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Using Pinterest as a marketing tool

Pinterest is an incredibly powerful tool for marketers since it provides a unique platform for users to interact with a brand on a personal and social level. It may not have quite the reach of other social media platforms, but it has a high concentration of loyal users who use it to look for products and services online, and even allows them to make purchases without having to leave the site. Although this feature has not been launched in South Africa yet, it is a reality in the rest of the world. 

It is important to note that using Pinterest as a Marketing tool is just one aspect of the advantages of Pinterest, to realise them all, you will need to acquaint yourself with the ins-and-outs of Pinterest for businesses. Pinterest as it is used by consumers, and as it is used by businesses and marketers, are two very different things.

The major difference between Pinterest and other social media platforms, is that Pinterest is used for collecting and saving ideas for later use. It is used to collect content from all over the world-wide-web, representing them on the platform in a short scale, using images, GIFS and videos. These snippets of content are called pins, and as far as marketers are concerned, pins represent a powerful tool to get loyal customers and prospective clients to interact with a brand, service, blog or product.

How does one market on Pinterest?

There are various marketing tools available on Pinterest namely: buyable pins, promoted pins, rich pins, you can send users to your website through Pinterest and by using taller pins to get your pins noticed.

What are promoted pins? Pinterest’s Promoted Pins is their paid ad platform. It works on a bidding system like the other social media ad platforms. You pay to have your pin placed in front of your target audience. Your pins will show up in relevant category feeds and relevant searches, aided by the keywords that you choose. You must have a business Pinterest account in order to access and run your own promoted pins campaigns.

What are buyable pins? Pinterest’s buyable pins are a simple, fast, and secure way for users to make purchases without ever leaving Pinterest. Buyable pins are identifiable to users by a blue “Buy It” tag that shows up right next to the red “Pin it” button. Users can see the price of the item, and will be taken through a swift check out process, all on Pinterest. As users are browsing through Pinterest, creating their wish-lists and getting ideas, they’ll be able to see your product, the price, and purchase it all with a few quick taps or clicks on their mobile device. They don’t even repeatedly enter in their payment information, making the process go swiftly—before they get the chance to talk themselves out of it.

Conclusion

When it comes to Pinterest, sticking to the basics can help improve your results, making our job as marketers and businesses much easier. For more information regarding the use of Pinterest as a marketing tool, contact the RCM School of Excellence for a short course.

The Institute of Chartered I.T. Professionals

The ICITP is a professional accreditation body that is recognized by the South Africa Qualifications Authority more commonly referred to as SAQA. The organisation was established in 2003 with the objectives of promoting public interest and trust in the information technology profession, ensuring and encouraging continuous professional development, and including the advancement of the objectives of the National Qualifications Framework.

The ICITP Accreditation.

The RCM School of Excellence offers a diploma in all fields of digital, which is accredited through the ICITP. The diploma covers modules in Google advertising, search engine optimization, social media marketing, web design, website development, animation design and an introduction to mobile application development. This course offers a number of career opportunities to students and thus has become our best seller.

The Benefits of Becoming an Associate Member of the ICITP.  

Each of our students are encouraged and given the opportunity to complete the assesment and become an associate member of the ICITP in addition to receiving the accreditation.

  • Becoming an associate member of the ICITP gives you professional recognition. Once you have completed the assesment and demonstrated that you have the required experience and skills, you may join the institution and add the appropriate title to your curriculum vitae and business card.
  • You will achieve individual verification, which means that you are individually certified by the ICITP as a competent practitioner of the industry.
  • The ICITP offers free and discounted networking opportunities which is useful for making new contacts and learning more about this sector.
  • Marketing opportunities for members to expose their work, products and services through various channels.
  • The ICITP also offers career development programmes, masterclasses, seminars and training courses. 

The associate membership is a fantastic curriculum vitae booster and offers you creditability as an I.T. professional. Various companies in the I.T sector have joined the membership programme and thus as a part of this industry it is imperative to keep up with competitors.

Conclusion

If you are interested in obtaining a diploma or would like to become an associate member of the ICITP contact the RCM School of Excellence for more information. 

