media-templates/
Quick download set: https://share.getcloudapp.com/6qu8Wjod

Viral Content: What Actually Makes Something Spread?

Now let’s shift gears.

Everyone wants to “go viral.” Very few understand what that actually means.

Virality isn’t luck alone. While unpredictable elements exist, viral content often follows recognizable patterns.

To better understand viral content, start by analyzing the content itself. What format was used? Was it video, image, text, or a combination? Did it rely on humor, emotion, shock, relatability, or timing?

Next, consider the platform. Content that explodes on TikTok may fall flat on LinkedIn. Each platform has its own culture, trends, and behavioral norms.

Then look at engagement metrics. High shares often matter more than high likes. Comments can reveal emotional impact. Views show reach—but interaction shows connection.

Timing also plays a major role. Did the post align with a trending topic, cultural event, or news moment? Was it early to a trend or late?

Influencers and large accounts can amplify reach quickly. If a major creator shared the content, that can dramatically increase exposure. But amplification alone doesn’t guarantee sustained impact.

User-generated participation often drives virality. Challenges, hashtags, duets, remixing, and community engagement create momentum beyond the original post.

Finally, analyze audience sentiment. Were reactions positive? Negative? Divided? Viral doesn’t always mean universally loved—it means widely shared.

The Real Goal Isn’t Virality

Here’s the important part.

Virality is not a strategy. It’s a result.

Strong brands focus on:

  • Consistency
  • Audience understanding
  • Clear messaging
  • Structured execution

Sometimes that leads to viral moments. Sometimes it leads to steady growth. Both can be valuable.

Templates give you the structure.
Research gives you insight.
Creativity gives you personality.

When those three combine, you build something sustainable.

Marketing Campaigns That Made History

In class, we’ll also examine major ad campaigns that changed marketing culture. Studying historical campaigns helps you see how storytelling, timing, and execution come together at scale.

We’ll review examples from here:
https://www.typeform.com/blog/ask-awesomely/ad-campaigns/

Creative Ways to Explore Viral Content (Without Chasing It)

Trying to “go viral” usually fails. Exploring why content spreads—and experimenting intentionally—can lead to stronger results.

Instead of asking, “How do I go viral?” ask:

  • How do I make something shareable?
  • How do I make someone feel something?
  • How do I invite participation?

Here are creative ways to explore viral-style content in a strategic way:

1. Create Relatability

Highly shareable content often taps into shared experiences.
Think:

  • “Things only ______ understand”
  • “POV: You’re a student during finals week”
  • “If you know, you know”

Relatability lowers resistance and increases shares.

2. Use Trends — With Intention

You don’t need to invent something new every time. Monitor trending sounds, formats, or themes and adapt them to fit your brand voice.

The key is alignment. If the trend doesn’t fit your brand personality, skip it.

3. Invite Participation

Content spreads faster when audiences become part of it.

Examples:

  • Caption contests
  • “Tag someone who…”
  • Before/after submissions
  • Challenges or prompts

User participation turns passive viewers into active contributors.

4. Tap Into Emotion

Viral content often triggers:

  • Humor
  • Inspiration
  • Surprise
  • Nostalgia
  • Validation

Emotion increases shareability. If someone feels something, they’re more likely to pass it along.

5. Simplify the Message

Many viral posts are extremely simple:

  • One strong image
  • One clear sentence
  • One bold idea

Complexity rarely spreads. Clarity does.

6. Experiment in Small Batches

Instead of overthinking, test ideas intentionally.

Try:

  • Two different hooks
  • Two different posting times
  • Two variations of the same concept

Track results in your template. Learn from the response. Adjust.

7. Build Share Triggers Into Your Content

Ask yourself:

  • Would someone send this to a friend?
  • Would someone repost this to their story?
  • Would someone comment “This is me”?

If yes, you’re closer to shareability.

Important Reminder

Virality is unpredictable. It cannot be guaranteed, duplicated on demand, or forced.

What you can control:

  • Consistency
  • Quality
  • Relevance
  • Timing
  • Audience understanding

If a piece takes off, great.
If it doesn’t, you still gained data.

The real strategy is not chasing viral moments—it’s building a brand that’s capable of them.

To study viral content more deeply, explore:
https://backlinko.com/hub/content/viral
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/6471-going-viral-social-media-tips.html
https://neilpatel.com/blog/how-to-create-viral-content-that-will-drive-2500-visitors-per-day/
https://terakeet.com/blog/viral-content/
https://visme.co/blog/10-ways-to-make-your-content-go-viral/
https://www.copypress.com/kb/social-media-promotion/how-to-make-your-content-go-viral/

Final Takeaway

Creativity without structure is chaotic.
Structure without creativity is forgettable.

