Social media: Context and Development
Project Brief -
This project focuses on the intricate landscape of social media marketing within the UK, employing analytical frameworks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current environment and operational dynamics of social media platforms. The project is divided into two main tasks: a theoretical analysis and a practical application.
Project Duration - 6 Weeks
Skills -
- Market Analysis
- Social Media
- Market Research
- Branding
1st Task: Theory and Context
The first task involves conducting a PESTEL (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal) analysis to explore the macro-environmental factors that influence social media marketing in the UK today. This analysis provides insights into how external factors shape the strategies and operations of businesses and influencers on social media. Alongside this, a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of a selected social media platform—such as Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly known as Twitter)—will be undertaken to evaluate the internal capabilities and external challenges faced by the platform in the current digital landscape.
The UK’s social media marketing environment is dynamic and highly influenced by global trends, technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifting societal norms. By analyzing these elements, the project aims to provide a well-rounded understanding of how social media platforms operate within this context and what future developments might influence their effectiveness.
2nd Task: Practice and Development
The second task involves the practical application of the theoretical insights gained in the first task. Specifically, this task requires the creation of an ‘Instazine’—a digital magazine on Instagram—centered around a creative area of interest. The objective is to develop multimedia content that captures attention and engages the target audience, leveraging Instagram’s visual-centric platform to promote the chosen creative niche.
Following the development of the Instazine, a 500-word reflective analysis will be written, detailing the creative process, strategies employed, and the outcomes observed. This reflective piece will analyze the effectiveness of the Instazine in meeting its goals, the engagement it generated, and the lessons learned during the project. The analysis will be written from a first-person perspective, allowing for a personal account of the experiences and insights gained.
Task 2 required participants to visit stores to gather visual and textual research through photos, sketches, and notes. This research was then compiled into a 4-page shop report created in InDesign, showcasing the findings and evaluations in a professional format.
Overall, the project encouraged collaborative learning, creative problem-solving, and a deep understanding of sustainability in fashion and creative business practices.
My Learning -
Through this project, I gained a deep understanding of the complexities of social media marketing within the UK. I learned how to effectively apply analytical frameworks to dissect the current landscape and operational dynamics of various social media platforms. By engaging with the theoretical analysis, I enhanced my ability to critically evaluate how different platforms function, their unique marketing potential, and the challenges they present.
The practical application task allowed me to translate this theoretical knowledge into real-world strategies, helping me understand the nuances of targeting specific audiences, crafting compelling content, and optimizing campaigns for better engagement. I also developed a stronger grasp of how to measure the success of social media marketing efforts through key performance indicators (KPIs) and analytics. Overall, this project sharpened my skills in both the strategic and tactical aspects of social media marketing, making me more confident in navigating the digital marketing landscape.