How Do You Become a Great Social Media Manager

How Do You Become a Great Social Media Manager?

In order to succeed in social media management, you need to translate marketing fundamentals and core skills across all platforms, in order to make sure a data-driven approach fits into a broader marketing strategy.

Is there anything that makes a good social media manager?

There will be some learning involved in transitioning from one job to another in the social media world, regardless of your age and experience level. Managing a social media account for an employer or client differs greatly from running your own. To schedule posts, monitor analytics, and schedule posts, a successful social media manager stays up-to-date on trends, platforms, and social media management tools.

If your goal is to become an executive in social media or to move on to other marketing roles, then you must embrace lifelong learning, whether your aspirations are full-time or freelance. Getting experience in social media provides great insight into a variety of marketing roles, making it an ideal way to break into the field.

In terms of marketing, social is one of the most generalist roles. You really get to learn how email works, how content marketing works, and how PR, design, and copywriting work because you work with all these different teams so closely. Aside from advocating for yourself, reporting, and understanding the analytical aspects of marketing, you also gain experience in creative, interactive, and brand-focused marketing. Getting a foundational understanding of marketing is the kind of experience you get in this role.

Developing a social media skillset based on marketing principles

A social media career can benefit from a variety of marketing skills and backgrounds, many of which have roots in general marketing. Among them, we have selected only a few that we believe are most important.

· Brand marketing.

 In order to maintain a strong brand perception, companies need to establish a strong connection with their customers, and no avenue facilitates this more than social media. In order to succeed in a new field, it is important to become proficient in storytelling and visuals.

· Analytics.

Data is available to us. As a social media manager, you must know how and where to retrieve this information. Metrics such as followers, page views, clicks, likes, and shares must be used to form a plan of action.

· Reporting.

 Collecting and sharing data isn't enough to provide leadership with data. To master this skill, you must be able to curate data. Decide early on what your success metrics will be and work with leadership to establish them. It is only then that you will be able to create useful goals, forecasts, and benchmarks.

· Communication.

You are not only the public face of the organization, you must also collaborate across the marketing department and across the organization to develop and adapt strategies.

· Writing.

Content and storytelling are indispensable. Write concisely, and evocatively, and tailor your copywriting to the target audience or platform you are targeting. The ability to write creatively, in English, or in literature is a valuable asset.

· Project management.

The ability to organize and manage time is essential. In addition to being able to plan ahead and post content consistently, you must juggle simultaneous projects, align calendars, communicate, collaborate, and delegate to others.

· Design.

Graphic design doesn't require a master's degree, but knowing the basics is helpful. Ultimately, social media is a visual channel, and it is a saturated one. To stand out, you must have unique images. Understanding design practices and tools are especially valuable for social media marketers in smaller companies, where they often wear many hats.

· Strategy.

Where does your social media strategy fit into the bigger picture? A company's social media strategy can be shaped by understanding context, target audience, and analytics.

· Customer Service.

Some key marketing components, such as conversion, awareness, and customer acquisition, overlap with a background in sales or customer service. As a retail professional, you know the importance of handling customer complaints promptly, and social media is no different: You must be prepared to respond to customers or emerging trends at any time.

Especially if you are planning to use social media as a launching pad for greater marketing career ambitions, start by learning the fundamentals of digital marketing. You can learn more about a variety of marketing roles and decide which one is right for you by taking an entry-level job in social media, which can be even more effective than a classroom.

Social Media Marketing Manager: 5 Steps to Success

Among the useful backgrounds for social media, specialists are a business, marketing, advertising, public relations, communications, psychology, writing, public speaking, and photography. It might surprise you to learn that social media mavens also come from backgrounds as diverse as fashion design, political science, or retail. The field allows you to begin with little or no experience from anywhere. Here's how:

1. Close skill gaps

It's not necessary to get a college degree to learn a few basic marketing skills. Employers want to see examples of the ability to manage projects, organize and communicate well, write strong copy, be adaptable, be eager to learn and work as part of a larger team. It's just icing on the cake to have a bachelor's degree.

2. Learn Social Media Platforms and Marketing Analytics 

Learn about Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest strengths and weaknesses. Analyze the social media strategies of your competitors. Learn about social media listening, analytics, and tools for scheduling and publishing content. The first step is to become familiar with the language, but it is only the beginning. Developing your skills is essential.

According to Ewelina Lacka, lecturer in digital marketing and analytics, employers aren't interested in knowing if you manage personal social media accounts on those platforms.

In addition to teaching evergreen skills like graphic design and SEO, online courses cover tools like Google Adwords, WordPress, and Facebook Ads.

3. Gain Relevant Work Experience

Practice makes perfect when it comes to social media management. You can consider an internship as one option. Small businesses and nonprofits may also need someone to manage their social media presence. When you are learning, don't be afraid to do free work. However, be sure to draw a line after which you will stop working for free and start charging clients as a freelancer or seeking a salaried position.

In the event that you're switching careers and aren't able to work unpaid, then online certifications can also help you upskill. Build your online presence by creating a social media account! It shouldn't take you more than a few months to demonstrate your ability to post consistently and grow your following.

4. Develop a Portfolio

It's important to have a portfolio, no matter whether you're working in-house or as a freelancer. You can demonstrate the impact of your work through a portfolio. You can learn a lot about platforms and discover the best strategies for each by working on passion projects and side hustles. Your most successful social media posts can be showcased on a website. 

5. Market Yourself to Potential Clients

The ability to market yourself as a brand will show employers or clients that you can also successfully market their products and services. This is true whether you are looking for a salaried position working in social media or you want to start your own freelance business. 

You should however be aware of social media's high level of competition. Attend conferences and small business events instead of applying for jobs online. Get to know each other in person. Your business card should be given to people. Face-to-face meetings or visiting the Crystal Xone office are a great way to get them to know your brand.