The post was published on March 12, 2022 and updated on May 5,2024
Information in this blog post was obtained from the HubSpot Blog, the Hootsuite Blog, and SproutSocial.com.
Are you someone who lives and breathes social media? Do you find yourself endlessly scrolling through Instagram, captivated by each perfectly curated feed? Or perhaps you're the TikTok trendsetter among your friends, always ahead of the curve with the latest viral video? If you've ever imagined turning your passion for social media into a paycheck, then you're in the right place.
In today's digital age, the rise of social media has not only transformed the way we connect and communicate but has also opened up a world of opportunity for those with a keen eye and creative flair. Gone are the days when social media was just a platform for sharing memes and selfies. Now, it's a thriving marketplace where individuals can leverage their online presence to build lucrative careers as social media influencers, content creators, and managers. So, if you've ever dreamed of turning your likes into paychecks, join me as we explore the exciting world of social media-paid careers
What's a Social Media Manager?
According to HubSpot.com, a social media manager "is responsible for growing audiences on social platforms." They maintain a posting schedule, create platform-specific content, have a good eye for trends, and understand social media metrics.
If you have a knack for social media as an individual user, the rest of these skills are learnable for an organization with the right amount of discipline and guidance.
Does a Career in Social Media Management Pay Well?
Social media managers often earn competitive salaries, especially as companies increasingly recognize the importance of a strong online presence. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers was $141,490 in May 2020, with the top 10% earning more than $208,000.
However, salaries can differ significantly based on factors such as the level of experience and expertise. Entry-level social media positions may start at a lower salary, but as professionals gain experience and demonstrate their value in driving engagement, brand awareness, and revenue generation, they can command higher salaries and even additional perks such as bonuses, commissions, and benefits.
Moreover, social media management offers opportunities for career advancement, with experienced professionals often moving into higher-level roles such as social media director, digital marketing manager, or chief marketing officer, where salaries tend to be even more substantial.
Overall, while the salary for social media management positions can vary, the potential for earning a competitive income is certainly there, particularly for skilled and experienced professionals who can demonstrate their ability to drive results and deliver value to organizations through effective social media strategies.
Is Social Media Management Your Calling?
The most important skills needed to be a successful social media manager include creativity, writing, and communication. Organization, basic marketing skills, and flexibility are also important characteristics for social media managers, as well as the ability to read and interpret analytics.
Do you need a degree to get a job as a social media manager? I'm so glad you asked. My colleague Danielle wrote a blog addressing that very question!
Well, do you think you have what it takes to become a social media manager? If you lack any of the skills above, are you willing to learn? Yes? Good! Best of luck. Everyone here at SMMU (and this cat) is cheering for you.
Resources
Erin, R. (2022, September 15). How Much Do Content Creators Make? [Average Salary in 2023]. HubSpot. https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/content-creator-salary
Samuels, R. (2021, March 26). 9 Skills Every Social Media Manager Must Have. SproutSocial. https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-skills/
Wong, L. (2021, August 19). How to Make Money as a Freelance Social Media Manager. HootSuite. https://blog.hootsuite.com/freelance-social-media-manager/
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