What Is a Social Media Marketer? Understand the Skills, Roles, and Responsibilities in 2025
Updated on Dec 21, 2024 | 11 min read | 1.6k views
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Updated on Dec 21, 2024 | 11 min read | 1.6k views
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In 2025, social media marketing has become vital for brands to connect with their audience. Did you know that 82% of people prefer to try a product marketed on social media? But what is a social media marketer really?
You’ve probably noticed brands constantly engaging with you on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok — well, that's the work of a social media marketer. In the future ahead, this field is expected to be more dynamic than ever. But how do they make an impact?
This blog will uncover the core responsibilities of a social media marketer, the essential skills required to thrive, the growing demand for these professionals, and the social media marketer salary in 2025.
Curious about what it takes to excel in this role? Let’s explore!
A social media marketer wears many hats — from creating compelling content to analyzing campaign performance and engaging with followers. They manage a brand's presence, craft strategies to drive engagement, build brand awareness, and, ultimately, boost sales.
So, why is this role exploding in demand? Read ahead!
It’s simple: businesses today live and breathe on social media. With more than 5 billion active social media users globally, companies can no longer afford to ignore the immense potential of these platforms.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of it:
So if you’ve ever wondered what is a social media marketer — now you know!
Want to learn marketing? Start with upGrad’s Fundamentals of Marketing course for the basics!
Also Read: Top 16 Social Media Benefits in the Digital Era
Now, let’s dive deeper into what this job actually entails.
In simple terms, this role is about building a brand’s presence on social platforms and driving leads, sales, and community engagement.
The day-to-day will involve balancing creativity with social media marketing strategy, all while staying on top of analytics. Here's what your role could look like:
Also Read: 15 Social Media Marketing Techniques for 2024
Now, if you’re diving into the social media world, you’ve probably come across two titles: marketer and manager. But what’s the real difference between them?
Proceed ahead!
While both roles often overlap, they each bring their unique skill set and focus to a brand’s digital presence.
As social media becomes a central part of digital marketing strategies, it’s important to distinguish between these two to determine which aligns best with your skills and career aspirations. So let’s break it down:
Aspect | Social Media Marketer | Social Media Manager |
Focus | Focuses on driving traffic, increasing brand awareness, and conversions through paid and organic strategies. | Focuses on maintaining daily social media activities and managing the brand’s social presence. |
Strategy | Develops and implements overall social media strategy. | Implements the strategy and ensures daily execution. |
Content Creation | Often involved in content planning and ideation. | Primarily responsible for creating and scheduling content. |
Analytics & Reporting | Analyzes the performance of campaigns and optimizes for ROI. | Monitors social media activity, engagement, and reporting. |
Skills | Strong strategic skills, analytical, and content marketing. | Strong organizational, creative, and communication skills. |
Tools Used | Ad platforms, Google Analytics, CRM tools. | Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer). |
Campaigns | Designs and optimizes paid campaigns. | Executes paid campaigns and manages customer interactions. |
In short, if you’re aiming for the marketer role, you’ll need to think big and long-term. But if you enjoy managing day-to-day interactions and content, the manager position might be a better fit!
Also Read: Top 10 Free Online Digital Marketing Courses to Boost Your Career in 2025
Up next, let’s dive into the skills you need to thrive in social media marketing!
So, what does it truly take to succeed as a social media marketer? Well, it’s not just about being good at posting memes or choosing the perfect filter.
To thrive in this role, you need a mix of creativity, technical skills, and the ability to analyze data. Here are the top skills required:
With these skills, you can build an engaging social media presence that grows a brand’s following and drives actual business results.
Wish to enhance your communication skills? Try out upGrad’s Business Communication Masterclass!
Now, the most critical question — how do you actually break into this field? Let’s explore it further!
Breaking into social media marketing can seem overwhelming initially, but don’t worry — with the proper steps, guidance, and persistence, you’ll be well on your way to landing a job with an impressive social media marketer salary.
Let’s walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to break into and build a successful career in this fast-growing industry.
Before diving into the job market, developing the right skills is crucial. You’ll need a solid foundation in social media platforms, content creation, analytics, and more.
Want to gain advertising skills? Explore upGrad’s free advertising course to start with!
There are plenty of opportunities to gain hands-on experience. Internships, freelance work, and personal projects can help you build a portfolio.
Also Read: Different Types of Social Media [Which one is right for your business?]
In the world of social media, connections matter. The more you network, the more opportunities you’ll find.
Also Read: How Can Students Leverage LinkedIn For Better Career Opportunities?
In social media marketing, you are your brand. Personal Branding can help you stand out and showcase your skills.
Also Read: Personal Branding Strategy: What is, Importance, Examples & Tips
To get started, consider entry-level social media positions that allow you to build your skills and grow within the field.
Also Read: Top 20 Social Media Project Ideas & Topics For Beginners [2024]
Once you’ve gained the necessary experience, it’s time to land a full-time role.
Also Read: 15 Best Resume Writing Tips To Help You Land a Job
By following these steps, you’ll be on track to a successful career as a social media marketer in no time.
Let’s get into the social media marketer salary and see what this career offers!
With the rise of digital marketing and the increasing importance of social media for business growth, the demand and job opportunities are expected to increase by 6% by 2032. But how much can you actually expect to make?
The social media marketer salary can vary greatly depending on your experience. Here’s an overview to better understand what social media marketer salary you can expect in 2025:
Experience Level | Average Annual Salary |
Entry-Level (1-3 years) | INR 2.4L |
Mid-Level (4-9 years) | INR 4L |
Senior-Level (10+ years) | INR 5.04L |
Source: Glassdoor
Note: Salary can fluctuate based on the company's size, specific industry, and individual expertise.
The social media marketer salary potential is substantial and keeps growing. The key? Master the skills, keep learning, and stay ahead of the trends that drive this fast-paced field!
Also Read: Social Media Marketing Salary in India: Manager / Executive / Analyst Level
The social media landscape is evolving quickly, and staying ahead means constantly upgrading your skills and strategies. With upGrad, you’ll learn the technical skills needed to thrive and gain hands-on experience that prepares you for real-world challenges.
Whether you're trying to understand what a social media marketer does or looking to boost your salary potential in this role, they provide you with tailored programs to excel in the field.
Some of the top courses include:
Marketing Masterclass: Create Your Brand
Don't just wonder about the possibilities; take the leap! Book a career counseling session with upGrad’s experts today and turn your passion into a profession!
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References:
https://inboundblogging.com/social-media-marketing-statistics/
https://datareportal.com/social-media-users
https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2022/04/19/digital-marketing-statistics
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/india-social-media-marketer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,5_IN115_KO6,27.htm
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