Templates help you manage the numbers.
Analysis helps you understand impact.
Creativity helps you connect.

The goal isn’t to chase viral fame.
The goal is to build a brand that grows intentionally.

Discussion 4 – Most Memorable Brand Slogans/Ad Campaigns

*Submit Discussion into D2L

Think back to some of the most memorable brand slogans or advertising campaigns you’ve seen over the years.

What are 2–3 that still stick with you?

For example:

  • “Got Milk?”
  • “Just Do It.”
  • “Get in the Game.”

What made them memorable? Was it the wording, the visuals, the repetition, the emotion, or the time in your life when you saw them?

In your response, share:

  • The slogan or campaign
  • The brand behind it
  • Why you think it worked
  • Why you still remember it today

Keep your response thoughtful and family-friendly.

Assignment 4 – Your Brand Initial Content Pieces

*Submit Assignment into D2L

Now it’s time to move from planning to execution. You’ve researched competitors, identified platforms, and brainstormed ideas. This assignment focuses on creating the foundational pieces your brand actually needs to launch and begin posting.

Part 1 – Platform Setup Content

In the previous assignment, you identified which platform(s) your brand should focus on. Now you need to determine what standard content pieces are required for each of those platforms.

Every platform has specific formatting and asset requirements. For example, if you choose Facebook, you will need:

  • A profile image
  • A cover photo

If you choose Instagram, you may need:

  • A profile image
  • Bio text
  • Highlight covers

If you choose YouTube:

  • Channel banner
  • Profile image
  • Channel description

Your task:

  1. Research the required dimensions and recommended content pieces for your selected platform(s).
    (Use Google to search things like “Instagram profile size,” “YouTube banner dimensions,” etc.)
  2. Create a simple list of the required platform assets for your brand.
  3. Design and submit the actual platform setup pieces (profile image, cover photo, banner, etc.) based on current recommended sizes.

The goal is to make your brand look complete and intentional—not unfinished.

Part 2 – Create 6 Content Pieces

In the previous assignment, you listed approximately 12 potential content ideas for your brand. Now you will create at least half of them (6 total pieces).

You may choose any six from your original list, but they should reflect variety and intention. Consider including different types such as:

  • A meme-style post
  • A testimonial or quote
  • An educational or informational post
  • A promotional piece
  • A behind-the-scenes post
  • A short-form video

For each content piece, you must submit:

  • The visual (image or video)
  • A short caption written in your brand’s voice
  • A short paragraph explaining:
    • Why you chose this content idea
    • What goal it supports (engagement, awareness, trust, promotion, etc.)
    • Why you believe it fits your brand

Be thoughtful. This isn’t about making random posts—it’s about building intentional content that supports your brand’s direction.

Final Notes

Creativity is encouraged, but strategy matters. Think about:

  • Platform fit
  • Audience
  • Brand voice
  • Consistency

This is where your brand starts to feel real.

Submit all required pieces into D2L.

Sample Student Work

Lesson 2 – Social Media Channels & Basic Tools

Same Goal, Different Tools

Now that we’ve established that social media is about people—not apps, it’s time to zoom in on the tools we do use today.

Different social media platforms exist for different reasons. They attract different audiences, reward different types of content, and require slightly different approaches. There is no “one-size-fits-all” post.

Think of this lesson as learning the terrain before you start creating content.

Social Media Channels: A High-Level Overview

Each platform has its own personality. Understanding that personality is more important than memorizing specs or trends.

Instagram

  • Visual-first platform
  • Strong for photos, short videos, Stories, and Reels
  • Best for lifestyle, branding, behind-the-scenes, and visuals that stop the scroll

Think: imagery, mood, consistency, storytelling

TikTok

  • Video-first, fast-paced
  • Less polished, more authentic
  • Trends matter, but creativity matters more

Think: motion, personality, timing, experimentation

YouTube

  • Long-form and short-form video
  • Great for education, storytelling, tutorials, and depth
  • Content has a longer lifespan than most platforms

Think: value, clarity, storytelling over time

Facebook

  • Still strong for communities, events, groups, and local reach
  • Often used by organizations, schools, and businesses

Think: information, engagement, updates, connection

LinkedIn

  • Professional-focused
  • Great for careers, process, growth, behind-the-scenes work, and education

Think: credibility, learning, professional storytelling

The Big Idea

Every platform is social media—but not every piece of content belongs on every platform.

