Why I Became a Social Media Manager

Social media marketing can be so time-consuming and multi-faceted that the skills can be full-time roles in their own right. From content creation to social listening and analytics to campaign strategies, having a strong social media presence has become a must-have in order for businesses to get noticed, compete, and convert on social.

But not every business owner is a professional marketer. I wouldn't be surprised to see more businesses start to realize the power of social media marketing and either outsource or hire an in-house marketer. Rather than giving one person a task list and calling them a social media manager, there are benefits to having a designated person or team to handle the amount of work that goes into it. There will always be a need for people who can keep up with it all and use that knowledge to reach customers in a medium that’s becoming increasingly effective at doing so. Building a solid social media presence entails:

📱 Planning/managing campaign strategy

📱 Taking photos/editing Reels

📱 Writing copy

📱 Scheduling posts

📱 Responding to/routing comments and messages

📱 Tracking/reporting on analytics

When I first launched ImageUp Innovations, I moved up my start date because my first client needed help ASAP. He wasn’t marketing savvy, but he had the drive to grow his business! It was a reminder that there are other entrepreneurs out there just like him who want to succeed; they just don't have the time or the know-how to manage their social media in a professional way that resonates and inspires action. When people search for a business on social media, they’re looking for signs of life. As a consumer, when you want to purchase something, you’re looking at reviews and if the business has posted content recently. If businesses don’t have an active social media presence, they’re in danger of being left behind.

Transferrable Degrees

So what qualifies a social media manager? I’d say experience, credibility, and transferrable skills. I recently read in Hootsuite’s 2023 Social Media Career Report that Colleges and universities have only just begun to offer social media programs and courses. Since this is still so new, almost two-thirds of people who work in social media today have had no formal education on the subject. According to the report, most social marketers (52%) studied journalism, communications, media, or marketing, which sounds logical—but how much value do these programs really provide for those who pursue a career in social media?

The report goes on to say that social media managers with a marketing or journalism background have an easier time with social tasks than those who’ve studied other subjects. So it seems that they gain more transferable skills than everyone else—ones they actually use once they enter the workforce.

The 2023 Social Media Career Report shows social media managers with a marketing or journalism background have an easier time with social tasks than those who’ve studied other subjects.

I personally can attest to how well the skills I gained in journalism have transferred to social media freelancing. In my 3.5 years as a TV journalist, I learned to deliver a finished product to a client under a daily or long-term deadline, whether it was the story of the day or a long-form project. Now, meeting deadlines, multi-tasking, video strategy, and storytelling principles are things I continue to use every day!

The takeaway? For anyone planning to go after a career in social marketing, your surest bet—until social media post-secondary programs really take off—is to study marketing, journalism, or communications. These programs will give you the best chance at being prepared for what the job entails.

The Big Picture

A social media manager puts out great content and gives life to a business. It may be time to hire your very own SMM if:

• You don’t yet have a massive budget to bring in your own marketing department

• You know you need to be on social media because your competitors are there.

• You wish you had time to post and don’t know what to post.

• You’re just focusing on your expertise and passion as a business owner.

Sometimes the difference lies in just entrusting a professional who understands a little bit more when it comes to marketing. And remember: social media content creation is an ongoing process that takes patience. As we create content and watch its performance, adjustments can be made to enhance ROI and get us closer to your goals.

While immediate results can't always be guaranteed, building a strong online presence that resonates with others is a long game. It takes time, effort, and some trial and error. It's like planting the seeds for a garden - you water it with creativity, let it grow, and watch it bloom. So, stick with it, and before you know it, your audience will be lovin' what you're putting out there!"

Ready to book a call and see if we’re fit for one another? Send me a message! I look forward to speaking with you.