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Learn platform-specific social media strategy from marketing expert Gary Vaynerchuk
We spent an afternoon diving into "Context is Key: Social Media Strategy in a Noisy Online World", Gary Vaynerchuk's compact course on Skillshare. Here's what we discovered.
In just under 90 minutes across 23 video lessons, Gary breaks down his approach to platform-specific social media strategies. The core concept? Stop posting the same content everywhere. Instead, understand what makes each platform tick, Twitter needs snappy humor, Facebook loves quote cards, Instagram demands visual excellence, Pinterest thrives on infographics, and Tumblr embraces animated GIFs.
The course centers around Gary's "jabs and right hooks" framework (which became his book title). Jabs are value-driven content that builds trust. Right hooks are when you make the ask, sell your product, promote your service. Most brands throw too many right hooks without earning trust first. Gary argues you need at least three jabs before landing that right hook.
What caught our attention? Gary doesn't just theorize. He dissects actual campaigns from GE, PepsiCo, and the NY Jets (brands he's worked with), showing exactly why some posts flopped while others succeeded. You'll see a Facebook post that bombed because it felt like a Twitter update, and an Instagram campaign that crushed it by embracing the platform's visual nature.
The elephant in the room? This course dropped in 2013. That's ancient in social media years. While the core principle of context remains solid, the specific platform tactics feel dated. Gary spends time on Tumblr strategy (remember when brands cared about Tumblr?), and his Instagram advice predates Stories, Reels, and the algorithm changes that transformed the platform.
Still, we found value in Gary's mindset approach. He teaches you to think like a native user of each platform before creating content. That principle transcends platform updates. Whether you're tackling TikTok in 2024 or whatever comes next, understanding context first will serve you well.
Beginner (No Prior Experience Needed)
Self-Paced (Work On Your Own Schedule)
Learn A New Skill
The course maintains strong ratings on Skillshare with thousands of positive reviews, though external discussions reveal more nuanced opinions. Beginners praise Gary's energy and framework, while experienced marketers often find it too basic. The 2013 release date consistently comes up as a concern.
"Gary's insights on platform context completely changed how I approach social media"
"The jab and right hook concept is brilliant and practical"
"Worth it just to get inside Gary's brain for 90 minutes"
"Helped me understand why my previous social campaigns weren't working"
"Good conceptual framework but I needed more tactical guidance"
Reddit discussions in marketing communities show mixed reactions. Some users successfully implement Gary's "$1.80 Instagram Strategy" (commenting your two cents on 90 posts daily), while others argue similar content exists free on his YouTube channel. The consensus? Good for beginners, repetitive for Gary's regular followers.
Students appreciate Gary's framework and energy, but the 2013 release date significantly impacts current relevance. Best suited for complete beginners or Gary Vaynerchuk fans wanting his condensed philosophy.
The course promises to teach platform-specific social media strategy. It delivers on this promise within its 2013 context, though current applicability varies.
Consistently offered as part of Skillshare subscription since launch
No direct upsells within the course
While the course boasts thousands of enrolled students, specific success stories tied directly to this course remain undocumented
Honest marketing that accurately represents the course content. No misleading promises or income claims.
Skillshare provides smooth video streaming with a clean interface
Stream-only while subscribed, no permanent downloads
Full access through Skillshare's iOS and Android apps
Standard internet connection, no special software needed
Skillshare delivers reliable video streaming across devices. The subscription-only model means you lose access when you cancel, which some learners find limiting. Platform complaints about billing practices on Trustpilot (2.7/5 rating) raise concerns about the overall user experience.
No major complaints about the course content itself. However, Skillshare's platform receives criticism for auto-renewal practices and difficult cancellation processes, earning a 2.7/5 on Trustpilot.
Skillshare operates on a strict subscription model with limited refund options, which concerns some users.
Transparent presentation without income promises or exaggerated claims. The course clearly states what it covers.
The main concern revolves around dated platform-specific advice rather than any deceptive practices.
The course itself appears legitimate with no significant red flags. The primary concern is platform age, not authenticity.
At roughly $14-32/month for Skillshare access (depending on your plan), getting 90 minutes of Gary Vaynerchuk's insights represents reasonable value if you're new to social media strategy. The principles remain sound even if specific tactics have aged.
We found "Context is Key" to be a legitimate introductory course that delivers on its basic promise. Gary Vaynerchuk provides genuine insights about understanding platform dynamics before creating content. Yes, the 2013 release date shows, Tumblr strategy feels quaint, and Instagram has transformed beyond recognition. But the core message about contextual content creation remains valuable. If you're completely new to strategic social media thinking, this course offers a solid foundation. Just remember you're learning principles, not current tactics. For Skillshare members already paying for access, it's worth 90 minutes of your time. For others, Gary's free YouTube content might serve you just as well.
At roughly $14-32/month for Skillshare access (depending on your plan), getting 90 minutes of Gary Vaynerchuk's insights represents reasonable value if you're new to social media strategy. The principles remain sound even if specific tactics have aged.
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We spent an afternoon diving into "Context is Key: Social Media Strategy in a Noisy Online World", Gary Vaynerchuk's compact course on Skillshare. Her...
We spent an afternoon diving into "Context is Key: Social Media Strategy in a Noisy Online World", Gary Vaynerchuk's compact course on Skillshare. Her...
We spent an afternoon diving into "Context is Key: Social Media Strategy in a Noisy Online World", Gary Vaynerchuk's compact course on Skillshare. Her...
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