The Exciting Journey of the RCM School of Excellence

Where did it all begin? The RCM School of Excellence recognized the need for digital skills as there weren’t enough skilled individuals who had the ability to work in a digital agency. Jeff Ellis, our CEO, then decided to start a college to teach the youth about the ever growing, volatile digital environment and to show them the opportunities that are available within it. 

The Digital Skills Gap: Some Stats

  • 40% of organizations are not able to find sufficient talent to handle their digital marketing workloads.
  • 50% only half of digital marketers feel highly proficient in digital.
  • 23% of employees have the digital capabilities required of them to achieve their business outcomes.

In June of 2016 our exciting project started. We got to work on our business plan with one mission in mind: to have a daily impact in people’s lives, both directly and indirectly, through the things that we say and the things we do!

Our Implementation Plan.

The RCM School of Excellence was built to assist learners who want to change their career path through skills programmes or for students who are interested in a full time course; with a career of digital marketing, website design and development, animation or gamification in mind.  We have also developed an online learning option for people who are interested in furthering their education in the online space. The ultimate goal of the RCM School of Excellence is to address social economic issues of unemployment. We hope to conquer unemployment by upskilling individuals who are looking to make a difference in their lives.

Once we knew what our goal was and what we wanted to achieve we started the accreditation process. Our partnership with the MICT Seta started shortly after and we were soon accredited. In later stages, we have also achieved accreditation through the ICITP and successfully collaborated with the Digital Marketing Institute to obtain international accreditation. 

We have employed managers and senior professionals from Right Click Media to facilitate our classrooms because we have realized the benefit in getting experienced individuals to impart their knowledge and experiences onto our students.

The Launch of the RCM School of Excellence:

Our first intake launched on 1 September 2016. We started with twelve students, and offered them bursaries through funding that we obtained from skills development initiatives. Our first intake was a great success.

By 18 July 2017, which is in fact Mandela Day, we had reached our goal of providing sixty-seven bursaries to the youth of South Africa.

We have now educated more than one hundred students through full time and online studies. Great portions of our graduates have been absorbed into Right Click Media and the majority have started their career in the digital space at other companies.

Conclusion

We are pleased to say that this will be our third year operational and it has been a worthwhile journey. The RCM School of Excellence hopes to grow the college nationally and across Africa. To find out more about our journey follow our social media pages and get involved with uplifting our beautiful South Africa.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution

Klaus Schwab, a professor who founded the World Economic Forum, gave birth to the phrase “the fourth industrial revolution”.

The fourth industrial revolution is upon us and we need to ensure that we are ready for the change that is coming.

What is the fourth industrial revolution?

The fourth industrial revolution encourages technology-driven change. The fourth industrial revolution is characterized by new technologies that are combining physical, digital and biological worlds. It focuses on augmented reality, machine learning, artificial intelligence, 3D printing and robotics.

Companies in various industries such as retail or food for example are all moving digital; turning most businesses into tech companies.

It is important to note that the fourth industrial revolution is not a prediction of the future but rather a call-to-action for businesses, governments, industries etc to embrace the change and actively participate in innovation and technological improvements.

How do we avoid a world of joblessness, low productivity and equality? We can address the problems of the past by ensuring that the fourth industrial revolution really does improve the state of the world. How can we accomplish this? By gaining the digital skills that are needed to contribute to change and innovation.

What is the difference between the third and fourth industrial revolution?

The main difference between the two revolutions is that the fourth industrial revolution is the focus of technology emerging with human’s lives. The third industrial revolution, also known as the digital revolution, focused on electronic systems, IT systems and automation whereas when we talk about the fourth industrial revolution we are referring to cyber physical systems.

In conclusion.

Studies show that by the year 2020, ninety percent of job roles will require digital skills no matter what industry you are working in. What’s more? We already have a shortage of forty five million skilled IT workers which in itself addresses unemployment rates through upskilling and upliftment.

Learn the skills that are needed to make the fourth industrial revolution a success. Sign up for a course to learn digital skills in order to thrive within the changing technological environment that we are currently finding ourselves in. The RCM School of Excellence offers a variety of courses in the digital space with both theory and practical elements of learning involved.

