What is a Social Media Manager?
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A social media manager simply manages the social media networking and marketing on behalf of individuals and organisations.
Social media is this year's black and the most cutting edge form of marketing and networking. Why? Because it takes us back to basics, back to real time two way communication. Done well it is about communication to and from a service or product provider and customers. It is about finding out the needs of the customer through direct communication and following triends. This is done through various platforms like blogging and websites, networking sites like Twitter and Facebook, video and podcasting sites, online radio blogging and live streaming sites, customer reviews and book-marking sites. After all, you only have one reputation.
As you can imagine, that takes quite a bit of work, some technical skill, an ability to write well and the discipline to maintain it all. Many businesses do not have the time or are lacking some of the skills to do this well. Some people would argue that unless these platforms are maintained regularly and kept dynamic and fresh that it is better not to do it at all. It is also important that businesses understand web etiquette and best practice when making posts or submitting articles and videos.
A social media manager has a number of roles and can offer a wide range of services.
These can include training individuals and organisations or managing the whole thing.
Management involves:
helping people to set up a social network package,
explaining the interconnections between the various platforms,
creating a routine and schedule for posting,
helping to streamline existing routines,
making them more efficient or
partially or completely managing all of the social media and networking.
A social media manager becomes the front line of customer service and can pick up communications from existing or potential customers in real time and feed them to the appropriate person. The manager can also keep an eye out for any potentially damaging or incorrect information that is being posted by others. A good manager will gain an excellent understanding of the business and be able to spot opportunities as they arise, plant seeds and connect with the right people. She can deliver content, build links, network and translate digital information from the online community.
Bear in mind that if facebook were a country, it would be the second largest in the world...this is not child's play.
A good online presence is not about just having a website or ranking well on Google anymore, you need a presence on sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Linked In and You Tube. Your blog is where people will go to make sure you are current and credible but it also floats your site.
Good managers are passionate about social media are there to help you shine online!
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Thanks so much for leaving a comment...will check out your profile and learn a little about you too....Kay
Article seems to be right on point. For the last couple of years while doing SEO for different companies, I have been trying to nicely tell my clients they needed to start to engage in social media. Looks like a new niche for folks that are good in the social media area
Yes Ross it is an extremely hot niche...and a great partnership with someone like yourself who specialises in SEO. Social media is really taking the world by storm.
i would like to do this job.....just curious how much do they get paid.....
It depends on whether you work for yourself or for someone else, the size of the contract and your own level of experience. You can set your rates accordingly. Send me an email for more detailed information if you would like. socialdivamarketing@gmail.com
I would also add listening, monitoring, reporting after all you are the front line of defense for your client. You must silently however ferociously protect the reputation of the client.
Thanks for that Paul, absolutely crucial and I should have included that. Reputation management takes a lot of skill and strategy....when to delete, when to resopond, when to encourage controversy and when to use negativity to your advantage...and the whole thing of timing....quite tricky sometimes.
Thank you for sharing...
Very interesting hub! Congrats!
Thanks Bloget and Mike, thanks for reading! Kay :)
Thanks for the great article! When we collaborate we can keep up with all of the changing trends.
Absolutely Aricia, and there are so many changes to keep up with in social media....
Sounds like this is the new way to get some income my way, i'll read more on this topic and start my services.
You probably have more skills than you realise! Let me know how you get on and get in touch if you need help with anything
Great points in this post about the positive aspects of social media for businesses. For those interested in social media management for themselves or providing it for others - take note that when social media is not done properly - it can be equally detrimental. Word of mouth has went from 1 person telling 10 about a bad experience to telling thousands with one click!
Very true Chef, and reputation management is a big part of smm. Online listening is really crucial.
Kay, Thanks for the awesome article and for caring so much! One thing I know for sure first and foremost is that I want to please my client, even if its at my cost! When I used to DJ weddings, once the gig was on it was on no matter how little or how much they paid me, I put on the best performance because that is what they paid for. Reputation is important for everyone attempting to build an online presence, kudos once again..
thanks so much RJ, that means a lot. Great to hear from you here!
Do any of you use a tool that manages all of your social media campaigns in one place?
No we don't at the moment, Chris but we have cut down our clients and just taken on a few big ones now. Never found one that we liked really either. What about you?
Thanks Aaron!
Thanks for social media management strategy, You say write SMO totally dependent on social networking.
This is all very interesting. Is this something that a stay home mom can do and do well? and if so how do you suggest getting started?
i never heard about a job like this.but it seems very interesting.so how cud we start...?
Do you think small business owners want to learn social media (learn how to fish) or are most of them just looking for something or someone to handle it all for you? (get a fish)
Very interesting & New Ideas creating Job.
I just wanna ask...why is it some web link or mostly....they require payment for you to be a social media manager???thnks so much,,,
Thanks Kay for Simple yet comprehensive writeup. Good read.
Sreekar
Very interesting...........
I noticed that your blog is the same as the one on www.paidsocialmediajobs.com. Are you a member? If so, how is it going for you as I signed up today for VIP access.
Thanks,
Suzette
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FindYourSearch 23 months ago
This is so true! Without someone knowledgeable heading them up, many social media campaigns either fizzle and die or end in disaster. It's very important to have someone with experience either as a mentor or managing your online presence.