Beginner's Guide to Becoming a Social Media Manager

Introduction

• Many people aspire to be social media managers without knowing where to start.
• This guide covers skills, tasks, and job search tips to help you succeed.

Tasks of a Social Media Manager

• Building Content Calendars: Planning content ahead of time.
• Scheduling and Publishing Content: Using tools for efficiency (e.g., Flick's scheduling tool).
• Writing Copy: Creating engaging posts and newsletters.
• Influencer Marketing Campaigns: Collaborating with influencers to promote the brand.
• Community Management: Responding to comments/messages and monitoring brand reputation.
• Analytics Reporting: Creating reports based on social media performance metrics.
• Content Creation: Taking photos, making graphics, and sourcing user-generated content (UGC).
• Platform Oversight: Managing all social media accounts for the brand.

Required Skills

Platform-Specific Skills

• Online Courses: Take free courses from platforms like Google and Facebook.
• Certifications: Enhance your resume with relevant certifications.
• Flick Academy: Offers courses to develop skills in content creation and copywriting.
• Alternative Education: University marketing degrees may not be the best route due to cost and irrelevant content.

General Skills

1. Creativity: Ability to adapt and create engaging content.
2. Copywriting: Strong written communication skills; consider the free 30-day caption course from Flick.
3. Design Skills: Understanding of design principles; tools like Canva can help.
4. Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret metrics and trends; not overly complex but essential for reporting.
5. Platform Pulse: Understanding the nuances of different social media platforms for tailored content creation.

Finding Jobs

• Internships: Start with internships for entry-level experience, but ensure there's support for learning.
• Cold Outreach: Offer to intern for brands you admire, even if it's unpaid.
• Open Job Applications: Use job boards and LinkedIn to find open positions.

Crafting a Strong Resume

Do's

• Include Metrics: Showcase your skills with quantifiable achievements (e.g., growth, engagement).
• Customize Your Resume: Tailor it to include keywords from the job description.
• Add Certifications: Highlight any relevant certifications to showcase your knowledge.
• Show Experience: Share hands-on experience, including internships or volunteer work.

Don'ts

• Avoid Overdoing Visuals: Keep it professional and easy to read.
• Check Spelling and Grammar: Attention to detail is crucial; mistakes can cost you the job.

Conclusion

• Utilize resources from Flick for tools and courses.
• Stay creative and keep learning to succeed as a social media manager.