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What is a Social Media Manager? Discover What They Do and How to Become One

What is a Social Media Manager? Discover What They Do and How to Become One

Q: 1. Can you become a social media manager without a degree?

Yes, a degree is not mandatory. What matters most are skills like content creation, strategy planning, and analytics. Certifications and experience can help you stand out.

Q: 2. What are the most in-demand platforms for social media managers?

Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube are currently the most in demand, depending on the industry and target audience.

Q: 3. How important are certifications in this field?

Certifications can boost your credibility and show expertise in tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Facebook Ads. They’re helpful but not always required.

Q: 4. What is the career growth trajectory for social media managers?

Social media managers can grow into roles like Social Media Strategist, Digital Marketing Manager, or even Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) with the right skills and experience.

Q: 5. Can social media management be done remotely?

Yes, many social media management tasks like creating content, scheduling posts, and analyzing data can be done remotely.

Q: 6. What are the common challenges in this role?

Challenges include staying updated with platform changes, managing time for multiple accounts, handling negative feedback, and proving ROI to clients or employers.

Q: 7. How can freelancers break into social media management?

Freelancers can start by offering services to small businesses or nonprofits, building a portfolio, and networking to find more clients.

Q: 8. Do social media managers handle paid ad campaigns?

Yes, many social media managers are responsible for running and optimizing paid ad campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google.

Q: 9. What’s the difference between a content manager and a social media manager?

Content managers oversee all content (blogs, videos, website), while social media managers focus specifically on content and campaigns for social platforms.

Q: 10. How do you build a portfolio for this career?

Create a portfolio with examples of content you’ve created, successful campaigns, and data showing results like engagement or follower growth.

By Sriram

Updated on Dec 24, 2024 | 7 min read | 1.4k views

Table of Contents

If you’ve been checking out job listings, you’ve probably seen the role of a social media manager popping up everywhere. It’s because businesses need someone to handle their online presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Social media managers create posts, run campaigns, and make sure a brand stays connected with its audience.

This role is in high demand, and it will only grow as more businesses move online. If you’re wondering what is a social media manager’s task, how much they earn, or how to get started in this career, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down!

New to social media marketing?

Explore this in-depth tutorial to learn the fundamentals of social media advertising and how it fits into a manager's role

What Is a Social Media Manager?

A social media manager is a professional who handles an organization’s social media presence. They are responsible for planning, implementing, managing, and monitoring strategies to connect with the audience, increase brand visibility, and achieve business goals. Their role involves understanding the target audience, selecting the right platforms, and crafting content that resonates with users.

Real-World Example:

For example, a social media manager for a coffee shop launching a new seasonal menu might:

Post aesthetic photos of pumpkin spice lattes on Instagram.
Start a hashtag challenge, like #SipTheSeason, on Instagram.
Engage with followers by replying to comments or reposting customer photos.

Their ultimate goal? To ensure the brand remains visible, relatable, and impactful across platforms.

What Does a Social Media Manager Do?

Social media managers juggle multiple tasks to maintain and grow a brand’s digital presence. Here’s a closer look at their responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop and Implement Strategies

They align social media plans with business goals.

Scenario: A fitness brand aiming to boost app downloads could create a campaign showcasing workout tips on Instagram Stories.

2. Create and Schedule Content

Design and publish engaging posts, including text, images, and videos.

Scenario: An electronics company shares tutorial videos on YouTube while scheduling daily posts for upcoming product launches.

3. Engage with the Audience

Monitor comments, messages, and tags, responding promptly and professionally.

Scenario: A travel agency answers trip-related questions on Facebook while resharing travel photos from happy customers.

4. Analyze Metrics and Improve Performance

Track performance through data insights and adjust strategies accordingly.

Scenario: If Instagram Reels outperform static posts, the manager pivots to create more video content.

5. Stay Updated with Trends

Keep up with platform changes and popular trends to keep content fresh and relevant.

Scenario: Jumping on a viral Instagram challenge to showcase a new product in a fun, relatable way.

What Is a Social Media Manager’s Skill Requirements?

