Social Media Manager Job Description

What Do Social Media Managers Do?

A social media manager is dedicated to growing audiences on social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. In addition to creating a schedule for your posts, they also curate platform-specific content, including graphics, text posts, and videos. Most importantly, these versatile managers keep an eye on your social media metrics, analyze and interpret the data, and make changes in the existing format for increased profitability.

Social Media Manager Responsibilities

Before moving on to the example, let's explore the essential elements of a social media manager job description. 

Job Brief

The first paragraph of a job description that tells potential candidates what they are expected to do when they get hired is called a job brief. Since a social media manager is required in various industries, use this section to highlight your industry so that candidates with prior experience can apply. 

Objectives

It's either the second paragraph or a couple of sentences in the first that reveals why the company is hiring a social media manager. You must include if you are looking for an individual who will be solely responsible for the tasks, or they would have to collaborate with a team managing your social media accounts.

This section on the social media manager job description will also talk about the key results areas, such as better conversions, more traffic, or better engagement, that you expect the social media manager to attain. 

Responsibilities

This section is the most important and must contain only specific details based on the objectives. Here you will list out the responsibilities of the social media manager.  

Some of the common social media manager responsibilities are as follows:

• Develop social media campaigns and define their KPIs
• Update content across various social media channels
• Engage with followers and customers 
• Resolve customer queries
• Utilize social media marketing tools like Hootsuite and Sprout Social
• Keep an eye on the latest social media trends.
• Monitor SEO and traffic 
• Analyze campaign data and web traffic metrics
• Strengthen relationships with social media influencers 
• Optimize content coming from content developers
• Communicate with stakeholders and senior management 

Qualifications and Skills 

You must clearly mention the minimum years of experience, the educational requirements, and the skills required for the position. Mentioning these details ensures that you receive applications from well-qualified candidates per your requirements. 

Some important qualifications and skills required are:

• Bachelor's / Master’s degree in Digital Marketing or a relevant field
• Professional work experience as a Social media manager
• Content management experience 
• Excellent copywriting skills
• Knowledge of SEO, Google Analytics, and keyword research 
• Proficiency in social media management tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social (or any other that your organization uses)
• Knowledge of online marketing channels
• Excellent communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Additionally, you can create a preferred qualifications section that includes some "good to have" qualifications, such as a master's degree in marketing, prior experience as a copywriter or content manager, and more.

Social Media Manager Skills Needed

Social media managers are required to have the following skills for having a successful career:

Creativity

Social media managers must think creatively to develop engaging content that captures audience attention and encourages interaction.

They devise innovative strategies to differentiate brands and stand out in crowded digital spaces.

Writing

Strong writing skills are essential for crafting compelling captions, posts, and messages that resonate with target audiences.

Social media managers communicate brand messages effectively while maintaining the tone and voice of the brand.

Community Management

• Social media managers engage with followers, respond to comments and messages, and foster meaningful conversations.
• They build and nurture online communities, cultivating relationships with followers to enhance brand loyalty and advocacy.

Influencer Campaign Creation

• Social media managers collaborate with influencers to create authentic content and leverage their reach to expand brand awareness.
• They identify suitable influencers, negotiate partnerships, and oversee the execution of influencer campaigns.

Analytical Skills

• Social media managers analyze data and metrics to assess the performance of social media campaigns and optimize strategies.
• They track key metrics such as engagement rates, reach, and conversions, using insights to refine content and tactics.

Planning

• Effective social media managers develop strategic plans and content calendars to ensure consistent and cohesive messaging.
• They schedule posts, monitor trends, and anticipate opportunities to capitalize on timely events or promotions.

Copywriting

• Social media managers possess strong copywriting skills to craft compelling headlines, captions, and ad copy that drive engagement and action.
• They tailor messaging for different platforms and audiences, optimizing content for maximum impact.

Project Management

• Social media managers oversee multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating tasks, deadlines, and resources effectively.
• They collaborate with cross-functional teams, including designers, content creators, and marketers, to execute campaigns and initiatives.

Content Curation

• Social media managers curate relevant and engaging content from various sources to supplement brand-generated content.
• They identify industry trends, share user-generated content, and curate third-party articles to provide value to followers.

Editing

• Social media managers possess basic editing skills to enhance the visual appeal and quality of content, including images, videos, and graphics.
• They use editing tools to resize, crop, and adjust images, ensuring consistency and professionalism across posts.

Flexibility

• Social media managers adapt quickly to changing priorities, trends, and platform algorithms, remaining agile in the fast-paced digital landscape.
• They pivot strategies as needed, experimenting with new formats, tactics, and platforms to stay ahead of the curve.

Attention to Detail

• Social media managers pay close attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in content, grammar, spelling, and brand consistency.
• They review posts, captions, and graphics meticulously before publishing, maintaining a polished and professional online presence.

