The Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Social Media Manager
What exactly is a social media manager?
A social media manager is a professional in charge of developing, executing, and monitoring the company's Social Media strategy to raise brand recognition, enhance marketing efforts, and boost sales.
It involves developing and releasing content, monitoring social media accounts, and evaluating data to determine campaign effectiveness. They may also interact with consumers and fans and resolve crises.
Furthermore, social media managers often collaborate with other departments, such as marketing, advertising, and public relations, to ensure that the organization's overall message is consistent across all channels.
They may also keep track of the competition and remain current on social media trends. They employ various technologies, such as social media analytics, scheduling tools, and marketing automation, to manage the company's social media presence.
Social media managers may operate in-house for a corporation or engage through a social media management firm.
Engaging in the field of content writing can be an excellent experience to hone your skills in content creation which is a significant factor in being a social media manager. Learn more about The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Content Creator.
What are the primary duties and tasks of a social media manager?
Here are some of the most significant roles and responsibilities of a social media manager:
1. Setting goals and objectives, identifying target audiences, and deciding which platforms to employ are all part of developing and executing a social media strategy.
2. Writing, editing, scheduling articles, and producing visual material such as photographs and videos are all part of developing and distributing compelling content. Read about The Freelance Blog Writer's Guide to Earning a Sustainable Income.
3. Managing and expanding the company's social media profiles involves responding to comments and messages, monitoring discussions, and increasing follower numbers.
4. Data monitoring and analysis include employing analytics tools to assess campaign performance, monitor engagement, and find areas for improvement.
5. Keeping up with the newest social media trends: This involves remaining up to date on new features, algorithm updates, and upcoming platforms.
6. Working with other departments, such as marketing, advertising, and public relations, to ensure that the company's overall message is consistent across all channels.
7. Engage with consumers and fans: Social media managers often interact with customers and fans, answering their questions, handling complaints, and managing crises.
8. Creating and managing advertising campaigns: Social media managers may create and manage advertising campaigns across several social media channels.
9. Continuously monitoring rivals' activity and industry trends allow you to remain ahead of the competition.
10. Managing and collaborating with other agencies and suppliers: Social media managers may collaborate with outside agencies or vendors to create and implement social media campaigns or offer specialized services like graphic design or video production.
11. Giving other workers training and assistance: Social media managers may provide other employees with athletic training and support to help them understand and utilize social media successfully.
12. Report preparation and presentation: Social media managers may develop and deliver reports to higher management or clients on the company's social media performance and campaign outcomes.
13. Continuously monitoring and adjusting to changes in the social media landscape: To ensure that their tactics stay successful, social media managers must be proactive and adaptable to new platform features, algorithm modifications, and new technologies.
14. Creating and maintaining a content calendar allows you to plan and schedule articles, campaigns, and other material ahead of time.
A social media manager's general duty is producing, publishing, and managing content across social media platforms to boost brand visibility, engagement, and sales. They must be able to plan, develop content, communicate with consumers and followers, analyze data, and keep current on social media trends. You may also be interested in creating valuable content, which could be a tremendous fundamental experience to be a social media manager. Read more on Creating Valuable Content: A Step-by-Step Guide for Bloggers.
What can a social media manager expect to earn?
A social media manager's future profits vary significantly based on criteria such as geography, expertise, and the firm's size.
In May 2020, the median annual compensation for a public relations and fundraising manager, which includes social media managers, was $116,180, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% made less than $66,830, while the wealthiest 10% earned more than $187,199.
According to Payscale, a Social Media Manager in the United States has an average annual income of $45,964. However, the yearly income might vary from $29,000 to $74,000.
The average annual income for a social media manager in the United States is $51,857, according to Glassdoor. Annual salaries may vary from $32,000 to $78,000.
It's important to note that these figures are averages and may vary significantly based on geography, expertise, and business size. Social media managers in significant cities or giant corporations may earn more than those in smaller towns or corporations. Furthermore, people who work as freelance social media managers or operate their businesses may have different income potentials.