Why Digital Marketing is an Excellent Career Path to Take

Whether you’ve just stepped out of school, are finishing up your studies or are looking for a long-awaited career change, the many interesting fields of digital marketing present a few prospects for a strong and lucrative career. With so many paths to specialise in, a constantly changing industry and more than enough room for growth, being a digital marketer is an attractive option for you. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why:

There is Plenty of room for Personal Growth

Realising our potential and making strides in life is what gets most people out of the bed in the mornings. Few things are as soul destroying as a dead-end job with no prospects for growth, and fortunately for digital marketers, it is an industry where there is always more to learn, always another rung on the ladder to climb.

The Industry is Dynamic

The nature of digital marketing means that it is in constant flux. New procedures, technologies and marketing solutions come out every day, and while many of them don’t do much to change the industry, many more (such as those changes enacted by tech giants like Google and Facebook) are on a constant path of innovation and development.

This keeps the industry exciting, and ensures that there is always something new to master.

No Two Jobs are the Same

One of my favourite things about the digital marketing industry is that each and every day presents new challenges and opportunities. Anyone who has ever had the misfortune of working a job that never changes, can attest to how boring they can become. With digital marketing, that will never be a problem, since each project needs a unique approach for the best results.

Contact the RCM School of Excellence for Details on Digital Marketing Courses

If you would like to know more about our internationally accredited digital marketing courses and how they can put you on a path to a lucrative and exciting career, be sure to get into contact with a representative from the RCM School of Excellence Digital Collegetoday, or visit our website for additional details on our offers.

What is DMI Accreditation and How Could it Benefit You?

If you are entering into the job market then you have likely become aware of the weight that correct accreditation can carry; how much further through the door it can get you when you are looking for a job. The digital marketing industry, fraught with all of its specialised skill-sets, is best entered into with the correct recognition and credentials. For budding digital marketers there is only one place to go for reliable accreditation; the Digital Marketing Institute.

Who Are DMI?

The Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) is a global regulating body for the digital marketing industry. They facilitate specialised digital marketing courses and accreditation across the planet to maintain and raise the bar of standards and skills in the industry.

They provide carefully developed courses and recognition to a number of schools, colleges and institutions all over the world, so that these institutions can outfit their students with the best in digital marketing skills that are recognised for their excellence anywhere in the world.

What Kind of Accreditation do they Offer?

DMI takes a holistic approach to digital marketing, and as such offer a wide range of courses that are certified and also provide students with crucial digital marketing skills. These include the following:

Digital marketing;

Digital Sales;

Search and social specialisation;

Strategy and planning.

These courses allow students to tailor their approach to study and specialise in the digital field that they take the most interest in, while outfitting them for a successful career as a digital marketing professional.

How Can You Benefit from a DMI Accreditation?

DMI offers students professional certification which validates them in the industry. Learning solutions, depending on the college you attend, are also remarkably flexible, allowing you to learn in your own space and in your own time.

Content delivered through DMI programmes is also the result of cutting edge research, giving you a competitive advantage over other marketers in your field.

Contact the RCM School of Excellence for Details

If you would like to know more about our offers on DMI certified digital marketing courses, be sure to get into contact with a representative from the RCM School of Excellence Digital Collegetoday, or visit our website for additional details.

Are There Alternatives to a Failing Public Education System?

The public education climate in South Africa is in the process of letting down an entire generation of students. Television screens and news-feeds herald its decaying mechanisms on a daily basis.

Political agendas, wide-spread social instability and a complete lack of trust regarding service delivery in the education sector have already dominated the mood for 2019; and as protest action continues on university campuses all over the country, we sit with our hands over our mouths wondering what the future of the country will look like.

There is no Call for Panic

Having said that, it is easy to focus on the impending disaster that makes up our primary, secondary and tertiary education systems, while pointing fingers and watching it all spiral downward. It is too easy to adopt a defeatist attitude and watch the system devour itself.

There are alternatives, however: the recent explosion in popularity of home-schooling programmes in our country are evidence of this. Where the public sector is letting people down, the private sector is picking up the pieces and trying to hold the future together; many of which are displaying as much, if not more commitment to social responsibility than the public sector.

