Becoming a social media marketing manager demands a diverse set of skills. The best in this field possess a combination of the following 10 essential skills.
Social media has revolutionized the business landscape, creating new career opportunities in this dynamic field. With more possibilities than ever, understanding the requirements for your desired role is crucial.
A social media manager is a popular job title, but what exactly does it entail, and how can you achieve it?
Keep reading to discover what a social media marketing manager does and the skills you need to succeed in this career.
How Do I Become a Social Media Marketing Manager?
To become a social media manager, you need a wide range of skills and abilities. Here are some critical steps to help you on your journey:
Define your services.
Develop your management skills.
Establish a robust online presence.
Build a portfolio of clients.
Explore available positions.
Expand your knowledge and skill set.
Learn about top social media marketing tools.
Pursue higher qualifications (degrees, courses, certifications).
Gain experience through entry-level roles before advancing.
There is no single path to becoming a social media marketing manager, but focusing on these steps, such as building your portfolio and obtaining relevant qualifications, can give you a significant advantage.
What Does a Social Media Manager Do?
Understanding the role of a social media manager is crucial for finding the right opportunities and excelling in your career. Typically, a social media marketing manager is responsible for:
Strategizing campaigns and content to increase followers.
Engaging with audiences across various social platforms.
Enhancing their brand’s social media presence.
Social media managers play a pivotal role in marketing campaigns. According to Socially Buzz, 28% of internet users discovered new products through social media ads, highlighting the significant impact of effective social media marketing management.
Responsibilities of a Social Media Manager
The specific responsibilities of a social media manager can vary based on factors such as company size. However, producing compelling content and analyzing data are universally crucial for success.
Here are some key responsibilities you can expect to fulfill as a social media manager:
Social Engagement: Increasing followers and driving engagement are essential for building a strong social media marketing presence. This can be achieved through creating both written and visual content. With 137 million new internet users in the past year, there is a vast audience to target for improved engagement.
Data Analysis: A critical role of a social media manager is analyzing data. This involves gathering relevant data and using it to evaluate the performance of the company’s social accounts.
Posting and Monitoring: Scheduling posts across various social media platforms, monitoring their performance, and interacting with followers and customers are all essential tasks. Read here for more information
Campaign Strategy: Developing a robust strategy for social media content campaigns is vital. Effective campaign strategies drive engagement and ensure that brand marketing aligns with the company’s values.
What Is a Typical Social Media Manager Job Description?
A social media manager’s role is multi-faceted, offering a comprehensive understanding of what this job entails. Generally, social media managers oversee businesses’ interactions with consumers via social media, manage and oversee social media platforms, and implement content strategies.
Typical job requirements for a social media manager include:
Managing a social budget.
Interacting with customers.
Taking ownership of the social strategy.
Promoting posts and creating new content.
Developing new social media campaigns.
Researching trends and staying ahead of the curve.
Monitoring and analyzing social media marketing campaign data and performance.
Streamlining social media channels to maintain a consistent tone of voice.
How Much Is a Social Media Marketing Manager Paid?
Understanding potential earnings is crucial when selecting a career path. Knowing both your desired salary and the industry average can provide a foundation for salary negotiations.
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According to Zippia, the average annual salary for a social media marketing manager is $70,287. Entry-level positions typically start around $50,000, while experienced professionals can earn up to $98,000.
Washington is the highest-paying state, and San Francisco, California, is the highest-paying city for social media managers. By using tools that factor in location, industry, and education level, you can obtain a more tailored estimate of your potential earnings.
What Skills Does a Social Media Manager Need to Have? So, what makes a good social media manager? Several attributes are essential for success in this career path:
Solid Communication Skills
Social media managers must effectively connect with various audiences across different platforms, tailoring their communication style to resonate with each unique audience.
Social Savvy
A passion for social media marketing and personal experience with various platforms is vital. Understanding the nuances and vernacular of each channel helps maintain an authentic presence.
Personality & Creativity
A sense of humor, creativity, and a voice that resonates with the audience are crucial. Business social media should feel personal and engaging, not like formal ads or PR statements.
Digital Data Proficiency
Analyzing and optimizing content based on data is essential. Social media managers need to understand SEO practices and how search engines treat social media posts.
Project Management
Managing social media channels requires strong organizational skills. Whether working alone or leading a team, setting and achieving short-, medium-, and long-term goals is crucial.
Writing & Editing Skills
Crafting creative and professional social media copy is challenging. Social media managers need to write and edit content that aligns with the company’s voice while engaging the audience.
Visual Skills
Social media is visually driven. Managers must pair visuals with text effectively, sourcing or creating compelling imagery that enhances the message.
Flexibility & Adaptability
Social media and company needs constantly change. Managers must stay updated on trends and adapt their strategies accordingly.
Marketing Insight
Understanding the marketing potential of social media is vital. Social media managers should recognize and pursue indirect sales opportunities and collaborate with the sales team.
Customer Service Skills
Managing two-way communication is essential. Social media marketing managers should respond to inquiries promptly and respectfully, whether the feedback is positive or negative.
Where Can I Find a Job as a Social Media Manager?
Exploring various options is key when searching for a social media manager role. Job boards, company websites, and direct outreach to potential employers are effective methods. Networking, both online and offline, can also uncover job opportunities.
Social media sites themselves are valuable for networking with potential clients and employers, making them an excellent resource for finding job openings.
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Bottom Line on Becoming a Social Media Manager
The best social media managers draw on a combination of the skills listed above. As social media marketing platforms evolve, the demand for skilled managers will continue to grow across various industries.
By staying informed about emerging trends and continually honing your skills, you can pave your own path as a social media manager and land your dream job. Keep learning, practicing, and adapting to succeed in this dynamic field.