Branding

• Social media managers are custodians of brand identity, ensuring that all content and interactions align with brand values, guidelines, and aesthetics.
• They maintain brand consistency across platforms, reinforcing brand messaging and visual identity to strengthen brand recognition and loyalty.

Social Media Manager Qualification Required

• Education: A bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or a related field is often preferred. However, candidates with relevant experience may compensate for formal education.
• Experience: Demonstrated experience in social media management, content creation, and digital marketing is essential. Entry-level roles may require internships or coursework in social media marketing.
• Skills: Proficiency in social media platforms, content creation, community management, analytics tools, and copywriting is crucial. Candidates should demonstrate creativity, strategic thinking, and adaptability in managing social media channels effectively.
• Certifications: While not always mandatory, certifications in social media marketing or digital marketing from reputable institutions such as HubSpot, Google, or Hootsuite can enhance credibility and skill proficiency.
• Portfolio: A strong portfolio showcasing successful social media campaigns, content samples, and measurable results is highly beneficial. Candidates should be able to articulate their contributions to previous projects and demonstrate their ability to drive engagement and growth.

Sample Social Media Manager Job Description

The following Social Media Manager job description example includes the important Social Media Manager responsibilities, qualifications, and all that must be a part of the job description. You can download and use it as a Social Media Manager job description template. It is customizable and ready to post so that you can quickly and easily attract qualified candidates and hire the best. 

Common Social Media Manager Jobs

Explore the different job profiles for social media managers. Discover the importance of each and their average compensations. 

1. Digital or Multimedia Producer

With the growing popularity of visual platforms like Instagram, and the launch of features like Story, Reels, and Live Videos, the need for social media managers with multimedia skills is on the rise. 

A Digital or Multimedia Producer focuses on creating graphics and images to accompany Facebook posts, images or videos for Instagram, mobile-optimized stories for Snapchat, and other creative content from scratch that expands reach and popularity among followers.

What Skills Are Necessary for a Digital or Multimedia Producer?

• Hands-on experience with Design Software
• Creativity
• Adaptability
• Basic Photography and Videography

Importance of a Digital or Multimedia Producer

A skilled Digital or Multimedia Producer adapts visual content for each social network to yield more clicks and leads. 

Multimedia Producer Salary

The average Multimedia Producer's salary is $55,056 annually in the United States. 

2. Copywriter

Your text-based content must adapt to every social network. For instance, you will have to write Instagram captions with a more relatable and relaxed tone, while LinkedIn posts will have a crisp and more business-oriented voice.   

A copywriter is responsible for creating and adapting written content for specific social media networks. They must be proficient in creating creative content as short as 140 characters and even long-form blogs over 200 words.

What Skills Are Necessary for a Copywriter?

• Copywriting
• Adaptability
• Understanding of Brand Voice
• Creativity
• Positioning

Importance of a Copywriter

Maintaining a brand voice is the primary responsibility of copywriting, as generic posts for all platforms might bring down the value of brands. A customized-for-platform caption or piece of content that directly speaks to your audience leads to increased engagement and profitability.

Copywriter Salary

The average salary for a Copywriter in the United States is $54980 annually.

3. Social Media Metrics Analyst

As marketing roles become exceedingly data-driven, social media metrics analysts dig into the data, analyze it, and draw actionable insights. Their role includes monitoring macro data like overall reach and generated leads and microdata-like experiments around content positioning. They curate and constantly test new strategies, campaigns, and content. 

What Skills Are Necessary for Social Media Metrics Analysts?

• Data Analysis
• Experience with Running Scientific Experiments
• Curiosity
• Strong Presentation Skills

Importance of Social Media Metrics Analysts

They build effective standards by constantly testing and analyzing results. The experiments and carefully crafted strategies often enhance social media engagements and conversions, dramatically accelerating online businesses. 

Social Media Metrics Analyst Salary

The average Social Media Analyst salary is $70,237 per year in the United States.

4. News Commentator and Curator

A News Commentator/Curator is a professional efficient in finding new opportunities for the company by tracking industry-specific news and social media trends. They know where to look for the news, what's changing on social networks, and how to adapt accordingly for greater ROI. Serving as an extension of the PR team, the social media news commentator and curator connect your team with journalists and reporters, thereby increasing the coverage for the company. 

What Skills Are Necessary for a News Commentator and Curator?

• Content Curation
• Effective Monitoring
• Information-seeking approach
• Quick Decision-making

Importance of News Commentator and Curator

They allow you to stay on top of trends with the latest updates. Posts related to news or trends boost social media traffic and urge the audience to re-share or retweet your content, thereby increasing your brand awareness indirectly. 

News Commentator and Curator Salary

The average salary of a digital content curator in the United States is $60,167 a year.

