As the world becomes increasingly digitized, so too do the careers that are available. One such career is social media management. Social media managers are responsible for creating and curating content, engaging with users, and growing a brand’s online presence. While it may seem like a daunting task, there are a number of ways to get started in this field.
Internship
Internship or apprenticeship programs are one way to gain experience in social media management. These programs can provide you with the opportunity to learn about the industry while working with a company. Many internships are unpaid, but some may offer course credit or a stipend, diversity in the workplace ensures that you are offered opportunities.
If you’re planning to take this route, keep the following questions in mind:
- -What are the requirements?
- -What will you be doing day-to-day?
- -How long is the program?
- -What is the job title of the person who will mentor you?
- -Has the company hired marketing interns in the past?
- -What tools will you be using, if any?
- -How will you be compensated for your services?
If your goal is to learn about social media management, it is essential to have a mentor or supervisor who is willing to invest time in you. They will help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Some red flags that indicate you will not have this type of guidance are if the company does not have a set work schedule, they expect you to answer and respond to social media after hours and on weekends, or they do not give you a salary or hourly rate. If you encounter any of these red flags, it is best to look for another opportunity where you can receive the guidance and support you need to be successful.
Marketing Degree
After completing a marketing degree, many graduates find themselves well-suited for the role of social media manager. Though some of the same questions from previous roles still apply, those with experience working on a marketing team often find the transition to be fairly seamless. In recent years, social media has become an increasingly integral part of any successful marketing campaign, and those with a background in marketing are often able to hit the ground running in this new area.
With a degree in marketing, you will be able to understand the latest trends and how to create and execute marketing campaigns. You will also be able to work on strategy and planning. Additionally, you may also be tasked with digital marketing on top of social media management. This could include things like:
- -Blog Writing
- -Analytics
- -Landing Pages
- -Email Marketing
- -Google Ads
- -Facebook Ads
Freelance
Though it is not impossible to freelance as a social media manager, it takes more than simply being good at managing social media accounts. To be a successful freelancer, one must also have business acumen. This includes understanding how to set up and maintain a website, how to market oneself and one’s services, and how to keep track of finances. Additionally, freelancers need to be able to effectively manage their time, as they will often be working on multiple projects at once. Though it is possible to freelance without having business knowledge, it is much more difficult to be successful in doing so.
Keep in mind that as a freelance social media manager, you need to perform a variety of tasks on a daily basis, including:
- -Writing Proposals
- -Preparing Contracts
- -Insurance
- -Billing & Invoicing
- -Social Media Strategy
- -Outsourcing
- -Task Management
- -Taxes
If you want to be a successful freelance social media manager, you need to have strong people skills. After all, your job is to interact with clients and help them to promote their brand. However, people skills are just one part of the equation. You also need to be well-organized and have a good understanding of how social media works. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to learn more about social media management. You can take online courses, join professional organizations, or simply read books and blog posts on the topic. By taking the time to learn more about social media management, you can set yourself up for success in this growing field.
Agency
Joining the ranks of social media marketing agencies is a great career choice for those with plenty of business experience and/or a marketing degree. If you want to be a successful marketing agency owner, it’s key that you understand both how agencies operate and how to scale them for growth. An agency may start with one person, but it will need to expand quickly if it provides services in the fields of social media and digital marketing. With the right mix of skills and knowledge, starting a marketing agency can be a very rewarding endeavor.
