Social media management is a relatively new career path that has drawn content from business needs to producing business, creative content and marketing content on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Individuals who fulfill this job role, with content on various social media, will often build, schedule, analyze and engage with the help of software software. It is common for both this job role to be in-house and outsourced for remote digital freelancers.
The primary role of a social media manager is to engage and lead with the client’s target audience and with comments and feedback to generate sales. While this function has an administrative element, it is mostly seen as a creative role.
Create your own social media account
If you want to become a social media manager but are struggling to get the proper work experience, then focus on creating your own social media account. Whether they are personal about your day-to-day life or focus on a particular topic, it is important to see them as part of your CV. If the accounts you create are running, you will have a better chance of getting the job of your dreams.
If you want to venture into a particular industry such as travel, health, fitness, or fashion, it is wise to focus your own accounts on that subject. As most accounts take time to build and grow, set up your accounts at least six months before you apply for a new job role and your online community should thrive when applying for new positions.
Hone in your photography skills
Great imagination is the key to successful social media accounts; It has an important role in building brand recognition, increasing engagement and engaging with a wider audience online. This is beneficial if you use a DSLR camera to capture your own snaps as quality takes precedence over quantity here; However, most smartphones these days have a good enough camera and you should not hold back.
Create a consistent feed that flows well online and makes eye-catching images as possible. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, so use it to your advantage when communicating content to your audience.
Get creative with your copy writing
A business’s social media accounts are essential advertising platforms that allow them to promote and market their products or services for free. Pairing images with creative copy is an essential skill of a social media manager, so hone in your writing on your personal accounts first.
Remember keep it short and sweet and link to big articles online. Your target audience will scroll through multiple accounts, so you need to get to the point quickly. Platforms such as Twitter limit the number of characters in a tweet, so you will need to create a generic term online.
Understand different platforms
Not all social media platforms are created equal and there are many different features to take advantage of. Study the features of each and understand how features can benefit your own accounts. Instagram and Pinterest operate visually, while Twitter focuses more on the written word. Learn about how hashtags can spread your message and create a large community online.
Expand your knowledge in paid advertising on social media and familiarize yourself with management tools like Hootsuite. Many businesses will ask if you have experience here so it will be a great benefit for your career if you can confidently say yes.
Manage your time and finances
If you have decided to become self-employed, then you will have to get your paperwork and finances before starting work. Register your employment change with the government and decide how much you will charge for your services. Broaden your rates for customers and try to be negotiable and competitive where possible. Create a free invoice and bill your customers professionally.
Find your customers
When you are satisfied with your expertise and feel ready to approach new customers, the time has come for various businesses to prepare themselves. Make sure your CV is up-to-date and contact many people online. If you haven’t already linked, create a LinkedIn account and don’t forget the power of words. If you have completed a task for a client, ask if they are happy to recommend you online, this is a great way to build a solid reputation in the industry.