And home-schooling is not the only option out there. There are a number of alternatives that allow students to benefit from high-quality education, delivered in a safe environment, that affords them, more often than not, better opportunities than those delivered through public education.

A Bad Start to 2019

The start of the first university semester for 2019 has given South African students a clue as to the tone for the year.

Even before the start, students have been unable to register for their tertiary studies thanks to a sour mixture of protest action at registration facilities, as well as a general ineptitude shown in the administration of the process, by university management.

Negotiations involving SASCO, student representative councils, university management and even opportunistic political parties have largely fallen apart thanks to the kind of in-fighting we have grown used to in politics.

On Sunday morning, burning tyres and violent protestors blocked the entrance to the Mangosuthu University of Technology in Durban, where dedicated staff and disappointed students were chased from the premises by members of SASCO. Reportedly, this protest action took place without any prior warning; putting both staff and students in potential danger.

While there are demands that need to be met in order to address inequalities, especially in terms of education delivery; the process, in this case, has been ugly.
Going all the way back to the #FeesMustFall movement of yester-year, through to the turmoil currently unfolding on campuses all over the country, there seems to be no end in sight, which is bad news for the future of a number of sects of South African society, particularly those that are most vulnerable.

Our students are no longer in a position where they can feel safe while learning. They can’t even count on being given an opportunity to finish their studies, thanks to the volatile nature of the education sphere.

But while we waste time waiting for the public sector to finish arguing with itself; there are other ways of creating opportunities for the youth that, in the heat of this battle, are largely being missed.

Approaching Primary School Education

Primary education, while posing fewer concerns than the high-school and tertiary education systems, still come with a few considerations.

The capacity issues faced by many of these schools means that students aren’t getting the correct levels of attention while learning.

Then there are concerns of cost and the quality of education material delivered to young learners, giving rise to privately owned schools offering better services; albeit at a much higher cost.

Home-schooling is also a popular option, though not just in the face of a failing public system. It offers parents the ability to take a customised approach to educating their children; often affording them internationally recognised accreditation or admission into international high-schools at a later stage.

Home-schooling offers a tight support group and a sense of flexibility where a child’s learning environment can be tailored to their interests and learning style; often giving these children an excellent head-start and a far more comprehensive education than would be provided by public schools.

Approaching Secondary Schooling

The challenges faced by the primary schooling system also bleed over into the high-school sector, where they are intensified by the nature of a learning environment accommodating young men and women.

The public schooling system has been receiving a lot of bad attention of late as the quality of the public syllabus gradually declines alongside the standards set for measuring a student’s capabilities.

Though as the standards of excellence sharply drop, there is somehow no decrease in the number of students dropping out of school, and also no noticeable rise in the yearly pass rate.

A concerning picture to paint indeed.

On top of this, public schools are often the locations for violent crimes, more often than not committed by disgruntled students, bullies and in some cases even educators and other school staff; all pointing to problems coming from the very top, at a governmental level.

Home schooling is often a worthwhile solution in such situations where parents and potential students have lost faith in the education system. Private schools offer a viable alternative too, though are, by and large, not always an affordable option.

We have even seen a trend of students bypassing the secondary education phase where they can, leaving school as early on as 16 years old to find other, more practical ways to develop their skills; enrolling in private collages to build a specialised skill set, instead of opting for the student shoe-horn that stamps out individuality in the youth by pushing them through a highly standardised system that encourages mediocracy.

Alternatives to Public Universities

The concerns facing the public tertiary education system are, at present, as blatant as they have ever been.

Local news has been loaded with tales of protest action, political agendas, threats of violence and a general disdain for the delivery of inferior services. Inequality, inability, anger, frustration and extreme action at campuses are on everyone’s thoughts, but no more so than new students and their families who fear for their own safety and ability to complete their qualifications.

And while universities are traditionally where revolutionary ideas take root and grow; they can go in the wrong direction, causing nothing but interruptions, fear and a loss of integrity for the universities and facilities embroiled in them.

