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How to become
Social Media Manager
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Who is a Social Media Manager?
The Social Media Manager operates within the realm of digital marketing, focusing on managing a brand's online presence and reputation through the most popular social platforms. This professional is tasked with enhancing the company’s identity, crafting a coherent and appealing image for the audience, and building a solid community. With extensive expertise in digital dynamics and the expectations of online audiences, the Social Media Manager plays a pivotal role in strengthening the brand’s perception, fostering an authentic and lasting relationship with the target audience. In a context where social media has become indispensable for engaging with customers and prospects, the Social Media Manager has become an essential figure for any company aiming to communicate directly, transparently, and in alignment with current trends.
What does a Social Media Manager do?
As mentioned, the Social Media Manager is responsible for developing and implementing effective strategies to strengthen a brand’s digital presence on social media, aligning all activities with business and marketing objectives. Their primary task is to analyse the market and consumer behaviour to create an editorial plan that reflects and conveys the brand’s identity while also addressing the needs of the target audience. The role involves overseeing the creation of content to be published: the Social Media Manager must coordinate the creative team in producing posts, videos, and stories designed to engage the audience and represent the company consistently and creatively.
Community management is also part of their responsibilities: they monitor engagement, respond to comments and private messages, and gather feedback to optimise future strategies. Through constant interactions, they contribute to building trust with the target audience and enhancing the brand's perception. The Social Media Manager is further tasked with analysing the performance of social media campaigns through tracking key metrics such as views, engagement, and conversions.
Finally, they collaborate with other company teams, such as marketing and PR, to ensure that every action is integrated into a broader, coordinated strategy.
What skills should a Social Media Manager possess?
A Social Media Manager must possess a broad range of skills to effectively navigate the challenges of digital marketing, including:
- In-depth knowledge of social platforms: they need a thorough understanding of the specific features and nuances of all major social media platforms, leveraging their unique functionalities.
- Storytelling skills: they must be capable of crafting compelling content for posts, videos, and stories that capture the audience's attention and clearly communicate the brand’s values and mission.
- Analytical skills and data utilisation: they need to be proficient in using advanced tools to collect and interpret data on social performance, optimising strategies accordingly.
- Community management skills: they should interact with the audience promptly and professionally, addressing questions, moderating discussions, and handling negative feedback or crisis situations with care.
- Creativity and adaptability: they must be highly creative and able to quickly adapt to emerging industry trends.
- Project management experience: they should be able to manage workflows, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and meet deadlines.
- Expertise in advertising strategies: they need to be confident in using social advertising platforms to create effective paid campaigns.
How to become a Social Media Manager?
To become a Social Media Manager, it is essential to undertake an in-depth educational journey focused on social media strategy, digital marketing, and online communication. Academic courses such as those offered by NABA in the Communication and Graphic Design Area, including the Master of Arts in Visual Design and Integrated Marketing Communication, are an ideal choice. These programmes provide a robust theoretical foundation along with practical work experiences in digital marketing and communication, with a particular focus on the world of social media.
In addition to academic training, gaining practical experience through internships or placements in companies and marketing agencies is crucial to understanding the industry dynamics and applying the skills acquired. Attending industry events and professional development courses is also vital to staying informed about the latest trends in this ever-evolving field.
