Ever wondered what it's like to work in social media? What does a day in the life of a Social Media Manager look like? What do they do all day?
Social Media Managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies for a business’s social media sites. This might include blogging, creating social media profiles, managing regular posts and responding to followers. Social media managers must stay at the leading edge of industry trends, so they can create a marketing strategy that generates inbound leads, gains followers, and creates a positive image for the company. They are also responsible for regularly evaluating the success of their marketing efforts and tweaking their marketing strategy as needed.
A Day in the Life of a Social Media Manager
For more insight, we asked our own Kirsten Agnello-Dean to shed some light on the mysterious life of a Social Media Manager.
Artisan: How did you end up in social media?
Kirsten: It all started back in 2009 when I created and developed content for a small business bridal blog. From there I expanded the shop's social presence while still working in the retail shop and eventually got a job exclusively working with social content for a marketing agency.
What's the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing how social content can make connections, whether it's brightening someone's day, helping promote a cause, or connecting the perfect talent with a new job opportunity.
What's the biggest mistake you see from people on social media?
Not realizing that what you say online is permanent (even if you delete it, someone could have snagged a screen shot) and spelling mistakes. You can still spell correctly and use proper grammar even if you only have 140 characters. Some people still don't realize Hiring Managers and Recruiters look on social, so if you're trying to land a new job make sure your social networks are leaving the right impression.
For brands, it's chiming in on a conversation you don't have any place in. See Jon Oliver's great sketch on that one here.
Describe your typical Social Media Manager work day?
A day in the life of a Social Media Manager: I grab a chai tea latte, sort through email and check all my social networks for @mentions, questions, etc. Then I'll sort through the week's most pressing jobs and push them out on Twitter. The rest of the day is spent on various combinations of blog writing, ordering, and research as well as writing, updating, and scheduling posts for Linked In, Glassdoor, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
I'll also work on special projects like planning events, taking photos, marketing campaigns, writing website and press release copy, watching webinars, participating in Twitter chats, or attending networking events, etc.
What's the most important part of social media?
Connecting brands to people and making sure the brand's messaging is consistent/delivering the right ROI.
Do you have a favorite social media network?
Right now I'm in love with Instagram, but I have a special fondness for Twitter as well. Follow me @Kirsten_ad on Twitter!
What careers have you seen grow rapidly in social media?
All of them! Specifically though, there was a great blog on "The Rise of the Marketing Generalist" that totally applies to social media. You can't just be an expert in one platform. A good Social Media Specialist will have experience with all the platforms, paid advertising, copywriting, customer service...the list goes on.
Any words of wisdom for aspiring social creatives?
Work in social even if you're not being paid yet. Volunteer for a non-profit that needs help, create accounts for your neighbor's Etsy shop. At the same time, develop your own personal brand. Tailor your social accounts to your industry and passions. Post about things that inspire you and matter in your industry and you'll never run out of content!
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