5. Customer Service Representative

The person running social media accounts serves as the voice of the company. They constantly receive queries and comments about their company's services, products, and content. A social media manager serves as a customer service representative while communicating with people in different mood dispositions and buying stages. They act as traffic directors and must possess the skills to understand the questions, address them appropriately, and procure a course of action. 

What Skills Are Necessary for a Customer Service Representative?

• Strong Communication
• Patience 
• Ability to Troubleshoot
• Thorough knowledge of the company and its products/ services

Importance of Customer Service Representative 

In the present scenario, posting good-quality content is not the only requirement. Your company must interact with the audience to gain a competitive edge. Understanding customer grievances and timely addressing them saves your company’s time, money, and other resources.

Customer Service Representative Salary

The Social Media Customer Service Manager's average salary is $44822 annually in the United States. 

6. Community Manager and Facilitator

Promoting followers to connect with the company and one another helps build a true community. The community manager promotes this practice and consequently enhances sales and brand loyalty. An efficient community manager posts online discussions, asks relevant, thought-provoking questions, and sets the tone for the community, enforcing community guidelines as and when appropriate.

What Skills Are Necessary for a Community Manager?

• Resourcefulness
• Ability to Stimulate Discussion
• Empathy 

Importance of Social Media Community Manager

When social media community managers create quality content, followers are more likely to like your community and recommend it to others directly or inadvertently via comments. This practice gets you more exposure, leading to more reach.

Social Media Community Manager Salary

The average Social Media Community Manager in the United States is $48747 annually.  

7. Funnel Marketing Manager

The power of social media helps the entire funnel, not just the top. It widens the reach of your content, lures traffic to your website, generates leads, and nurtures them into becoming loyal customers. A funnel marketing manager is responsible for planning a strategy around the company's funnel. They share social content that hastens lead generation and, moving down the funnel, engages one-on-one with potential customers. With a strong understanding of the sales, they determine which content suits each level of the funnel.

What Skills Are Necessary for a Social Media Funnel Marketing Manager?

• Thorough understanding of the funnel 
• Knowledge of content type for each stage 
• Sales skills
• Strong communication skills 

Importance of Social Media Funnel Marketing Manager

According to a GlobalWebIndex survey, 40% of digital consumers consider social media when researching products. Therefore, Funnel Marketing Managers play an important role in sharing conversion-oriented content to attract more visitors to your website and convert them into leads. With a skilled professional at the helm of your company's social media efforts, the optimized posts would catch the users' attention more rapidly.

Social Media Funnel Marketing Manager Salary

The average salary of a Social Media Funnel Marketing Manager is $99,882 per year in the United States.

8. Project Manager and Campaign Coordinator

Supervising it all, a social media project manager collaborates with colleagues to plan and implement social media campaigns and projects. With strong decision-making skills, they quickly assess which requests would resonate with the brand's followers. They connect with various departments to organize campaign launches and monitor them when they go live.  

What Skills Are Necessary for a Project Manager and Campaign Coordinator?

• Data-Based Decision-Making
• Strong communication 
• Organization skills
• Ability to Negotiate
• Teamwork skills

Importance Project Manager and Campaign Coordinator

Social media project managers play a key role in promoting initiatives from various departments across a company. They effectively balance promotions with appropriate, engaging and relevant content, winning the attention of followers and internal stakeholders.

Project Manager and Campaign Coordinator Salary

The average Campaign Coordinator's salary in the United States is $47297 annually. 

Social Media Manager: Professional Developments

• Certifications: Pursue certifications in social media marketing, digital marketing, and analytics to enhance skills and credibility. Certifications from platforms like Google, HubSpot, and Facebook Blueprint are widely recognized.
• Courses and Workshops: Attend online courses, webinars, and workshops to stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and techniques in social media marketing. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Udemy offer a variety of relevant courses.
• Conferences and Events: Participate in industry conferences, seminars, and networking events to connect with peers, learn from experts, and gain insights into emerging trends and best practices in social media marketing.
• Professional Associations: Join professional associations and networking groups for social media marketers, such as Social Media Examiner or Social Media Club, to access resources, attend events, and engage with a community of peers.
• Hands-On Projects: Engage in hands-on projects, freelance work, or volunteer opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, build practical skills, and expand your portfolio.

Social Media Manager Employment Opportunity

• Industry Demand: The demand for social media managers continues to grow across industries as businesses increasingly rely on digital channels to engage consumers and drive business objectives.
• Diverse Opportunities: Social media managers can find employment opportunities in various sectors, including e-commerce, technology, healthcare, fashion, hospitality, and entertainment, among others.
• Remote Work: The rise of remote work has expanded employment opportunities for social media managers, offering flexibility and access to a global talent pool.
• Specialized Roles: Social media managers can specialize in specific platforms (e.g., Instagram, TikTok), industries, or functions (e.g., influencer marketing, content creation) to carve out niche roles and expertise within the field.
• Freelance and Consulting: Freelancing and consulting are viable options for social media managers seeking autonomy and flexibility. Freelancers can work with multiple clients, while consultants provide strategic advice and guidance to businesses on social media initiatives.

