What Is a Social Media Marketer? Understand the Skills, Roles, and Responsibilities in 2025

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!

What Is a Social Media Marketer? Why is the Role in Demand?

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!

Why is the Role in Demand?

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:

• Massive Social Media’s Reach: With billions of active users, social platforms are where brands must be to stay visible.
• It’s a Trust Factor: Consumers now turn to social media for reviews, brand stories, and product insights — making marketers essential for authenticity.
• Targeted Advertising: Social platforms allow businesses to target ads with pinpoint precision — putting the right product in front of the right person.
• The Digital Shift: Social media marketers are leading the charge as businesses shift from traditional marketing to digital-first strategies.
• Career Growth: As companies continue to prioritize online visibility and engagement, the demand for skilled social media marketers will only keep growing.

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. 

What are the Roles and Responsibilities of a Social Media Marketer?

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:

• Social Media Strategy and Planning: You plan the big picture — what to post, when, and why. Your strategy is directly aligned with the brand’s goals and audience.
• Content Creation: Your creativity comes into play! You create engaging and share-worthy content by writing copy, designing visuals, or making videos.
• Scheduling & Posting Content: You use tools to schedule your posts for maximum impact — timing matters!
• Tracking Analytics: You keep a close eye on how your content performs — likes, comments, shares, and ultimately, conversions.
• Community Management: Interacting with your audience is key. You respond to comments and messages and build a strong community around the brand.
• Keeping Up with Trends: Social media is constantly changing, so staying on top of the trends and shifts is essential to keep your strategy fresh and relevant.

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!

Key Differences Between Social Media Marketers and Social Media Managers

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:

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!

Key Skills Needed to Become a Social Media Marketer

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:

• Social Media Expertise: You need to know what works and what makes content go viral on each platform.
• Communication Skills: Clear and effective marketing communication is crucial. Whether crafting copy or engaging with followers, your words need to resonate.
• Proving Social ROI: It’s not enough to just post content. You’ll need to measure its impact. Understanding how to prove social media ROI (return on investment) is key to demonstrating success.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with social media tools like Canva, Hootsuite, and Google Analytics will make your life much easier.
• Creativity: From designing eye-catching posts to coming up with fresh ideas, creativity is the core of social media marketing.
• Teamwork: You’ll collaborate with designers, content creators, and customer service teams.
• Leadership: Leadership will be crucial if you’re heading up a social media marketing team. Inspiring your team to meet goals and maintain high standards is a big part of the job.
• Research: Trends move fast in the digital world. Researching and adapting to emerging trends can give you an edge over competitors.

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!

How to Build a Career as a Social Media Marketer?

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.

1. Develop Essential Skills and Earn Certifications

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.

• Learn the ins and outs of different social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.).
• Take online courses or attend workshops to master social media advertising and analytics.
• Earn certifications from industry leaders like Hootsuite and Google Analytics.

Want to gain advertising skills? Explore upGrad’s free advertising course to start with!

2. Gain Practical Marketing Experience

There are plenty of opportunities to gain hands-on experience. Internships, freelance work, and personal projects can help you build a portfolio.

• Start by managing various social media platforms for businesses, nonprofits, or personal projects.
• Volunteer to run social media accounts for a cause or an event.
• Create a blog or social media profile to showcase your abilities and creativity.

Also Read: Different Types of Social Media [Which one is right for your business?]

3. Strengthen Your Professional Network

In the world of social media, connections matter. The more you network, the more opportunities you’ll find.

• Attend industry events like webinars, conferences, and meetups.
• Join LinkedIn groups and online communities related to social media marketing.
• Reach out to professionals in the field for informational interviews or mentorship. 

Also Read: How Can Students Leverage LinkedIn For Better Career Opportunities?

4. Establish Your Personal Brand

In social media marketing, you are your brand. Personal Branding can help you stand out and showcase your skills.

• Post your work, tips, and success stories regularly on LinkedIn and Twitter.
• Use your social media channels to share your industry insights and creativity.
• Create and publish case studies of your social media campaigns or projects to demonstrate your expertise.

Also Read: Personal Branding Strategy: What is, Importance, Examples & Tips

5. Explore Entry-Level Job Opportunities

To get started, consider entry-level social media positions that allow you to build your skills and grow within the field.

• Apply for internships or junior positions at your area's marketing agencies, startups, or companies.
• Look for remote freelance opportunities where you can manage social media accounts.
• Check out job boards (like Glassdoor, Indeed) for entry-level social media marketing positions.

Also Read: Top 20 Social Media Project Ideas & Topics For Beginners [2024]

6. Optimize Your Resume and Apply

Once you’ve gained the necessary experience, it’s time to land a full-time role.

• Showcase your certifications, experience, and any results-driven achievements on your resume.
• Build an online portfolio with links to your best work, whether campaigns you’ve managed or created content.
• Customize your resume to match the job description, focusing on relevant skills and experiences.

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!

How Much is the Social Media Marketer Salary?

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:

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

How Can upGrad Help You Build a Career in Social Media Marketing?

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:

• Advanced Certificate in Digital Marketing and Communication
• Advanced Certificate in Brand Communication Management
• Creating Consumer Value through Effective Marketing

• 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