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How to become a Social Media Manager

Social Media Manager

Career progression and salary expectations for a Social Media Manager

Digital Marketing Executives support the marketing team by executing digital marketing campaigns, creating basic content for social media, and analysing online performance. It provides valuable hands-on experience in various aspects of digital marketing, including social media management.
At this mid-level position, you'll develop and implement social media strategies, create and curate engaging content, and analyse performance metrics. This role involves greater responsibility for driving brand awareness and engagement across social media platforms.
In this advanced role, you'll lead the social media team, oversee the execution of comprehensive social media campaigns, and develop long-term strategies to enhance the brand's online presence. This position requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and extensive experience in social media management.

The role of a Social Media Manager

Ready to turn scrolling into a salary? You should work in social media…

A Social Media Manager develops and implements a company's social media strategy to increase brand awareness, improve marketing efforts, and engage with customers. 

They create and curate content, monitor social media channels, analyse performance metrics, and collaborate with other teams to ensure a cohesive brand message, and drive successful social media campaigns. Basically, if your skills include knowing how to get featured on the FY page, you're in the right place. 

Key tasks and responsibilities for a Social Media Manager include: 

  • Developing social media strategies
  • Creating and curating content
  • Producing engaging posts, images, videos, and graphics
  • Scheduling and publishing posts
  • Monitoring social media channels
  • Analysing performance metrics and creating reports
  • Collaborating with teams to ensure a unified brand voice 
  • Following the latest social media trends and best practices
  • Planning and executing paid campaigns to boost reach
  • Building relationships with followers and influencers
A Social Media Manager needs a blend of creative and analytical skills to effectively engage audiences and drive brand success. 

Strong communication skills, creativity, and strategic thinking are also crucial for crafting compelling content, interacting with followers, and executing campaigns that align with business goals. 

Other key skills and attributes for a Social Media Manager include: 

  • Familiarity with social media platforms and tools
  • An ability to deal with inquiries and complaints professionally
  • Organisational and time management skills
  • Good attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency in content
  • Problem solving skills to address challenges and improve social media performance
  • Analytical skills to monitor and track performance metrics
  • Teamwork skills to work effectively with marketing, PR, and other departments
  • Knowledge of SEO
  • Project management skills to oversee social media projects from inception to completion
"Working as a Social Media Manager is a dynamic blend of creativity and strategy. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to engage with our audience, shape our brand's voice, and stay ahead of the latest trends. It's rewarding to see the direct impact of our campaigns, but it also requires constant adaptability and a keen eye for analytics to drive success."

Get qualified as a Social Media Manager

To become a Social Media Manager, you typically need a relevant degree in marketing, communications, or a related field. Practical experience gained through internships, entry-level positions, or managing social media accounts is crucial, and obtaining certifications in digital marketing or social media, or from organisations like the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) can enhance your credentials. Proficiency in social media platforms, analytics tools, and content creation is also essential. 

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