They get to experience the most fun sides of a business while connecting with customers. Daily tasks constantly change in response to new trends, creating a dynamic work environment that never gets boring. Your strengths should be a no-brainer’they’re why you applied for this social media manager role in the first place, right? Noting qualities that are listed in the job description is a helpful hack here.
Are you considering a career as a social media manager but don’t have any prior experience in the field? Don’t worry, it’s definitely possible to break into this industry with determination and the right approach. Here are a few tips to help you get started on your journey towards becoming a successful social media manager.
Educate Yourself
Hey everybody, I’m new to this social media community so I hope my topic is tolerable. A sub for professional discussion about social media, news, and best practices. She’s written for brands including Hootsuite, Trello, Shopify, Thinkific, and Hubspot.
And thanks to tools like Canva, graphic design and photo editing are more accessible than ever. Social media marketing is booming and a growing number of businesses now use this marketing channel. In 2019, over 80% of businesses stated that social media marketing is either somewhat important or very important in their overall marketing strategy. Another key step is to get familiar with the top social media management tools, as these will help you manage your workflow and do your job more efficiently. Sign up for some free trials and try a few different tools to see how they work and where they differ.
Interviewers ask this to get a sense of the challenges, drawbacks, and areas for improvement that you notice in this field, as well as your ideas for social media’s positive, constructive evolution. Not every role will require on-camera skills, but being comfortable on camera can give you an edge. Social media managers often have to pivot their content strategies and update their content calendars, so nimbleness is a must. Paying attention to little details like aspect ratio, editing techniques, or even the use of memes, and then applying what you’ve learned (with your own spin on it), can help set you apart. Plan, manage, & analyze posts for every social channel in one spot with Later.
One of the first steps you can take is to educate yourself about the ins and outs of social media marketing. There are plenty of online courses, tutorials, and resources available that can help you learn the basics of managing social media accounts for businesses. Take advantage of these resources to build a solid foundation of knowledge before you start applying for jobs.
These are all helpful skills for anyone looking to learn social media marketing. Once you’ve built a strong foundation of general marketing skills, it’s time to dive deep into social media platforms and how they work. Get familiar with each platform’s tools for scheduling and publishing content, social listening, analytics, and more. Are there areas where you can expand on your abilities to better match the requirements for becoming a social media manager? Even if you’re interested in how to become a social media manager with no experience, there are many ways to learn marketing skills.
If you’re starting out from scratch, you may need to devote more time to your learning to ensure that you fully understand how to best use popular platforms and their respective analytics tools. Existing marketers may be able to enroll in a digital marketing boot camp or executive education course as a means of expanding their skills into social media management in just a few weeks or months. During the interview, ask questions about the company’s social media campaigns and the results they’re getting so that you can tailor your answers accordingly. Nevertheless, while more senior social media management positions may require on-the-job expertise, it’s rarely a requirement for entry-level roles. Employers might expect new hires to have a degree, but this doesn’t necessarily need to be in a field directly related to social media management (or even digital marketing).
Build a Portfolio
Even if you don’t have any professional experience, you can still showcase your skills by creating a portfolio of your own social media accounts. Start by managing your own profiles and demonstrate your ability to create engaging content, grow a following, and engage with your audience effectively. This will show potential employers that you have what it takes to succeed as a social media manager.
Network and Gain Experience
Networking is key in any industry, and social media management is no exception. Connect with professionals in the field, attend industry events, and look for opportunities to gain real-world experience. Consider volunteering your services to a non-profit organization or offering to manage a friend’s business social media accounts to build up your resume and gain valuable experience.
Stay Up-to-Date
Social media is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay current with the latest trends, algorithms, and best practices. Follow industry blogs, attend webinars, and participate in online forums to keep up-to-date with the ever-changing landscape of social media marketing. By staying informed, you’ll be better equipped to excel in your role as a social media manager.
Remember, everyone has to start somewhere, and with dedication, persistence, and a willingness to learn, you can successfully launch your career as a social media manager even without prior experience. Good luck on your journey!
