The Social Media Manager Job Description

A social media manager position seems like it’s only about posting on branded social media platforms, but it’s much more than that. With social media being bigger than ever and constantly evolving, the job entails engaging users, driving quality leads and boosting your brand’s online reputation with the right social media strategies.

While social marketing and advertising are a large part of the overall marketing strategy for many companies, social media is about people, conversations and developing leads while building relationships. Many businesses are hiring social media managers as it has expanded into its own role for online marketing, and is a large task for business owners to handle on their own. Strong management and strategic thinking skills are critical for social media managers. Companies want a social media manager who possesses elevated skill sets.

Here are some of the skills needed from social media managers.

• Proven work experience as a social media manager
• Hands-on experience in content management
• Understanding social audiences
• Ability to deliver creative content (text, image and video)
• Understanding of search engine optimization (SEO), keyword research and Google Analytics
• Knowledge of social marketing platforms and online marketing channels
• Familiarity with design and ad copy
• Great communication skills
• Analytical and multitasking skills
• Degree in marketing or similar field

Social Media Manager Salary Benchmarks

According to Payscale, the average salary for this role in the United States is $51,000. The low end is $35,000 and the high end is $78,000. Most businesses can expect to pay closer to the high end if they’re located in a moderately sized city.

Remember that when hiring a social media manager, they can also help with content, design and marketing automation — not to mention the daily tasks required for the position, which we mention below.

Social Media Manager Responsibilities

There are many duties and daily tasks for a social media manager. It takes a good amount of time and effort to implement strategies and understand what and when to post. Here are the key responsibilities of the social media manager:

• Design and implement a social media strategy to align with business goals
• Manage social media marketing campaigns and day-to-day activities
• Create, curate and manage any and all published content (static images, video, etc).
• Stay up-to-date with current technologies and trends in social media and apps
• Monitor, listen and respond to users while developing leads
• Develop community outreach, including influencer efforts
• Oversee social media image designs, including cover photos, thumbnails and profile pictures
• Design, create and manage promotions and social ad campaigns
• Collaborate with other teams/team members to ensure brand consistency
• Analyze key metrics and adjust strategy as social media evolves
• Compile end-of-month (EOM) reports showing results

Understanding Social Media

As a social media manager, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest digital technologies and social media trends. Ultimately, you should be able to come up with engaging, sharply written content on the fly, and you should be using the next big tool or channel in social media to do it.