Here’s a clear **roadmap** to build **social proof** for your SMMA through **Meta (Facebook/Instagram) and Google certifications**, plus foundational skills to master: --- ### **1. Meta (Facebook & Instagram) Certifications Roadmap** **Goal:** Validate your expertise in ads, marketing, and page management. #### **A. Free Meta Blueprint Courses (Learn First)** Start with these free courses to build knowledge: 1. **Meta Blueprint (free training):** - [Meta Blueprint Catalog](https://www.facebookblueprint.com/) - Key courses: - **"Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate"** (Beginner) - **"Facebook & Instagram Marketing"** - **"Advertising on Meta"** 2. **Skill Areas to Focus On:** - Creating & optimizing Facebook/Instagram ads - Audience targeting & retargeting - Page moderation & content strategy - Analytics & performance tracking #### **B. Paid Meta Certifications (For Credibility)** After training, take these **proctored exams** ($99-$150 each): 1. **Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate** - Covers basics of Meta ads & business tools. 2. **Meta Certified Media Buying Professional** (Advanced) - Proves you can run high-performance ad campaigns. 3. **Meta Certified Creative Strategy Professional** - Focuses on ad creative & storytelling. ✅ **Why Get Certified?** - Shows clients you’re Meta-approved. - Listed in Meta’s certified directory (free leads!). - Required by some Meta Partners. --- ### **2. Google Certifications Roadmap** **Goal:** Prove expertise in **Google My Business (GMB), Google Ads, and Analytics**. #### **A. Google Skillshop (Free Training)** 1. **Google My Business (GMB) Training:** - [Google Business Profile Help](https://support.google.com/business/) - Learn: - Optimizing listings - Managing reviews - Posting updates 2. **Google Ads Certifications:** - [Google Skillshop](https://skillshop.exceedlms.com/) - Key certs: - **Google Ads Search Certification** - **Google Display Ads Certification** - **Google Analytics Certification** 3. **Google Digital Garage (Free Fundamentals):** - [Fundamentals of Digital Marketing](https://learndigital.withgoogle.com/digitalgarage/) - Covers SEO, SEM, and local business marketing. #### **B. Paid Google Certifications (Optional)** - **Google Ads Premier Partner Badge** (Requires ad spend) - **Google Local Services Ads Certification** (For service businesses) --- ### **3. Execution Plan (3-6 Months)** | Month | Focus Area | Action Items | |-------|------------|--------------| | **1** | Meta Basics | Complete free Blueprint courses | | **2** | Meta Ads | Take "Digital Marketing Associate" exam | | **3** | Google Basics | Finish Google Skillshop courses | | **4** | Google Ads | Get Search & Display certified | | **5** | Advanced Meta | Take "Media Buying" certification | | **6** | Portfolio | Add certs to LinkedIn/website & pitch clients | --- ### **4. How to Showcase Your Certifications** 1. **LinkedIn:** Add to "Licenses & Certifications" section. 2. **Website:** Create an "Agency Credentials" page. 3. **Proposals:** Include badges in client pitches. 4. **Email Signature:** "Meta & Google Certified Marketer" --- ### **5. Bonus: Free Social Proof Hacks** - **Run free audits** for local businesses (show your skills). - **Post case studies** on LinkedIn (even small wins). - **Get client testimonials** in exchange for discounts. --- **Next Steps:** 1. Start with **Meta Blueprint** → Get first certification. 2. Move to **Google Skillshop** → Master GMB & Ads. 3. Combine both to offer **full FB+Google marketing**. Would you like a **study guide** for any specific exam? Let me know how I can refine this plan! 🚀