With National Hispanic Heritage Month quickly approaching, we’ve created a practical guide to celebrating the occasion on social media. We’ll be talking about:

• How you can show your support for Hispanic heritage in a social media setting
• Why learning the meaning of Hispanic Heritage Month is so important
• How to develop the social media skills to strengthen your brand, business, or online presence

Each September, National Hispanic Heritage Month serves as an opportunity for us to recognize the many contributions that Latino and Hispanic Americans have made to our country’s culture, history, and achievements. For brands, business owners, and just about anyone with a presence on social media, it’s also an important time to acknowledge the Hispanic community. 

Sometimes, taking on such a meaningful task can feel intimidating. This is especially true if using social media in a professional capacity is something you’re relatively new to. Our guide to supporting Hispanic Heritage Month on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms is a good place to start, but the learning doesn’t have to end there. You can also enroll in training that explores Media Sales & Marketing topics so that you can navigate social media like a true professional. 

How to Support Hispanic Heritage Month on Social Media

There are many different ways you can use social media as a medium to express your support of Hispanic Heritage Month – and getting creative is always a good idea! But to create and share meaningful and authentic content, you’ll need to educate yourself on the purpose and meaning of the month. 

Taking the time and effort to learn more about the Hispanic community in America is an invaluable first step in supporting them. You (or your organization) can also donate to non-profit organizations striving to positively impact the lives of Hispanic Americans, such as the Hispanic Heritage Foundation or the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC).

From there, there are many other ideas for celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month on social media, including:

• Collaborate with Hispanic social media influencers
• Include relevant social media hashtags on related content
• Share educational resources with your followers
• Seek out ways to amplify the voices of Hispanic Americans on social media
• Create content that honors Hispanic American achievements
• Continue your efforts even after the month is over by diversifying your organization’s workforce, planning fundraisers or educational events, and consistently highlighting key causes or topics

Ultimately, lending your support to a movement such as this one is about so much more than just generating “likes” on social media. Hurrying to jump on the bandwagon and throw together some last-minute content isn’t the answer; this can damage the efforts of activists, as well as your credibility. Instead, aim to make a long-lasting, meaningful impact on your social media followers, and the rest is much more likely to fall into place.

Understanding the Background of Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month is a national, month-long celebration that kicks off on September 15th and runs until October 15th. Its purpose is to honor the histories, stories, cultures, and contributions of Americans with ancestors who came from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. This includes a diverse range of individuals, many of whom are also members of the Black, Indigenous, and Afro-Latinx communities. 

Beginning in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, U.S law extended the observation to a period of 30 days in 1988. 

So, why does Hispanic Heritage Month start on September 15th? The day is significant because it marks the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. On September 16th, Mexican independence is celebrated, while Chile honors theirs on September 18th. 

What’s the Difference Between Hispanic and Latino, or Latinx?

You might have heard Hispanic Heritage Month, also referred to as Latinx Heritage Month – but are they the same thing? Yes and no.

The word “Latinx” is a gender-neutral version of “Latino/Latina” and refers to an individual with cultural connections to Latin America. Essentially, it’s a reference to their country of origin or that of their ancestors.

On the other hand, “Hispanic” is a term that includes people based on the language that they speak. It technically refers to people of all races. Be aware that Black, Indigenous, and Afro-Latinx people belonging to this community are often not fairly acknowledged, making inclusion particularly critical. 

Celebrating Hispanic-Owned Small Businesses During Hispanic Heritage Month

Are you wondering what else you can do to uplift the Hispanic community online? One of the most impactful – and yet simplest – measures you can take is to show support for small businesses owned by Hispanic entrepreneurs. 

Consider your target audience and their interests, and you’ll be better prepared to promote businesses and brands that will appeal to them. It can be something as small as reposting a recent photo from Hispanic or Afro-Latinx-owned businesses. Or, it can be a larger campaign that involves a professional collaboration. Whatever route you choose, consistently check in with your motivations to ensure that you’re staying true to the original purpose of your efforts.

What Skills are Needed for Successful Social Media?

Effectively managing your social media presence can be more difficult than it seems, especially if you’re running a professional or brand account. However, some core skills can make you significantly better-equipped for the task:

• Excellent communication abilities
• Writing skills
• Creativity
• Organization and project management
• Problem-solving
• Knowledge of digital marketing basics
• The ability to use related equipment, technology, and software
• An understanding of current trends and social media best practices

But beyond that, it’s also hugely helpful to have a solid foundation of education in the art – and the science – of social media.

Learn the Social Media Skills You Need for Your Brand

Questions like “How do I know what my followers want to see?” and “What are the rules for marketing on social media?” can all be answered with social media and marketing training. At the Beonair Network of Media Schools, with campuses located in Miami, Chicago, Colorado, and Ohio, we’ve designed a series of program and course options to help you support your unique career goals.

For example, our Digital Media Production program gives you a broad range of experiences in creating digital media, exposing you to audio production, web development, and video production alongside social media strategy. 

Get Social Media Savvy with Courses in Media and Marketing

There’s no question that social media is here to stay, and it’s dramatically changing the way we communicate, advertise, and interact with each other and the world around us. And even if you aren’t planning on joining professional social media influencers in creating your career online, strategically using social media is incredibly useful in many different ways.

At the Beonair Network of Media Schools, with campuses located in Miami, Chicago, Colorado, and Ohio, we offer various paths for individuals interested in learning how to use social media more successfully. Whether you’re a professional who wants to expand your knowledge of social media marketing or you’re ready to pursue a brand-new media-centric career, we have the training, programs, and courses to help you.

Get more information about our social media training courses in Chicago, Miami, Ohio, and Colorado when you contact us today!

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