How To Become A Social Media Manager - Beginners Guide

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive beginner’s guide to becoming a social media manager (SMM). It covers essential skills, tasks, and resources to help you succeed in this career. Key points include mastering content creation, copywriting, analytics, and platform-specific nuances. The guide offers practical advice on finding jobs, building a standout resume, and even securing internships or volunteer positions to gain experience. Whether you’re looking for free online courses, certifications, or insider tips, this video equips you with the knowledge to break into the world of social media management and excel in the field.

Takeaways

• 😀 Becoming a social media manager (SMM) is a dream job for many, but most people don’t know where to start or what skills are needed.
• 📅 A key task for SMMs is building content calendars, scheduling and publishing content, and using tools like Flick for easier scheduling.
• ✍️ Strong copywriting skills are crucial for social media managers, as crafting clear and concise messages can set you apart from others.
• 🖌️ Creativity and an eye for design are important for creating engaging content, whether it's writing captions, making graphics, or taking photos.
• 📊 SMMs need to interpret analytics and use data to improve campaigns and provide easy-to-understand reports to stakeholders.
• 💡 Understanding the pulse and culture of different social media platforms (like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter) is essential for creating effective content.
• 🎓 Online courses and free certifications (from platforms like Google, Facebook, and Flick) are great ways to build platform-specific skills.
• 💼 Internships are a great way to get started as an SMM, but ensure you have support and mentorship to learn effectively.
• ⚡ If you can’t find an internship, offer to work for free for a brand you love to gain experience and build your portfolio.
• 📝 When applying for SMM roles, make sure your resume includes metrics, certifications, relevant experience, and is tailored to the job description.
• ❌ Avoid overdoing visuals on your resume. Keep it clean, professional, and easy to read, while ensuring no spelling or grammar mistakes.

Q & A

What are the core tasks of a social media manager (SMM)?

The core tasks of an SMM include building content calendars, scheduling and publishing content, writing copy for social media posts and newsletters, managing community engagement, creating reports based on analytics, creating visual content, and overseeing all social media platforms for the brand.

What skills are necessary for someone to succeed as a social media manager?

Key skills include creativity, copywriting, design (or at least an eye for design), the ability to interpret analytics, and an understanding of platform-specific trends and culture. Being adaptable and creative are also crucial.

How can you acquire the platform-specific skills needed to be an effective SMM?

You can acquire these skills through online courses and certifications, many of which are offered for free by platforms like Google and Facebook. There are also paid courses that focus on specific platforms, as well as resources like Flick’s Academy.

What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of internships for aspiring social media managers?

Internships can help you gain practical experience and break into the industry, especially if you lack previous experience. However, they can sometimes involve working with minimal guidance, so it’s important to vet internships carefully to ensure learning opportunities are available.

What advice is given for someone who is unable to secure an internship but wants to gain experience?

If you can't secure an internship, offering to work for free for a brand you admire can be a good alternative. It allows you to build experience and a track record of success, which can later help you land paid roles.

What should be included in a social media manager’s resume?

An SMM resume should include metrics that demonstrate past success (e.g., growth in brand awareness, engagement, follower count), certifications from relevant courses, and hands-on experience that shows versatility and capability in handling different tasks.

What are the key dos and don’ts when building a social media manager’s resume?

Do include metrics to show your impact, tailor your resume to the job description, and highlight certifications and experience. Don't overdo visuals, and don’t forget to proofread for spelling and grammar errors.

Why is it important to have certifications as a social media manager?

Certifications demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and understanding of the tools and platforms relevant to social media management. They can also help your resume stand out and show that you’re committed to staying updated in the fast-evolving field.

How can you customize your resume to increase your chances of getting hired as an SMM?

Tailor your resume to the specific job by using keywords from the job description. This will show that you've taken the time to understand the employer’s needs and that you possess the relevant skills. Many companies use software to scan resumes, so using the right keywords is essential.

What’s the importance of understanding the 'pulse' of each social media platform?

Each social media platform has its own unique culture and trends. Understanding these nuances helps you create content that resonates with the audience of each platform. This awareness leads to better engagement and more successful campaigns.