Social media managers create and manage content on social media platforms, engage with followers, and analyze performance to improve future posts. They work to boost brand visibility and interaction online.
Median income:
Median annual income of $54,754 or $26.32 per hour.
Lifestyle:
Social media managers enjoy the freedom to set their own schedules and work from home, maintaining constant connectivity to stay updated on trends and platform changes.
Exciting Parts of The Job
Freedom to set your own schedule and work from anywhere
Witnessing your clients achieve their online goals
Seeing your creative work come to life and observing the impact of your efforts on social media
Challenging Parts of the Job
There’s no real break because you have to stay on top of trends and platform changes
It’s difficult to fully clock out, blurring boundaries between work and personal life
Managing the pressure and stress of always being on
Job outlook:
The future for social media managers is bright, with continued growth expected due to the increasing importance of digital marketing and online presence for businesses.
Education requirements:
Open to any background, including those without formal education
This is perfect for you if:
You love social media.
You are naturally creative and can turn mundane things into content.
You would like to have a flexible work schedule
You are passionate about connecting with people digitally.
If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Catalina Yanez to learn more about being a social media manager here!
Day in the Life
Schedule:
Social media managers who freelance may set their own schedules, provided they adhere to deadlines and regularly analyze performance metrics to optimize content strategies. In house SMMs work traditional 9 to 5 days.
Setting:
Social media managers can work from anywhere and engage with clients worldwide. They can choose to work full-time, on contract, or as freelancers, allowing them to choose their preferred work arrangement.
Tasks:
Creating and scheduling posts, engaging with followers, analyzing performance, checking emails, collaborating with teams, monitoring trends, and planning future content.
Topics:
Continuously learn about changes in algorithms across different platforms, new trends, audience behavior, analytics, and metrics.
Skills:
Highly skilled in content creation, strategy development, community management, adaptability, and effective communication. These skills are crucial for creating engaging campaigns and building brand presence.
Tools:
Phones and laptops are necessary for the job. They also utilize different social media management platforms, analytic tools, and content creation tools to enhance their work.
Common Characteristics
Natural Talents (strengths):
Naturally creative, turning anything into interesting content. They are also great communicators, adaptable, and empathetic, connecting genuinely with their audience.
Interests:
Typically interested in anything creative, enjoying storytelling and designing visuals. They are also keenly interested in genuinely connecting with people and building relationships online.
Personality:
Artistic, social, and enterprising personality types. They are often imaginative, outgoing, and entrepreneurial.
Values:
Creativity, engagement, and innovation when creating content. They also prioritize trust and collaboration with clients to achieve mutual goals and success.
*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.
How to Become a Social Media Manager
Education requirements:
Social media management is a new career field that anyone can enter without a formal academic background. However, having the right skills, a strong portfolio, and relevant certifications can significantly improve your chances of success.
Preferred majors:
While a bachelor’s degree is not necessary, majors such as marketing, communication, public relations, digital media, and business administration can be helpful.
Specialties and Similar Career Paths
Brand Manager
Community Manager
Copywriter
Content Creator/Manager
Digital Content Creator
Digital Marketing Specialist
Digital Strategist
Influencer Marketing Manager
Online Reputation Manager
SEO Specialist
Social Media Analyst
Social Media Coordinator
Social Media Manager
Social Media Specialist
Social Media Strategist
Social Media Consultant
Social Media Editor
Social Media Influencer
Social Media Moderator
Social Media Planner
Social Media Writer
Advice from Catalina
Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:
Highlight your creativity through a strong portfolio of engaging content and continually study different social media platforms to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and deliver measurable results.
Fastest way to get your foot in the door:
Build a solid personal brand by working hard on your own social media presence or small projects, even if it’s just for yourself or a few clients. Creating a portfolio and networking in person within your community can also help you develop your skills.
Recommended resources:
Catalina recommends continuously seeking opportunities to learn and suggests considering photography or media studies courses only if desired. Abundant resources are available online, including courses on Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn, as well as podcasts, blogs, and books.
What Catalina would tell her younger self if she was just getting started:
“I would definitely tell 20-year-old me that my job is a real job. And that I’m very talented and to stop undervaluing myself, that clearly people have hired me because they’re missing something that I have. People can say, oh, that’s such an easy job, or anyone can take a picture, or anyone can write a caption, or I can do that without you. And it’s like, if you can do that without me, then do it. Love and value yourself more; your job is a real job.”