These fights, laid out with the best intentions, are often done with a limited understanding of the wider scope of mechanisms that govern the delivery of education, as well as the cost to the state and universities for doing so at an acceptable level of quality; taking little time to consider the long-term repercussions of the way a movement like #FeesMustFall is conducted, and the undue results of the pressure it puts on the public sector.

But it has been argued time and again, and it will be continued to be argued, that universities are not the only places where people can find learning opportunities that will benefit them and their families in the long-run.

Private, specialised colleges that hold international accreditations, offer the same, if not better opportunities than public universities currently can.

In many cases, they even give students the ability to complete an internationally recognised, specialised qualification instead of completing their matric, giving them an invaluable head-start in life.

These colleges are often facilitated by experienced industry insiders, provide a highly specialised skillset, a safer and more stable learning environment, and can even offer courses that can be completed in less time, and at less of a cost- though they still hold the same weight as a similar university degree when it comes to finding opportunities in the job market.

Contact the RCM School of Excellence Digital College and Enrol Today

With the state of public education being anybody’s guess at this point, it is important to remain optimistic. You need to know that there are options out there for those who have lost trust in the capabilities of the public education sector.

The RCM School of Excellence Digital College offers specialised digital marketing courses that offers highly specialised, internationally accredited online and on-campus courses.

We have a diverse collection of students and facilitators that make up a learning environment that is creative, practical and removed from the politics and dangers of the public sector.

We take students of all ages who show an interest and dedication to growing their skills. So call us today to find out more about our facilities or take a look at our website for additional information.

While Fees are Falling, so is the Integrity of Our Universities

The beginning of the 2019 academic year has arrived; and while South African students were hoping for a smooth start to the year, we have seen disputes that had boiled up from the 2018 #FeesMustFall movement still haunting university hallways; some of them being prepared to use violence and intimidation to see that their demands are met.

Today marks the fifth day of nationwide university protests being conducted by members of SASCO following failed negotiations regarding fees, acceptance numbers and the availability of equipment such as laptops to students who could otherwise not afford them.

The concerns surrounding these protests are expected to delay the processes for the academic year of 2019 as they did last year; and as they did in previous protests, have been characterised by bouts of violence, interruptions, threats and a difference of opinion on which demands are viable to meet.

The case of affordable tertiary education is a sensitive one, and is only being made more prickly by expectations placed on universities to go over their capacity when accepting students from low-income backgrounds. These are only a few of the demands being made, however, let’s take a look at some of the others.

 

All Students are to Receive Laptops

For many students, having a laptop available during classes allows them to work more fluidly; and while it is true that a few faculties require access to digital material, most of them can be completed without them since students can take the approach of using pen and paper, like it has always been done.

SASCO, however, finds this unacceptable, arguing that students need electronic devices in order to complete their studies. As such, one of their demands to university management is that students from low-income backgrounds receive laptops at no cost to themselves, but rather at the expense of universities.

 

Students to Be Granted an Academic Allowance

Students who have enrolled in a tertiary education programme require stationary, textbooks and the like in order to engage with their learning material effectively, and so this demand does make sense in that context.

As such, SASCO has made a demand for students to be given an allowance through tertiary education institutions of R5000 to be put towards their text-books. They have placed this responsibility on UNISA in particular, who is expected to foot the bill, whereas the sale of textbooks and stationary to students had been a source of income for them in the past.

 

Continuing with #FeesMustFall

This year saw a price hike for university fees of 5.3%. This squeeze is mostly felt by students completing an honours degree, with many of them having had to drop out as a result.

It can be argued that the price-hike came as a response to recover funds lost in last year’s protest action, and would be used to fill gaps left by the need to fulfil demands made by SASCO in the first place, in 2018.

SASCO, on the other hand, argues that this is causing a divide between those who can afford tertiary schooling, and those who cannot; and they do, to some extent, have a point.

Still, cutting the 2019 price hike could well put UNISA and other tertiary education facilities at financial risk; which would have far worse societal and economic implications for the country as a whole.

