{"id":10294,"date":"2021-04-15T08:44:54","date_gmt":"2021-04-15T06:44:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bmkedev.wpengine.com\/?p=10294"},"modified":"2022-10-17T14:51:16","modified_gmt":"2022-10-17T12:51:16","slug":"career-social-media-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/career-social-media-management","title":{"rendered":"Social Media Management Job; What it Takes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The fact that there are over 2.307 billion social media users around the world has prompted brands and businesses to take social media marketing more seriously than they did in the past. The rippling effect of this is that the number of social media marketing jobs have also increased.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Did you know that there are over <\/span><a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/kathleenchaykowski\/2015\/12\/08\/facebook-business-pages-climb-to-50-million-with-new-messaging-tools\/#39b549bc6991\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">50 million business pages on Facebook<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with over 2.5 billion comments made on these pages every month? If you are interested in becoming a social media marketer, there are certain skills you need to acquire and there are certain things you should do.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We will cover what social media marketing is, who a social media marketer is as well as the skills and things that are required.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0b574d153db\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0b574d153db\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/career-social-media-management\/#What_is_Social_Media_Marketing\" >What is Social Media Marketing?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/career-social-media-management\/#Who_is_a_Social_Media_Marketer\" >Who is a Social Media Marketer?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/career-social-media-management\/#What_do_Social_Media_Marketers_Do\" >What do Social Media Marketers Do?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/career-social-media-management\/#The_Requirements\" >The Requirements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/career-social-media-management\/#Academic_Qualifications_Needed\" >Academic Qualifications Needed<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/career-social-media-management\/#What_Skills_Do_You_Need_to_Become_a_Social_Media_Manager\" >What Skills Do You Need to Become a Social Media Manager?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/career-social-media-management\/#How_Do_You_Acquire_Work_Experience\" >How Do You Acquire Work Experience?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/career-social-media-management\/#Final_Thoughts\" >Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Social_Media_Marketing\"><\/span><b>What is Social Media Marketing?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social media marketing is the process of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising via the internet by making use of social networking websites as a tool.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The objective of social media marketing is to churn out content that users can engage with, share across their social networks in order to increase brand exposure and expand customer reach for a brand or business.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_is_a_Social_Media_Marketer\"><\/span><b>Who is a Social Media Marketer?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A social media marketer is someone who takes up the responsibility of promoting brand-related content on social media platforms with the aim of increasing traffic, brand awareness and collecting leads.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_do_Social_Media_Marketers_Do\"><\/span><b>What do Social Media Marketers Do?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social media marketers are responsible for helping businesses manage their brands on a growing number of social media websites including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, YouTube, Tumblr, Flicker and several others. Below are services that cover everything a social media marketer does:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Setting up social media accounts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Management of social media accounts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Auditing social media accounts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social media strategy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social media consulting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social media advertising<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Content generation and management<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speaking at events as professionals<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Requirements\"><\/span><b>The Requirements<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a social media marketer, there are two types of requirements &#8211; There are essential requirements as well as desirable requirements and there is a clear difference between them as we shall see below:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Essential Traits:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These are traits that a social media marketer must possess in order to effectively function as a social media marketer. Without these, getting a job would prove difficult if not impossible. Examples of traits for a social media marketer include the ability to communicate effectively in a language the target audience understands, the ability to proofread and a good understanding of the English language. English remains a popular language for social media marketers all over the world. Approximately 375 million people speak English around the world and there are more than 50 English speaking countries, where English is either the official or the primary language.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Desirable Traits :<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> These are the traits that give you an advantage over your peers in social media marketing. These could include your in-depth knowledge of analytics, the ability to create graphic designs and other multimedia content. A sound knowledge in Digital marketing would also help you stand out amongst your peers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Academic_Qualifications_Needed\"><\/span><b>Academic Qualifications Needed<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social media marketers in Nigeria require a basic degree from a tertiary institution or its equivalent through self-development. Some recommended bachelor&#8217;s degree courses for social media managers include Marketing, Public Relations, Mass Communication or Computer Science. More importantly, you would need experience in social media as well as the digital space.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Skills_Do_You_Need_to_Become_a_Social_Media_Manager\"><\/span><b>What Skills Do You Need to Become a Social Media Manager?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social media management requires an ability to communicate effectively amongst other sterling qualities. The job space is constantly evolving and as it evolves, so do the skills required to keep up with the needs of the target audience.