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What is a social media manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
Quoted expert
Mike Bromberg
introduction image

A social media manager creates and implements social media strategies for a brand or company. They handle social media accounts, creating content, monitoring engagement, and responding to comments and messages. They work closely with marketing and public relations teams to achieve brand consistency and communication with the target audience. Social media managers stay up-to-date with trends and changes to maintain successful campaigns. They also analyze data to measure campaign efficacy and adjust accordingly.

What general advice would you give to a Social Media Manager?

Mike BrombergMike Bromberg LinkedIn profile

Assistant Professor, East-West University

There are many great careers out there that can be attained as a result of getting a degree in English. One great example is the fact that many companies find that it's a necessity to develop and maintain their social media presence. They look for Communications Coordinators, social media managers, and media directors to make sure their materials, themes, and messages are organized and broadcasted efficiently and appropriately. Some people go on to graduate programs such as law school, as English courses engage heavily with reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
ScoreSocial Media ManagerUS Average
Salary
5.5

Avg. Salary $70,287

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.5

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.23%

Asian 8.15%

Black or African American 3.04%

Hispanic or Latino 8.67%

Unknown 5.32%

White 74.58%

Gender

female 61.12%

male 38.88%

Age - 38
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38
Stress level
7.5

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.5

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a social media manager?

Pros

  • Flexibility in work hours

  • Potential for growth and advancement within the field

  • Ability to work remotely

  • High demand for social media skills

  • Potential for networking and collaboration with other professionals

Cons

  • High pressure to perform and deliver results

  • Need to be available and responsive around the clock

  • Can be a solitary job with limited face-to-face interaction

  • Social media can be unpredictable and volatile, leading to potential crises

  • Can be difficult to differentiate yourself from other social media managers in a crowded market

Social Media Manager career paths

Key steps to become a social media manager

  1. Explore social media manager education requirements

    Most common social media manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    78.7 %

    Associate

    9.4 %

    Master's

    7.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific social media manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Instagram8.65%
    Twitter6.92%
    Digital Marketing6.49%
    Social Media Marketing6.46%
    Facebook Insights5.11%
  3. Complete relevant social media manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New social media managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a social media manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real social media manager resumes.
  4. Research social media manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage Google Ticketmaster SEM accounts.
    • Used social media systems to schedule, manage, and curate content across various social media platforms.
    • Manage the development of multiple e-commerce websites, including gathering requirements for basic layout, design and content of websites.
    • Organize events for the public and manage the organization's branding through logo use, print materials and social media marketing.
  5. Prepare your social media manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your social media manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a social media manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable social media manager resume templates

    Build a professional social media manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your social media manager resume.
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  6. Apply for social media manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a social media manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first social media manager job

Shukra ElizaShukra Eliza LinkedIn profile

Social Media Manager, Shrah Designs

My Journey as a Social Media Manager.

It all started in 2021, I found myself captivated by the power of social media and its potential for businesses to connect with their audience. Despite lacking any formal experience in the field, I was determined to turn my fascination into a career. Armed with a creative mindset and skills in graphic design and content creation, I knew I had a strong foundation to build upon.

My journey was not without challenges. At times, I faced self-doubt and uncertainty. However, I chose to persevere, reminding myself that growth comes from stepping out of our comfort zones. I immersed myself in online communities and absorbing insights from experienced professionals. By actively seeking feedback and continuously honing my skills, I was able to overcome obstacles and stay motivated.

One fruitful day, a friend approached me he wanted me to help him with his social media platforms for his new company. Since this was my dream, l didn't hesitate. I immediately opened up social media accounts for the company (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Threads, LinkedIn, Tiktok) and started posting, editing videos, designing and creating(check out Youth Platform Africa)

I managed the company's social media platforms for 1 year and then handed over to a new Social media Manager.

I embarked on a journey that led me to discover my passion for social media management. From humble beginnings and a thirst for knowledge, I transformed my skills and took advantage of the opportunities that came my way. Today, I stand as a testament to the power of determination, the impact of learning, and the fusion of creativity with strategic thinking.

Average social media manager salary

The average social media manager salary in the United States is $70,287 per year or $34 per hour. Social media manager salaries range between $50,000 and $98,000 per year.

Average Social Media Manager Salary
$70,287 Yearly
$33.79 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do social media managers rate their job?

-/5

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Social Media Manager reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Cons

I love my work. I don't love who I work for. They do not understand the steps involved in social media. And keep asking for analytics. I send them in a thoughtfully presented report. And they just don't get it. Sales thinks I jack around all day on social media. That is my job. Then there's the fact that I have to be paid to monitor the work and campaigns I shoot down the feeds. Ugh. Run for your life unless you work for a corporation.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2019
Pros

Overseeing printing For direct mail. Packaging design Developing hot mail list.

Cons

Unreasonable deadlines.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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