It's also worth noting that income potential is one of many things to consider when deciding on a job as a social media manager. Other considerations, such as job satisfaction, work-life balance, and chances for growth and development, should be considered when contemplating a career in social media management.
Can you work as a freelance social media manager or for a company?
Yes, social media administrators have access to both alternatives. Some social media managers are in-house employees, while others are freelancers that work on a project or contract basis.
Freelance social media managers generally work with numerous customers at once, and their schedules may be more flexible than those who work in-house. They may also have a more significant say over the projects they work on and the clientele with whom they collaborate. They are self-employed and must locate their customers and manage their schedules.
On the other hand, social media managers who work for a firm often have a more regulated schedule and a more defined job inside the organization. They are often part of a more extensive marketing or communications team, have more defined tasks, and may have more excellent prospects for advancement within the organization.
Both choices offer pros and downsides, and which option one chooses depends on one's preferences and professional ambitions.
What skills are required to become a social media manager?
A mix of education, abilities, and experience is often required to become a social media manager. Specific credentials may differ based on the firm or organization, but some typical criteria include the following:
A bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a closely related subject is required.
Strong writing and editing abilities, as well as expertise in developing graphic material, are needed.
Must have a working knowledge of social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Must understand social media marketing and advertising, such as sponsored promotion and analytics.
Must possess strong project management abilities, as well as the capacity to handle many projects and clients at the same time.
Knowledge of the most recent social media trends, features, and technologies
Experience with analytics tools like Google Analytics and social media management platforms like Hootsuite, Sprout Social, and Buffer.
Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and can communicate with other departments and clients.
Develop strong knowledge of SEO, site analytics, and email marketing, as well as the ability to think outside the box.
Knowledge of graphic design and video editing tools might be advantageous.
Some Additional Skills Needed:
Experience in community management: A social media manager should understand how to establish and engage a brand's community. They should be able to develop a feeling of community and belonging among their followers.
Strong analytical skills: A social media manager should be able to assess and analyze social media data, including reach, engagement, and conversion rates. They aid in campaign optimization and ROI improvement.
Adaptability: Social media is constantly changing, with new technology and platforms developing and algorithms updating. A social media manager must be able to adjust swiftly and remain ahead of the curve.
Strong time management skills: The work of a social media manager may be stressful, with several tasks and deadlines. Strong time management abilities are required to prioritize work and fulfill deadlines.
Branding knowledge: A social media manager should understand branding and how to build and maintain a consistent brand image across all channels.
Attention to detail: Social media managers must be detail-oriented and capable of detecting flaws and inconsistencies in material and campaigns.
A social media manager requires a genuine interest in social media and a drive to remain up to speed on the newest trends and best practices in the area.
Flexibility: Social media managers must be adaptable to changes in the company's aims or the social media ecosystem.
In conclusion, a social media manager should have diverse education, abilities, and experience. Strong written and visual communication abilities, familiarity with social media platforms, and the ability to evaluate data and keep up with current trends are required. Strong project management, time management, analytical, and communication abilities are also needed.
What are the firms that are looking to hire a social media manager?
Many businesses in various sectors are searching for social media managers to assist them in managing their online presence and promoting their brands. Here are some firms that may be looking to hire social media managers:
Marketing and advertising firms: Many firms specialize in social media management and may be searching for social media managers to operate on their customers' behalf.
Retailers and e-commerce businesses: May seek to recruit social media managers to assist in marketing their items and enhance sales.
Technology firms: They may be seeking to recruit social media managers to assist in advertising their goods and services and establish a robust online community around their brand.
Service-based organizations: These organizations, such as consulting firms, financial services providers, and healthcare providers, may search for social media managers to market their services and improve their online image.
Hotels, restaurants, and other food service businesses: May seek social media managers to market their brands and establish a solid online presence.
Media and entertainment firms, such as television networks, film studios, and record labels: May seek social media managers to market their content and establish a solid online community around their brand.
Non-profit and government organizations: Non-profit and government organizations may search for social media managers to assist them in promoting their cause and establishing an online community of supporters.
Educational institutions, such as schools and colleges: May seek social media managers to market their programs and create an online community of students and alumni.