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b> Writing Skills:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It is essential that you know how to write as a social media marketer. The better you are at writing compelling captions and posts, the more engaging and successful you will be. Your&nbsp; style of writing also needs to be fluid and flexible enough to fit the peculiar needs of different social media pages. For instance, writing for Twitter is different from writing for Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> SEO Knowledge:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You need to understand the intricacies of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and the best way to tap into the vast pool of benefits it holds for you and the brand you manage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Research Skills:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The internet is replete with history as well as current information. As a social media manager, it is important that you know about every single thing that is happening around you as well as how best to tap into it. As surprising as this might sound, you also need to keep a close tab on brands that are direct competitors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Interpersonal Skills:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Your role as a social media marketer goes beyond generating leads and disseminating information to the target audience of the business you manage. By default, you will be the contact point between an organisation and its teeming target audience. It is crucial that you remain friendly, courteous and respectful when dealing with those who choose to reach out to the company via its social media page.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Updated on Latest Trends:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The social media space thrives best with the use of latest tools that you have to keep up with. For instance, in the past, you would have to post articles live every single time you had to update a social media page or account. However, with the birth of social media tools, you can now schedule posts way into the future.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Tech Savvy:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Virtually all your work will be done using computers, phones and mobile gadgets. The exception to this is when you find yourself attending events on behalf of the brand you manage. The tech space must be a natural habitat for you as a social media marketer and this includes how easily you can navigate the cyber space.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Organisation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Your ability to organise your content and arrange them according to their peculiarities and audience need is one of the things that will set you apart as a really good social media marketer. The social media space calls for a great level of consistency and discipline. There are many different platforms, and new ones are being developed all the time. How you communicate on each, determining audience, and measuring tactics all take the organisation<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Problem Solving Skills:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You will excel as a social media manager when you understand the best way to respond to sensitive issues when they arise. In some cases, you might need to deal with clients who have unresolved issues with the business you manage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Keen on Growing numbers:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> All social media marketers who know their onions are gurus when it comes to growing their numbers. You don&#8217;t want to be the odd one out here. You should ensure you check all numbers; from the number of followers that you have on Twitter to the number of subscribers on Youtube to the average number of likes you are able to generate on each post you share on Instagram.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_You_Acquire_Work_Experience\"><\/span><b>How Do You Acquire Work Experience?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social media marketers are more respected when they have a long list of clients and businesses that they have handled. If you are looking to become a social media marketer, how then do you gather enough work experience to make you an authority in the field? There are several things you can do and some of them include:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Volunteering:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You can volunteer your services as a freelance social media marketer to build your portfolio. You won&#8217;t make money doing this for obvious reasons but consider it a price to pay for the rewards you will reap in the future. More companies in Nigeria are creating opportunities for volunteers and this is one thing you want to take advantage of. If you perform well as a volunteer, it gives you an opportunity to get a strong recommendation as well as work experience. You might even be fortunate enough to be converted into an employee if the employer is impressed by your performance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Internships:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> They offer you an opportunity to get a foot into the door of the organisation. Remember that it is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Rather, it helps you get the work experience you need to eventually become a social media marketer. Online platforms like <\/span><a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/stutern.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stutern<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have made it easier for graduates to access internship opportunities that are relevant to their careers. Internships will also help you sharpen your skills.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Networking:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The key to networking is striking the right networks and relationships that can positively impact your career. Some organisations commit sufficient resources to networking events and workshops. This is where you can strike professional connections that would prove highly valuable as your career progresses.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span><b>Final Thoughts<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a social media marketer, you should note that there are 2 types of social media marketers; those who handle all social media marketing services and those who specialise in specific networks and services. Regardless of the type which one you intend to specialise in, you need to pay attention to updating your skills and tools in order to keep up with technological advancement and industry trends.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you interested in taking up a full-time job as a<\/span><a class=\"article-body-links\"href=\"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/jobs\/marketing-communications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> social media marketer <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">or would you rather be a freelance social media marketer? Let us know in the comment section below.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The fact that there are over 2.307 billion social media users around the world has prompted brands and businesses to take social media marketing more seriously than they did in the past. The rippling effect of this is that the number of social media marketing jobs have also increased. Did you know that there are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":114,"featured_media":10303,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[213],"tags":[],"content_author":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-10294","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-job-search-advice"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10294","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/114"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10294"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10294\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10303"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10294"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10294"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10294"},{"taxonomy":"content_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightermonday.co.ke\/discover\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content_author?post=10294"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}