Social media is an integral part of marketing and communications, no matter what industry you work in.
If you're looking to become a social media manager or want to up your game, here are the must-have skills for social media managers.
1) Familiarity with various social media platforms
A social media manager needs to be familiar with various social media platforms. This includes platforms like Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.
Additionally, the manager needs to be familiar with the different types of content published on these platforms. This includes posts about the business itself and specific products or services that the company offers.
To be successful on social media, a manager also needs to keep up with changes in the platforms. This includes understanding how users use the platforms and ensuring that the published posts are relevant to the social media manager's audience.
Additionally, good social media managers must think on their feet and quickly develop new ideas for posts and strategies for reaching their audience.
Lastly, social media managers must communicate with their team and other stakeholders about social media changes and algorithm updates.
2) Knowledge of how to create and manage effective content
A social media manager must be knowledgeable about creating and managing effective content.
Social media managers need to know how to write engaging and compelling copy. Be able to create social media posts that are interesting and shareable. Also, be good at monitoring the social media platforms to ensure that all content is on-brand and meets the company's marketing goals.
Additionally, a social media manager must keep up and identify trends in social media and use this information to craft marketing strategies accordingly.
3)Ability to develop and execute effective social media campaigns
A social media manager must develop and execute effective social media campaigns.
They need to identify target markets, create engaging and helpful content, and measure the effectiveness of their campaigns.
They also need to respond quickly to feedback and keep their social media platforms updated and fresh.
4) Understanding of analytics, including measuring impact and success
Analytics is a must-have skill for social media managers. Analytics is helpful to understanding the effectiveness of social media marketing and social media campaign performance.
A social media manager must measure the impact of their work and track progress over time. This includes understanding how to gather data such as clicks, likes, and shares.
A good understanding of analytics allows a social media manager to make informed decisions about the best ways to reach their target audience.
5) Solid understanding of the internet and digital marketing concepts
A social media manager needs to understand the internet and digital marketing concepts to manage a social media account effectively. They need to know how to create engaging content, manage followers and interactions, and measure the success of their campaigns. Additionally, they need to be familiar with different platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, to post content on the appropriate platform.
6) Proven experience managing a team of employees or volunteers
A social media manager with proven experience managing a team of employees will find it easier managing multiple social media accounts and coordinating online marketing efforts.
This person is also likely to be comfortable handling and working with various software programs, including social media management tools and content creation platforms.
In addition, this individual should think on their feet and develop creative solutions to problems quickly.
This person is likely to have a strong understanding of social media to connect with customers and build relationships. They will also be able to identify and address problems quickly.
7) Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills
Effective social media managers must be excellent writers, editors, and communicators.
They must think on their feet, be creative, and work with various people.
Excellent writing skills are essential for creating compelling content that engages and inspires followers.
Editing skills are necessary to ensure that the content is accurate and typo-free.
Communication skills are essential for keeping followers updated on the latest news and events and informed about the organisation's progress.
8) Experience managing budgets and resources
A social media manager needs to manage budgets and resources for their social media accounts.
They need to track how much money they are spending on social media and where their money is going.
They need to ensure that their social media accounts are running efficiently and getting the most out of their money.
9) Experience working in a customer service or customer development environment
A social media manager needs to have experience working in a customer service or customer development environment.
A social media manager needs to communicate with customers and understand their needs.
They need to be able to troubleshoot and resolve customer complaints.
They need to be able to create and manage a social media strategy.
They need to be able to track social media metrics.
10) Experience working with digital marketing
A social media manager should have experience working with digital marketing.
This includes creating and implementing effective campaigns, managing a team of professionals, and monitoring and analysing data.
Additionally, a social media manager should be knowledgeable about different digital marketing platforms such as email marketing, content marketing, PPC, website and more. It will be essential to tie social media marketing efforts and activities with other marketing communication and platforms.
Soft Skills Every Social Media Manager Needs
On top of the skills listed in this blog, every social media manager needs to have the following skills to be successful:
Analytical thinking
Time management
Strategic planning
Creativity
Organisation skills
Networking
Public relations
Customer service skills
Business acumen
Suggested Reading
Wrapping Up
As social media becomes more and more important, the skills required for a successful social media manager will continue to grow. Keep learning and keep practising, and you'll be on your way to a successful career in social media.
This blog article explains how to be a successful social media manager. You can use it to figure out where you need to improve your skills to become a successful social media manager.
Thanks for reading,
Jack Willoughby