Healthcare and pharmaceutical firms: They may be seeking to recruit social media managers to market their goods and services and educate the public on health-related subjects.
Beauty and fashion firms: These firms may seek social media managers to advertise their items and build a solid online community around their brand.
Travel and tourism firms: They may be seeking to recruit social media managers to market their locations and services and establish an online community of tourists.
Automotive firms: May be interested in hiring social media managers to market their goods and services and establish an online community around their brands.
Real estate firms: This type of firm may seek social media managers to market their homes and services and establish an online community of prospective buyers and renters.
Consulting and professional services organizations, such as law firms and accounting firms: May be seeking to recruit social media managers to market their services and grow their online profiles.
Start-ups: Start-ups may seek to engage social media managers to assist them in developing their brand and online presence from the bottom up.
To summarize, numerous businesses of all sizes and across many sectors employ social media managers. As social media plays an increasingly essential role in business and marketing, the need for social media managers is likely to rise.
Where can you locate a social media manager on the side?
There are various methods for finding a freelance social media manager, some of them are as follows:
1. Online job boards: Popular job boards include Upwork, Freelancer, and Indeed, where you may discover freelancers with various talents, including social media management.
2. Social media networks like LinkedIn and Twitter are also excellent ways to locate freelancers; you can search for social media managers, see their portfolios and testimonials, and then contact them directly.
3. Referrals and networking: Ask your friends, family, and coworkers if they know freelancers who can assist you with your social media management requirements.
4. Social media management firms: Some agencies specialize in social media management for small businesses and entrepreneurs; you may find them online, look at their portfolios, and read their testimonials.
5. Dedicated Platforms: There are specialized platforms for hiring freelancers and agencies, such as Fiverr, Toptal, and Hirable. Learn more about How to Build a Passive Income on Fiverr.
Get started on Fiverr and earn your passive income as a freelancer.
When looking for a freelancer, it's critical to look at their portfolio and testimonials, as well as have explicit knowledge of your demands, so you can locate a freelancer that is a suitable match for your company. Before committing to a long-term contract, you may also request a trial period to confirm that the freelancer is the right match for your company.
A clear contract that describes the project's scope, payment conditions, and other crucial elements is also critical. Communication is essential for successful cooperation.
Are any certifications required to work as a social media manager?
Certifications indicate a degree of expertise and skill in a particular area of social media management and can be a great advantage to stand out from other job seekers. Certification is not usually required to become a social media manager, but it might be advantageous for certain persons wishing to join the profession or develop their careers. Certifications in social media management include the following:
1. Hootsuite Social Media Marketing: Hootsuite offers this certification, which covers social media marketing fundamentals and shows expertise with the Hootsuite platform.
2. Hubspot Social Media Certification: This certification from Hubspot covers the essentials of social media marketing and shows expertise with the Hubspot platform.
3. Facebook Blueprint Certification: This certification, offered by Facebook, covers the fundamentals of advertising on the Facebook network and shows competency in utilizing Facebook's advertising tools.
4. Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ): This certification, provided by Google, indicates competency in using Google Analytics to monitor and analyze website data.
5. Twitter Flight School Certification: This certification, provided by Twitter, covers the fundamentals of advertising on the Twitter platform and shows competency in utilizing Twitter's advertising tools.
6. Digital Marketing Institute (DMI): Provides a comprehensive digital marketing certification curriculum that covers a wide range of digital marketing subjects, such as social media marketing.
While certificates might be advantageous, It is not usually a requirement for a career as a social media manager. Many employers are more concerned with a candidate's experience, talents, and work portfolio than with their certificates.
Furthermore, the social media world is continuously changing, so even if you have a certification, you should continue to study and remain up to speed with the newest trends and best practices in social media management.
In conclusion, although certificates are not required to become a social media manager, they may help demonstrate expertise and competency in a specific area of social media management. They allow you to stand out from other job market applicants and enhance your career.
On the other hand, companies may be more interested in a candidate's experience, talents, and work portfolio than in their certificates. It's crucial to remember that the social media world is continuously changing, so even if you have a certification, continual learning and being current with the newest trends and best practices are required to be an effective social media manager.