<![CDATA[The rapid advancement of digital technology requires students to develop competencies in utilizing social media as a marketing platform. Based on preliminary observations and information from the Head of the Digital Business Department at SMK Yayasan Pharmasi Semarang, all students already had Instagram accounts; however, they had never received instruction on Instagram algorithms, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), profile optimization, the use of Alt Text, or hashtag strategies. This Community Service Program aimed to enhance students' digital marketing competencies through Instagram-based social media training. The program employed lectures, demonstrations, hands-on practice, discussions, and evaluations using pre-test and post-test questionnaires with a five-point Likert scale involving 20 students. The evaluation results demonstrated a significant improvement in students' competencies, as indicated by the increase in the average score from 2.26 in the pre-test to 4.62 in the post-test, representing more than a twofold increase. The most substantial improvements were observed in participants' understanding of Instagram algorithms, profile optimization, the use of Alt Text, and hashtag strategies. In addition, participants expressed high levels of satisfaction regarding the quality of the training materials, the instructor's expertise, the practical sessions, and the overall benefits of the program. These findings demonstrate that Instagram-based social media training is effective in improving students' digital marketing competencies and supporting their readiness to meet the demands of the business and industrial sectors.]]>
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