Job Description
Social media managers use various social media platforms to communicate with their customers, clients and other organisations. They will make posts, write blogs and articles, respond to other peoples posts and check for mentions and feedback. Other responsibilities include developing strategies to increase followers, using other tools such as Hootsuite, Tweetdeck etc. to manage multiple sites and using web tracking tools such as google analytics to monitor engagement.
Entry Requirements
You could get into this role by taking a university course, an apprenticeship or working your way towards the role.
University
Some employers especially large organisations may prefer you to have a degree in a relevant subject such as:
- advertising
- marketing and public relations
- digital and social media marketing
- internet design
- journalism
- business management
For your degree course you will usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels or equivalent
Apprenticeship
You could do a digital marketer advanced or degree apprenticeship or a digital community manager higher apprenticeship
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), usually including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and college qualifications like A levels for a degree apprenticeship
Work based route
You could start work with a social media or marketing company as an assistant, once you have experience you could apply for a managerial role
Volunteering and experience
You could get experience by volunteering to manage a charity's social media channels.
You could also show that you understand and know how to use social media by:
- managing your own social media profiles
- setting up and writing your own blog, and tracking its use and popularity
- getting involved in social media for the company you already work for
You could also keep up to date by joining webinars about social media trends.
Career Path and Progression
With experience, you could move into managing social media for larger companies or progress to a senior or head social media manager job.
Required Skills
You'll need:
- knowledge of media production and communication
- knowledge of English language
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to sell products and services
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Salary Range
£23,000 to £75,000
