In recent years, social media has become a part of our lives. Over half of Earth’s population uses it to interact and consume content, making it a great place to promote anything. Professionals, business owners, and organizations leverage social media for growth. However, they don’t have the time and energy to manage everything themselves, which is where a social media manager comes in.
In this article, We’ll talk about the role of a social media manager in detail. By the end, you’ll know the jobs they do to help businesses grow cost-effectively. Let’s get started.
What Does a Social Media Manager Do
Like any manager, a typical social media manager is responsible for tackling a variety of tasks, ranging from conducting research to staying up to date on the latest trends.
Perform Research
One of the first jobs of a social media manager is to understand your industry, audience, competitors, and growth opportunities. The data and information they collect help them craft impactful strategies
Design and Execute Strategies
The most important part of a social media manager’s job is to plan and execute strategies to achieve specific goals. The goal can be anything from broadening a brand’s reach to driving more traffic to getting more sales. The execution of these strategies involves content creation, scheduling, ad optimization, and more.
Create, Edit, and Publish Content
Organic content is the soul of every social media marketing campaign. It’s what helps you build a loyal following, attract leads, and sell stuff down the line. Social media managers are responsible for creating and publishing content on different platforms. If they’re working with a copywriter, their job is to make the necessary edits before the content goes live. One challenge social media managers face while creating content is adapting or repurposing it for different platforms.
Collaborate with the Team
Social media managers work hand-in-hand with copywriters, graphic designers, and marketing teams. This synergy allows for consistent brand messaging and strategy.
Communicate with Followers
Social media managers are also responsible for interacting with followers and customers. This includes replying to comments, inbox messages, and responding to feedback. The two-way communication ensures your followers don’t feel left out and feel important.
Analyse and Track Performance
Social media managers use data to identify potential growth opportunities as well as loopholes. They use social media analytics tools to help businesses move in the right direction. Popular analytics tools include:
- Sprout Social
- Hootsuite
- Buffer
Stay Up to Date with Trends
Social media managers also have to keep themselves up to date on the latest changes in the industry. This includes algorithm changes, new features, and emerging social media marketing trends.
How to Become a Social Media Manager
Understand Different Platforms
To become a social media manager, you need to have a deep understanding of popular platforms. Thankfully, exploring a platform is all you need to understand its dynamics. The most important thing is to identify the type of audience each platform hosts. For instance, LinkedIn is an ideal place for professionals to network and find job opportunities.
Learn the Skill
Consider enrolling in courses and getting certifications in social media marketing. This ensures you have your basics covered before going for practical experience.
Build Your Presence
As you gain more knowledge, start implementing it on your own social media profiles and pages. Consistently publish content, analyze the results, and focus on what works. This will also help attract potential clients to your social profiles.
Gain Practical Experience
It’s hard to find work when you’re a beginner. Consider working for a non-profit organization for the sake of portfolio building. Record your successes so that you can show them to potential employers in the future.
Find a Job
One of the best ways to get a job is to network with potential employers on social media platforms. LinkedIn is inarguably at the top of the list when it comes to job hunting. Join relevant groups, post regularly, and engage under other people’s posts to gain exposure. You can use LinkedIn’s search bar to find relevant job opportunities. Also, sign up for LinkedIn job alerts to get updates on new opportunities.
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What is the Job of a Social Media Manager: FAQs
What Skills Does a Social Media Manager Have?
A social media manager needs to be good at communication skills. Other important skills include content creation, graphic design, proficiency with data analytics tools, and project management.
Is Social Media Manager a Good Job?
Yes, social media management is a good job because it’s not only lucrative but offers long-term growth. The growing demand for good social media managers makes this profession attractive.
How Do I Become a Social Media Manager?
To become a social media manager, learn the basics, gain some practical experience, build a portfolio, and network with potential employers/clients.
What is a Social Media Manager’s Salary?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average base salary of a social media manager is $64,375/year. However, the exact salary may depend on the industry and one’s experience.
Conclusion: Job of a Social Media Manager
A social media manager is an all-in-one resource for an organization. They take care of content creation, post-scheduling, analytics, and more. The exact job of a social media manager depends on the organization’s needs. Generally, they’re responsible for keeping a brand’s social media pages active.
To become a social media manager, you don’t need a degree, although a certification from a reputable organization can boost your profile. Alternatively, go for an online course and learn the basics first. Then, offer your services at competitive rates to get your foot in the door, or work with a non-profit. Next, build your portfolio and start networking with professionals on LinkedIn. Keep your profile optimized and apply for relevant job openings as they pop up.
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