 

A Smoother and More Transparent Registration Process

Anyone who has ever waited in a queue for registration at a university, or even those who have attempted to enrol online, can attest to the frustration, confusion and anxiety that comes with doing so. The system often does seem flawed. Previous academic results are often made available only after the deadlines for registration have passed, making it impossible for students to re-register in time.

As a result, a staggering number of students give up before they have even started; or worse still, students who have been actively engaged in studies find themselves unable to register for following academic years due to a failure of the registration system. The fact that these students have to pay for a registration process which doesn’t always work, also leaves a bad taste in students’ mouths.

SASCO’s response is to call for a less ambiguous registration process and are fully supported in this by COSATU, as they should be. An ambiguous and poorly managed registration process comes down to poor administration and little else; concerning this demand with service delivery where it is somewhat lacking. Furthermore, they also demand that the registration fee be wavered for students from low-income backgrounds.

 

Limitations Faced by Tertiary Institutions

Out of the six demands placed on UNISA in particular, only two have been able to be agreed upon during negotiations, with each side seeking to protect their own interests while settling the dispute amicably.

Meeting these demands isn’t a simple matter for universities, however, since it will affect their capacity, ability to fund further research and development, or to simply deliver high-quality lessons and learning materials to students.

Should they meet all of the demands laid down by SASCO, publically funded universities could put themselves at serious risk; however, if they do not, the implications for campus safety, their financial security and their ability to deliver education that competes on an international level, will also be completely undermined in time.

On the other hand, there is much left to be desired in the South African tertiary education sphere. Inequalities and poor administration are troubles that need to be dealt with; whether by the institutions themselves, through governmental intervention, or even through the efforts of privately owned organisations and institutions.

It’s a bit of a catch 22 scenario with the biggest losers being the students. Whether involved in the protest action or not, they are the ones being delayed, who put themselves at risk by going to class, when registering and enrolling. They are the ones who face the price-hikes, overcrowded classrooms and substandard education delivery.

If an agreement is not reached soon, we will see a repeat of 2018, albeit an amplified one…

 

Contact the RCM School of Excellence Digital College for an Alternative Solution

If you or your child is a nervous school-leaver being affected by the delays and uncertainties brought about by student protest action and substandard delivery of education, you have an alternative choice that creates opportunities without exposing you to the implications of the current running student protests.

To find out more about enrolling in our digital college, where you can complete a myriad of internationally accredited online digital marketing courses, be sure to contact a representative from the RCM School of Excellence today, or visit our website for additional information on our offers.

Short, Full-Time or Online Digital Marketing Courses: Which Should I Enrol For?

Whether you’re just leaving school, finishing a gap year or looking for a career change, the realm of digital marketing is, for many people, an enticing career choice to move into. As a quickly developing industry it is one with potential for immense professional growth and profitability, and so making the choice to study a digital marketing course, is always a beneficial one for those who are interested in the industry. There are a few approaches to studying in this digital age, and the one that you select will depend on your lifestyle, needs and abilities. So let’s explore these options here.

Who Should Take a Full-Time Course?
Full time courses offer the most comprehensive learning experience for students, but also take up the most amount of time. This makes it perfect for those with few responsibilities such as new school leavers.

Who Should Complete a Short Course?
Short digital marketing courses are designed to do three things. Firstly, they give people the opportunity to grow their skills when they are short on time. Perhaps they are working part-time or have other commitments. Secondly, short courses can serve as an introduction to the industry, allowing students to figure out which branch of digital marketing they would like to specialise in.
The third function of a short course is to help current digital marketing professionals to build on their current collection of skills and abilities, as well as gain insights into new developments in digital.

Who Would Benefit from Online Learning?
Online learning affords students the most flexibility when it comes to studying digital marketing. They can tailor their experience and work according to their own schedules and complete the required work in the comfort of their own home. This is ideal for those who work full-time, freelance in the digital industry or lack the means of transport needed to attend classes.

Contact the RCM School of Excellence to Learn More
The approach that you select will depend on your own goals, abilities and how you prefer to work. If you would like to learn more about enrolling in one of our comprehensive digital marketing courses¸be sure to get into contact with a representative from the RCM School of Excellence Digital College today, or visit our website for additional details.

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