Good creators adapt their message without losing their voice.

Also see: https://www.dreamgrow.com/top-15-most-popular-social-networking-sites/

You Don’t Need Fancy Software to Get Started

One of the biggest misconceptions about social media is that you need expensive tools or advanced software to create good content.

You don’t.

Most strong content starts simple.

Common Tools Used in Social Media Creation

Canva

  • Beginner-friendly
  • Templates for social posts, stories, reels, and more
  • Great for quick, clean, professional-looking content

Perfect if you’re focusing on ideas and layout first.

Adobe Photoshop

  • More control over images
  • Ideal for photo editing, graphics, and design precision
  • Often used in professional design workflows

Great for refining visuals and learning industry-standard tools.

Adobe Illustrator

  • Best for logos, icons, and vector graphics
  • Used heavily in branding and identity work

Useful when designing assets that may be reused across platforms.

Video Tools (High-Level)

  • Phone cameras (seriously)
  • CapCut
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • After Effects (advanced)

Video quality matters—but story and clarity matter more.

Software Is a Tool — Not the Point

Software doesn’t make content good.

Ideas do.

Strong social content comes from:

  • Understanding the audience
  • Choosing the right platform
  • Communicating clearly
  • Designing with intention

The software just helps you execute.

That’s why in this class, we focus on:

  • Thinking before posting
  • Designing with purpose
  • Learning tools without becoming dependent on them

Also see: https://optinmonster.com/best-visual-content-creation-tools/ and https://bloggingwizard.com/best-social-media-management-tools/

How This Connects to Your Semester Project

As you build your semester-long social media campaign, you’ll:

  • Choose platforms intentionally
  • Select tools that fit your workflow
  • Experiment without pressure
  • Focus on consistency and message

Whether you’re creating content for yourself, a brand, or a future client—including organizations like Hennepin Technical College—these fundamentals apply everywhere.

Final Takeaway

Social media channels are just different rooms in the same house.

The goal stays the same:
Connect with people.

The format, platform, and software simply change how you do it.

Discussion 2 – Favorite App(s) for Designing Something (Desktop and/or Mobile)

*Submit Discussion into D2L

Share one or two apps or software tools you’ve used in the past, and include at least one example of something you created using each tool.

Assignment 2 – Your Brand – Content Collection

*Submit Assignment into D2L

Now that you’ve chosen a brand, it’s time to get familiar with how brands present themselves on social media. Before creating a full campaign, designers and social media managers almost always start by collecting, reviewing, and curating existing content to understand a brand’s look, voice, and style.

Part 1: Collect Existing Brand Content

For your chosen brand, collect and upload the following:

  • The brand’s logo and primary brand colors
  • Sample written copy about the brand (captions, taglines, descriptions, etc.)
  • Existing visual content used by the brand (images, videos, or graphics — minimum of 2–4 pieces)
  • Existing social media posts that reflect the brand’s tone and style, including the captions or descriptions used (simple screenshots work well — minimum of 2–4 pieces)

New brand or original idea?
If your brand is new and doesn’t have existing assets, create them. Design a logo, choose brand colors, and include a short paragraph describing what your brand is, who it’s for, and what it represents.

Part 2: Create Initial Social Media Content

Using the content you’ve gathered (or created), you’ll now design three different types of social media posts for your brand. Each post type serves a different purpose in a real social media strategy, and together they help establish tone, personality, and engagement.

For each post, create a basic image or video that you would realistically share on social media, along with a short caption written in your brand’s voice.

Post Types to Create:

1. Meme-Style Post
Meme posts are designed to feel relatable, timely, or humorous. They often reference common experiences, trends, or emotions that your audience can instantly recognize.

Your meme should:

  • Match your brand’s personality (fun, clever, sarcastic, encouraging, etc.)
  • Be appropriate for the audience you’re trying to reach
  • Use humor or relatability to build connection, not just get laughs

This could be an original meme, a brand-style twist on a popular format, or a simple visual with text that feels “shareable.”

2. Testimonial, Quote, or Review Post
These posts are about trust and credibility. They help show why a brand matters, not just what it sells.

Your post should:

  • Feature a short testimonial, quote, or review (real or realistic)
  • Highlight a benefit, experience, or value tied to the brand
  • Feel authentic and believable, not overly sales-focused

If your brand is new, you may write a realistic sample quote that represents the kind of feedback you’d want customers to share.