Essential Skills

Creativity
Communication
Analytical Thinking
Time Management
Strategic Thinking
Attention to Detail

Tools Social Media Managers Use

Category	Examples
Scheduling Tools	Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social, Later
Content Tools	Canva, Adobe Photoshop, InShot, Figma, Adobe Premiere Pro
Analytics Platforms	Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, Social Blade, HubSpot
Collaboration Tools	Slack, Trello, Asana, Monday.com
Ad Platforms	Facebook Ads Manager, Google Ads, LinkedIn Campaign Manager
Trend Tracking Tools	BuzzSumo, Trendhunter, Mention, Meltwater

Soft Skills

Adaptability
Crisis Management
Collaboration
Problem-Solving
Emotional Intelligence
Multitasking
Storytelling

Combining Skills and Tools

A skilled social media manager uses these tools and abilities to run successful campaigns. For instance:

They rely on content tools like Canva or Adobe Premiere Pro to create professional visuals and videos.
Scheduling tools like Later ensure posts go live at optimal times.
With analytics platforms such as Google Analytics, they analyze audience behavior and adjust strategies.
Soft skills like problem-solving and emotional intelligence help manage crises, while collaboration tools like Trello keep the team organized and informed.
Building impactful campaigns is key for any social media manager.

Learn how to create successful social media campaigns with strategies that drive engagement and results.

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How Much Does a Social Media Manager Earn?

The salary of a social media manager varies depending on experience, industry, and location. Here’s a breakdown of average salary ranges:

Experience Level	Salary Range (INR)	Industries Offering High Salaries
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	3-6 LPA	E-commerce, Technology, Entertainment
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	6-12 LPA	Healthcare, Travel, Startups
Senior-Level (5+ years)	12-25 LPA or more	Technology, Retail, Media and Advertising

Factors Affecting Salary:

Experience: Professionals with advanced SMM skills and certifications command higher salaries.
Industry: High-growth industries like e-commerce and technology often offer the best pay.
Location: Metropolitan cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi typically pay more due to demand and cost of living.

Industries Hiring Social Media Managers

Social media managers are in demand across diverse industries. Here are some of the top sectors hiring for this role:

E-commerce and Retail: INR 6-15 LPA.
Entertainment and Media: INR 5-12 LPA.
Healthcare and Wellness: INR 4-10 LPA.
Travel and Hospitality: INR 5-10 LPA.
Technology and Startups: INR 6-20 LPA.
Education: INR 4-8 LPA.
Financial Services: INR 5-12 LPA.
Non-Profit Organizations: INR 3-6 LPA.
FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods): INR 6-15 LPA.
Real Estate: INR 5-12 LPA.

How to Become a Social Media Manager

Becoming a social media manager involves a mix of education, hands-on practice, and staying updated with industry trends. Follow these steps to build your career:

1. Earn Relevant Education

Start by obtaining a degree in marketing, communications, business, or any related field.

A bachelor’s degree in marketing teaches you the fundamentals of audience behavior, branding, and campaign strategies.

2. Master Social Media Tools

Familiarize yourself with tools used for scheduling, content creation, and analytics.

Use Hootsuite or Buffer to plan and schedule posts.
Try Canva to create engaging visuals for platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
Use Google Analytics to track how social media efforts drive website traffic.

3. Build an Online Portfolio

Create a portfolio that showcases your ability to manage social media campaigns. If you lack real-world experience, design mock projects.

Run a hypothetical campaign for a local coffee shop, creating Instagram posts, stories, and ad samples.

4. Get Certifications

Certifications validate your expertise and make you stand out to employers.

Explore certifications and tutorials offered by upGrad to master social media marketing strategies and enhance your professional skills.

5. Stay Updated

The social media landscape changes rapidly. Follow blogs, attend webinars, and stay active on professional platforms.

Read blogs on upGrad’s website for insights into the latest social media trends.
Join free webinars on social media trends offered by platforms.
Want to stand out as a social media manager?

Check out top social media marketing techniques that professionals use to stay ahead.

How Online Courses Can Make It Easier to Become a Social Media Manager

Online courses offer an easy, flexible way to gain the skills you need, from mastering content creation to building winning strategies.

With upGrad, you’ll get access to industry-relevant tools, hands-on projects, and mentorship from experts who know what works.

Why Learn with upGrad?

Bite-Sized Tutorials (Social Media Marketing tutorial): Master tools like Canva, Hootsuite, and Facebook Ads with step-by-step lessons.
Globally Recognized Certifications: Earn credentials like:
Professional Certificate in Social Media Marketing
Advanced Certificate in Digital Marketing and Communication from MICA

Join upGrad today and learn everything you need to stand out!

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