Social media managers have been around for years, but the demand for them has recently seen an almost unbelievable surge, especially with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when businesses had no choice but to go digital to stay connected with their customers.
As the need for social media managers continues to rise, recent data indicates that a 6% growth is expected in fields like social media management. LinkedIn even reported a 63% increase in marketing roles like social media management over a six-month period.
All this only goes to show that if there’s a time to break into social media management, it’s now.
Who is a Social Media Manager?
A social media manager, or SMM, is someone who oversees a brand’s or business’s social media activities; from content creation and follower engagement to monitoring performance.
All these responsibilities and more fall within a social media manager’s role.
How Do I Become a Social Media Manager?
1. Learn the Necessary Skills
Becoming a social media manager requires mastering a combination of skills that enable you to effectively manage a client’s social media presence. Key skills include:
– Video editing
– Creativity
– Storytelling
– Copywriting
– Graphic design
– Data analytics
– Digital marketing
By building these skills, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a social media manager. You don’t need to be an expert in each area, but a basic understanding can help you land an entry-level role in social media management.
2. Gain an In-Depth Understanding of Social Media Platforms
As a social media manager, you’ll be responsible for a brand’s online performance, which means having a solid understanding of different social media platforms to create content that fits each one.
Without this knowledge, you could create content that, while great in your eyes, doesn’t resonate with the platform’s audience.
For example, if you’re managing a company’s Facebook page, you need to understand Facebook’s features, algorithms, and content formats. This will enable you to create content that the company’s audience will love and engage with.
3. Practice What You’ve Learnt
Today’s job market values a portfolio nearly as much as formal education. Once you’ve learned the necessary skills, it’s time to put them into practice. You can do this on your own or under a company:
Practice on Your Own: Choose two or three social media platforms and start creating content in various formats. Engage with your audience, monitor performance – basically, do everything you’d do if managing a company’s account.
Document your journey, as this will serve as your portfolio.
As you improve and gain confidence, you can start applying for entry-level roles in social media management.
Practice Under a Company: Look for internship opportunities at marketing agencies, PR firms, or businesses. This hands-on experience will allow you to build your portfolio while gaining real-world experience.
Conclusion
Being a social media manager is an exciting role that lets you learn and apply various skills while expanding your understanding of social media.
If you enjoy being online, creating content, and engaging with others, social media management might just be the perfect career path for you.