3. Giveaway or Sweepstakes Post
Giveaway posts are designed to boost engagement and visibility. They often encourage actions like liking, commenting, or following.

Your post should:

  • Clearly communicate what’s being given away
  • Include simple participation instructions (for example: “Follow, like, and comment”)
  • Feel exciting but still aligned with your brand’s tone

This does not need to be a real giveaway—treat it as a concept or mock promotion.

Captions & Visuals

For each post:

  • Create a basic image or video that supports the message
  • Write a short caption that sounds like your brand, not you
  • Keep captions clear, intentional, and platform-appropriate

The goal is not perfection—it’s practicing how brands communicate differently depending on the purpose of the post.

Why This Matters

These three post types represent common building blocks used by real social media teams:

  • Memes build connection
  • Testimonials build trust
  • Giveaways drive engagement

Together, they help form the foundation of a well-rounded social media presence that you’ll continue developing throughout the semester.

Submission

Upload all content into D2L and be ready to share your work in class. This assignment will help set the visual and messaging foundation for the rest of your semester-long social media campaign.

Sample Student Work

Lesson 1 – History of Social Media

Lesson 1: The History of Social Media

Social Media Existed Long Before Apps, iPhones, or Even Computers

When most people hear social media, they think of:

  • Apps
  • iPhones
  • Scrolling
  • Likes, comments, and algorithms

But social media doesn’t actually mean apps.
It means people communicating and sharing with other people.

And that’s been happening for a long time.

Let’s start with what you know—and rewind.

Social Media Today (What We Think of First)

Today, social media usually looks like:

  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Snapchat
  • YouTube
  • X (Twitter)
  • LinkedIn

It’s visual. It’s mobile. It’s fast.

We:

  • Follow people
  • Post content
  • React instantly
  • Build audiences
  • Create personal brands

But here’s the key idea:

Social media is a behavior — not a device.

Phones didn’t create social media.
They just made it easier.

Before Apps: Social Media on Computers

Before social media lived in your pocket, it lived on desktops and laptops.

Platforms like:

  • Facebook (2004) – Real-name profiles and social graphs
  • MySpace (2003) – Custom pages, music, identity
  • LinkedIn (2003) – Professional networking
  • Twitter (2006) – Short-form, real-time conversation
  • YouTube (2005) – Social video before “creators” was a job

These platforms introduced things we still use today:

  • Profiles
  • Followers
  • Feeds
  • Shares
  • Comments

Still social.
Still media.
Just not mobile yet.

Before That: Social Media Without Images or Video

Go back a little further and social media didn’t look visual at all.

It was:

  • Text
  • Usernames
  • Conversations
  • Communities

Examples:

  • AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) – Real-time digital chat
  • ICQ – Status updates before “status updates”
  • Internet Relay Chat (IRC) – Group conversations
  • Usenet – Topic-based discussions
  • Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) – Early online communities

No photos.
No filters.
No feeds.

But people still:

  • Logged in
  • Chose usernames
  • Talked to strangers
  • Built communities

Sound familiar?

Before the Internet: Social Media Without Computers

Here’s where it gets interesting.

Social media existed before the internet.

Long-distance communication systems allowed people to:

  • Send messages
  • Share information
  • React to events
  • Connect across cities and countries

The most famous example?

Morse Code (1830s)

Morse Code allowed people to:

  • Communicate in real time
  • Share news
  • React quickly
  • Spread information rapidly

It wasn’t visual.
It wasn’t digital.
But it was social.

Before there was Twitter… there was Morse Code.

If you want to explore that idea further:

So What Is Social Media, Really?

Social media is:

  • Communication
  • Connection
  • Sharing
  • Community

The tools change.
The platforms change.
The devices change.

The behavior doesn’t.

That’s why understanding history matters—especially if you’re creating content for yourself, a brand, or an organization like Hennepin Technical College.

Why This Matters for You

If social media were just apps, your skills would expire every few years.

But because social media is about:

  • Human behavior
  • Storytelling
  • Communication
  • Design
  • Strategy

Your skills carry forward—even as platforms come and go.

This semester, we’ll focus on how to think, not just what to post.

Explore the Timeline Visually

If you want to see this evolution in action, check out these fun visuals:

Final Takeaway

Social media didn’t start with apps.
It didn’t start with phones.
It didn’t even start with computers.

It started with people wanting to connect.

