Southern New Hampshire University

MKT265: Social Media & Marketing Communications

A study guide to SNHU's MKT265, an undergraduate course on integrated marketing communication with a focus on social media in advertising, PR, branding and corporate communication.

Updated October 2026 · 5 min read

MKT265 is a three-credit undergraduate course at Southern New Hampshire University.

The catalog describes it as an understanding of integrated marketing communication (IMC), with a focus on social media and their role in advertising, public relations, branding and corporate communication strategies.

It emphasizes the planning, research and creative skills needed to reach promotional objectives. The challenge is moving from personal use of social platforms to professional planning where every post serves a goal.

Course at a Glance

ItemDetails
UniversitySouthern New Hampshire University
CodeMKT265
Credits3
LevelUndergraduate
PrerequisitesNone listed in the catalog
Typical workSocial media plans, brand analyses, discussions (vary by term)

What MKT265 Covers

AreaWhat to expect
IMC conceptsCoordinating messages across tools and channels
Social media rolesTheir part in advertising, PR, branding and corporate communication
PlanningObjectives, audiences, content and measures
ResearchUnderstanding audiences and conversations
Creative skillsContent that suits the platform and the brand

Key Concepts Explained

Social media is two-way. Unlike a printed advert, it invites responses, so plans must cover how the brand listens and replies as well as what it posts.

Platforms differ in audience and style. A professional network, a short-video app and a photo platform each reward different content, so a plan should justify each choice with the target audience.

Consistency ties the work to IMC. Brand voice, visuals and promises should be recognizable across platforms and other channels such as email or events.

Invented illustration: a student-run cafe wants regulars to bring friends. Objective: increase referral visits this term. Platform: a photo-led feed for students. Content: short stories from the baristas and a "bring a friend" offer. Listening: reply to comments within a stated time. Measure: number of offer codes redeemed.

Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them

TypeWhat it testsApproach
Social media planGoal-led planningObjective, audience, platforms, content, measures
Brand social auditAnalysisCompare platforms for message, tone, response
IMC integration paperCoordinationShow how social links to other tools
DiscussionApplying conceptsCite a real campaign

A Content Planning Table

Plans are stronger when they show what will be posted and why. A simple table like the one below can sit in an appendix or the body.

Content typePurposePlatform fit
EducationalShow expertiseWhere the audience seeks information
Behind the scenesBuild trustVisual or short-video platforms
OffersPrompt actionPlatforms with a clear link to buy
Community repliesShow listeningWherever conversations happen

A Study Approach, Theme by Theme

IMC and the Role of Social Media

Begin with the integrated marketing communication idea: all messages should work as one. Then place social media within it. It can support advertising by extending campaign messages, support PR by sharing stories, support branding by expressing personality, and support corporate communication by explaining decisions to the public.

Planning

Write the objective before you choose a platform, then define the audience in terms of what they do and what they care about. A short plan with three to five pieces of content, each with a purpose, is more convincing than a long list of posts with no reason behind them.

Research

Spend time reading what an audience actually says about a brand in public comments, noting recurring praise and complaints. Summarize findings in a sentence or two and show how they shape your content. Remember to respect privacy and avoid quoting identifiable individuals unless your course guidance allows it.

Creative Execution

Match content to the platform's style and to the brand's voice. Draft a few sample posts and describe in a line why each suits its platform. Finally, decide how you will respond to comments and questions, including negative ones, because the way a brand handles conversation is part of its communication.

Where Students Get Stuck

Study Tips for MKT265

How We Help with MKT265

Send the assignment, rubric and brand. A marketing communications writer can explain concepts, prepare a custom plan, or review your draft. See our business research paper help guide.

GradeEssays is independent of Southern New Hampshire University. We provide tutoring, model work and feedback; we do not access your course site or promise results. Your submitted work must be your own under SNHU's academic integrity policy. Orders are written from scratch with free revisions within the scope of your original request.

Build a Social Media Plan with a Clear Purpose

Share your assignment and brand. We prepare a custom plan or review your draft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does MKT265 have prerequisites?

None are listed in SNHU's catalog.

How many credits?

Three, at undergraduate level.

How is it different from MKT229?

MKT229 covers IMC broadly; MKT265 focuses on social media within IMC.

Do I need social media accounts?

Check your course instructions; many tasks analyze public brand pages.

What skills are emphasized?

Planning, research and creative skills for reaching promotional objectives.

Can you help me with my plan?

Yes, as tutoring support with your own brand and brief.