How to Prepare for a Social Media Manager Interview? 

To prepare for a social media manager interview, follow these steps:

1. Research the Company

• Study the company's products, services, mission, and culture.
• Familiarize yourself with their current social media presence and campaigns.

2. Understand the Role

• Review the job description and responsibilities to understand what's expected.
• Identify key skills and qualifications required for the role.

3. Showcase Your Skills

• Prepare specific examples of successful social media campaigns you've managed.
• Highlight your proficiency with various social media platforms and analytics tools.

4. Stay Updated

• Be knowledgeable about the latest social media trends and tools.
• Mention any relevant certifications or courses you've completed.

5. Prepare for Behavioral Questions

• Expect questions about your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and handling challenging situations.
• Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses.

6. Ask Questions

• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the company's social media strategy and goals.
• This demonstrates your interest and engagement.

7. Dress and Act Professionally

• Dress appropriately for the interview.
• Be punctual and maintain a professional demeanor.

8. Practice

• Practice answering common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror.
• Rehearse your responses to ensure clarity and confidence.

9. Bring a Portfolio

• If applicable, bring a portfolio showcasing your work, including examples of social media content, campaigns, and analytics reports.

10. Follow-Up

• Send a thank-you email after the interview, expressing your gratitude and reiterating your interest in the role.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the duties and responsibilities of a Social Media Manager?

A Social Media Manager plays an important role in overseeing a company's interactions with the public. They implement social media platform-specific content strategies, analyze engagement data, identify trends in interactions, plan digital campaigns, and promote the building of a community online.

2. What makes a good Social Media Manager?

A strong desire to connect with the audience while demonstrating patience in handling negative comments, in addition to familiarity with monitoring tools, is a must for an efficient Social Media Manager. They must be proficient in diving into the insights and aligning their work with a company's goals. A keen eye for the latest social media trends and the ability to engage the company's followers in discussions can help you prosper in your career as a social media manager.

3. Who does a Social Media Manager work with?

Social Media Managers work with Social Media Strategists and content developers to curate quality content that drives profitability and supports the company's digital marketing goals and unique messaging. They also engage with customers online. 

4. What is the average salary for a social media manager?

The average annual salary for a social media manager is $55,000 in the United States. The salary can range from $27,000 for entry-level positions to $190,000 for experienced professionals in major cities like New York or San Francisco.

5. Do you need a degree to be a social media manager?

A degree is not mandatory to get into a social media manager position. However, most companies prefer a bachelor's in marketing, journalism or a relevant field. The industry is skill-specific, and you possess the skills to uplevel your career.

6. What qualifications are required to work as a social media manager?

Qualifications for a social media manager typically include a degree in marketing or communications, proficiency in social media platforms, and strong communication skills.

7. How does a social media manager keep up with the latest trends?

Social media managers keep up with trends by following industry blogs, attending webinars, and using social media monitoring tools.

8. What are some of the most common challenges that social media managers face?

Common challenges for social media managers include handling negative comments, staying consistent with content, and managing a demanding posting schedule.

9. What effect does social media management have on a company's bottom line?

Effective social media management can positively impact a company's bottom line by increasing brand visibility, engagement, and customer acquisition if executed well.

10. What does a Social Media Manager do daily?

A Social Media Manager's daily tasks include creating and curating content, scheduling posts, engaging with followers, analyzing performance metrics, monitoring trends, and collaborating with team members to execute social media strategies effectively.

11. Is Social Media Manager a good career?

Yes, being a Social Media Manager can be a rewarding career choice. It offers opportunities for creativity, strategic thinking, and staying updated with digital trends. With businesses increasingly relying on social media for brand awareness and engagement, the demand for skilled social media managers is high.

12. What is another name for a Social Media Manager?

Another name for a Social Media Manager is a "Social Media Specialist," "Social Media Coordinator," or "Digital Marketing Manager," depending on the organization's structure and the scope of responsibilities.

13. Who does a Social Media Manager work with?

A Social Media Manager typically works with cross-functional teams, including marketing, content, design, and sales departments. They collaborate with content creators, graphic designers, copywriters, analysts, and sometimes external agencies or influencers to align social media efforts with overall business objectives.

14. What is the primary objective of a Social Media Manager?

The primary objective of a Social Media Manager is to enhance brand visibility, engagement, and conversion through strategic planning, content creation, community management, and data-driven optimization. They aim to build and maintain a strong online presence, foster relationships with followers, and drive business growth through social media channels.