And that hasn’t changed.

Curious what we’ll all be creating in class this semester?

Take a look at some sample student work from the past:

https://share.zight.com/YEuzwGWW

Let’s add your future work into this folder as well!

Discussion 1 – Favorite & Least Favorite Social Media Networks

*Submit Discussion into D2L

Let’s go way back here… Even MySpace back in the day… Think about all of the different social media networks and apps we’ve now seen over the years… What have been some of your favorites and why? What have been some of your least favorites and why? And fun stories worth mentioning?

Assignment 1A – Very First Piece of Social Media Content

*Submit Assignment into D2L

Let’s imagine Hennepin Technical College’s social media team has reached out for additional content support.

Your task:
Create a minimum of 4 unique social media content pieces.

Requirements:

  • At least 2 pieces must include an image and feature the HTC logo
  • At least 2 pieces must include written copy/text
  • Pieces may include both image + text if you choose

Content ideas (use or expand on these):

  • Students smiling or on campus
  • Sample student work
  • Learning Photoshop or design tools
  • Other HTC programs (ex: “Change Your Own Oil”)

You may design your content for any social platform. If you’re not sure where to start, try Canva:
https://www.canva.com/social-media/

Submit your work as a single ZIP file or upload each piece individually to D2L.
Be ready to share — your work will help spark creative ideas for the whole class.

Sample Student Work

Assignment 1B – Your Brand

*Submit Assignment into D2L

Each of us will build our own social media campaign this semester, all focused around one brand.

This brand can be something you create entirely from scratch, or an existing brand you want to re-imagine. The goal is to think like a real social media strategist and build consistent, connected content over time.

Brand ideas to get you started:

  • A family member or friend’s small business that needs branding or social content
  • A small business or freelance idea you’d like to start
  • A local brand that could benefit from stronger branding (add your own twist)
  • A re-creation of an existing brand with your own creative direction

Your task for now:
Submit a short paragraph describing the brand you’d like to move forward with and why you chose it. If the brand already has existing content (social media, website, logo, etc.), include a link.

Think about the brand’s audience and what the goal of your campaign might be (awareness, engagement, promotion, recruitment, etc.).

While this project is great for real-world experience and your portfolio—especially if you’re working with a real business—none of the content is required to be published online. That decision is completely up to you and the brand.

We’ll use these ideas as the foundation for our next steps when we meet next.

Sample Student Work

I want to start a CD/record shop that sells everything music. Sheet music, posters, merchandise, whatever. I’ve recently been getting super into music and the collection of it (specifically CDs), and I want to share that with everyone else. It doesn’t already exist yet, it’s just an idea for now.Download all files

Angelo

I am going to create social media posts for my mom’s business. She already has a logo and website, which showcases what she does (Holistic Wellness). She does not promote her business on social media and has no accounts for it.

Lisa

I think it would be cool to create a restaurant/sports bar where we only serve Appetizers. When people go to restaurants, everyone at the table wants to try an appetizer. Now they can just order as many as they want here while they drink beer and watch sports. 

Matthew

I run a tech and management company called TINUDA Incorporation. The website used to be https//tinuda.com but currently undergoing redevelopment. I actually am rebranding the whole establishment at the moment. That has been challenging due to change in environment and in terms of time. It would be nice to see if this assignment eventually results in the ideas, recreations, and rebranding I have been looking for. I believe googling tinuda inc should bring some social media results but it will probably have quite old contents of when the the company was still very new and the idea also new. It has not been a social media active company since after inception but more web/software-based.Download all files

Emmanuel

My step-mom works at a family business thats been around for almost 90 years. They only use Instagram as their social platform.Download all files

Paige

Initially I was thinking about doing Kyatchi, a sush restaurant in Minneapolis that i like a lot, but now i think i will be doing Trylon Cinema.

Trylon is a nonprofit  volunteer operated theater in South Minneapolis that plays a lot of older, foreign, and obscure films. Ive been going there often for the past 8 years or so. Its one of my favorite local places to go to, with a good community and atmosphere.

The majority of their social media activity is based around the upcoming films, including screenshots or pictures of posters, but there’s a lot that could be put together for original posts around their content

Nathan
This started as an idea… now it’s real. Start here.

Live Chat

Dustin has made it even easier to reach out—our live chat has moved to a text-based system so you can connect with him instantly from anywhere, not just from your browser.

Text “HTC” to 952-248-8883 to start a new conversation and get help right from your phone.

Looking forward to connecting!