Thinking of becoming a social media manager? Social media commerce is expected to be a $2.9 trillion business by 2026, and over 4.74 billion people across the world use some kind of social media. To get in on the action, brands need to dream up beautiful content and build thriving communities around their brand. But they can’t do it alone. That’s why there’s so much opportunity out there for skilled social media managers! If you love getting creative and connecting with others online, your skills are in high demand. Today, we’ll explain how to become a social media manager. Keep reading for actionable tips, a step-by-step guide, and industry advice from experts.
1. Refresh Your Social Media Knowledge
In the rapidly evolving world of social media, staying updated with the latest trends, platform updates, and algorithm changes is crucial. Keeping your knowledge fresh ensures that you remain a step ahead of the competition and can provide value to your clients or employer. Dive deep into what new features Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and other platforms have introduced this year. Pay attention to which audiences are migrating to new platforms like Threads and what significant changes have occurred in the way social media algorithms function.
Educational resources abound in our digital age, making it easier than ever to stay informed. From free YouTube channels to affordable online courses and industry blogs, continuous learning is just a few clicks away. Immerse yourself in content from respected social media managers and thought leaders who constantly share their insights and predictions. Engaging with these resources not only keeps you updated but also hones your analytical abilities, enabling you to discern trends and predict shifts in the social media landscape. Dedicate time each day or week to learn new skills or refine existing ones to keep your professional edge sharp.
2. Gain Practical Experience
The journey to becoming a proficient social media manager involves gaining hands-on experience. One of the most accessible ways to do this is by managing social media accounts for friends, small businesses, or even for personal projects. This hands-on approach allows you to experiment and refine your techniques in real-time, giving you invaluable insights into what works and what doesn’t. Look for opportunities to take on internships or entry-level positions, as these roles often provide a structured environment to learn and grow your skill set.
Don’t be afraid to take on unpaid projects or volunteer your services initially to build your portfolio. The goal is to accumulate a variety of experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage different types of social media accounts effectively. Practical experience includes not just knowing how to post content but also understanding the nuances of different platforms, such as the best times to post, hashtag strategies, and how to engage with your audience effectively. The more diverse your experience, the more prepared you’ll be for the varied challenges you’ll encounter as a social media manager.
3. Build a Portfolio
A well-curated portfolio is a powerful tool for showcasing your skills and landing new clients or job opportunities. As you gain practical experience, start collecting examples of your best social media work. This includes campaigns you’ve managed, creative content you’ve crafted, and any measurable results you’ve achieved, such as increased engagement rates or follower growth. Your portfolio should reflect a range of projects to demonstrate your versatility and capability in handling different types of social media tasks.
Creating a standout portfolio doesn’t have to be complicated. Use platforms like Gondola or create a simple, visually appealing PDF. You can even set up a dedicated social media account, like an Instagram profile, solely to showcase your work. Include both commissioned work and speculative pieces that highlight your creative and strategic thinking. Make sure to provide context for each piece in your portfolio, explaining the goals of the project, your approach, and the outcomes achieved. This helps potential clients or employers understand not just what you did, but why it mattered.
4. Revise Your Resume
In the creative world of social media management, your resume should not only list your qualifications but also reflect your creativity and professionalism. Start by tailoring your resume to highlight your most relevant experiences and skills. Focus on your achievements in social media management, and ensure your resume is visually appealing and easy to read. Consider adding a “Profile” or “About Me” section at the top to provide a quick snapshot of what makes you unique as a social media manager.
Design plays a significant role in making your resume stand out. While maintaining readability, get creative with the layout and visuals. Use color schemes, icons, and fonts strategically to make your resume engaging. Make sure to include metrics where possible, as quantifiable results can significantly boost your credibility. For example, state the percentage increase in engagement or follower growth you achieved for a client. The key is to make your resume as compelling and easy to navigate as possible, ensuring it captures the attention of hiring managers at a glance.
5. Network Extensively
Networking is an essential part of building a successful career as a social media manager. Connecting with industry peers, potential clients, and employers can open up numerous opportunities. Platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable for making these connections. Regularly update your profile, share industry insights, and engage with posts to increase your visibility. Attend online and in-person industry events where you can meet like-minded professionals and stay updated on the latest trends and tools in social media management.
Networking isn’t just about finding job opportunities; it’s also about staying inspired and informed. Engaging with industry professionals can provide new perspectives and insights into your work. Join social media manager groups, attend webinars, and participate in online forums. These platforms often share valuable information and can be a source of support and advice. Building a solid network will help you stay relevant in the industry and provide you with resources to grow professionally.
6. Commit to Continuous Learning
The realm of social media is ever-changing, making continuous learning not just beneficial but essential. To stay at the forefront, you must consistently seek out new knowledge and skills. This can involve taking online courses, attending webinars, and following industry news through reputable publications and blogs. Engaging in ongoing education will help you stay ahead of algorithm changes, new platform features, and emerging trends, ensuring that your strategies remain effective and innovative.
One effective way to commit to continuous learning is by setting aside dedicated time each week for professional development. This could be as simple as watching a tutorial, attending a webinar, or reading up on the latest industry reports. Leveraging resources like Hootsuite Academy or other professional development programs can also provide structured learning paths to advance your expertise. The key is to adopt a mindset of lifelong learning, embracing changes and challenges as opportunities to enhance your skills and better serve your clients.
7. Embrace the Challenges
Thinking about becoming a social media manager? The social media commerce industry is anticipated to reach a staggering $2.9 trillion by 2026, and with over 4.74 billion users globally, social media platforms have become integral to everyday life. Brands aiming to stand out in this booming landscape need to create captivating content and build active, engaged communities around their products or services. However, they can’t manage all this on their own, which is why there’s a growing demand for skilled social media managers.
If you have a knack for creativity and enjoy connecting with people online, your abilities are in high demand. Social media managers are the driving force behind successful online presence for many companies. Not only do they handle content creation, but they also manage interactions, analyze performance metrics, and develop strategies to increase engagement and reach.
Intrigued by the possibilities? Let’s explore how you can step into this exciting field. This guide will offer actionable tips, a detailed step-by-step plan, and insightful advice from industry experts. Whether you’re looking to start a new career or pivot from your current role, becoming a social media manager offers a promising and dynamic career path. Keep reading to discover how you can transform your social media skills into a thriving career.
