How to Be a Social Media Manager

I’ve been working in social media since the beginning, and through Boot Camp Digital I’ve trained tens of thousands (if not more) social media managers and social media marketers. Many people want to know how to be a social media manager. The reality is that as the social media marketing field is still emerging, there continues to be opportunities for marketers to become social media managers and grow their professional opportunities.

Social media continues to grow, so if you are interested in being a social media manager it is a great time. Consider these statistics:

• Social media budgets are expected to double in the next 4 years
• In 2015 it is projected that 95% of businesses will be using social media
• Over half of marketers have generated customers from Facebook
• B-to-B companies that blog generate 67% more leads
• Over 90% of marketers now use content marketing as a part of their social media and online marketing strategy

The statistics speak for themselves — this is a HUGE and GROWING opportunity.
So how do you actually get to be a social media manager?

1) Get Educated and Learn Social Media

Step 1 is to learn about social media. If you don’t have any formal education you may want to consider getting a social media certification or other social media education (credentials can help). If formal training isn’t your style be sure to read about social media subscribe to leading news sites.

2) Get Experience in Social Media

Experience is a must. You can start by managing social media for local businesses, or by helping non-profits with their social media marketing. The key is to get actual experience to learn how it all works.

3) Get Yourself Active on Social Media

Theory only goes so far when it comes to social media – get active and get some real experience as a user. Even if Facebook or Instagram aren’t your thing, try them out so that you know how they work, why people use them and how people use them.

4) Consider Your Career Options

You could become a social media manager for a business and help run their social media marketing, you could join a larger company and be a part of the social media team or you could start your own social media marketing business. Determine the path that is right for you.

5) Land that GIG!

The fact is that there is TONS OF DEMAND FOR SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS right now – if you have some experience, are passionate and can demonstrate some knowledge you should find that there is a lot of opportunity. Network within the social media community, or target businesses that need help.