Jackson Marketing Services is a HootSuite Solution Partner. Stacy Jackson is a Certified Hootsuite Professional
A social media manager wears many hats if he or she wants to be truly effective. There was a time — and this attitude may still persist in some organizations — when companies felt they could give social media marketing to the intern or hire a high school kid and let them go crazy managing the brand profiles. The problem with that approach is that while this age group definitely knows social media, they may not yet know the ins and outs of marketing a brand online.
Before assessing your capabilities as a social media manager — and definitely before you hire someone or outsource to an agency — take time to read through Hootsuite’s “How To Be A Social Media Manager And Excel At It.” I’ve embedded it below for your convenience.
The following areas of responsibility are covered:
- Social media strategy
- Content curation, curation and planning
- Monitoring and engagement
- Audience building and community management
- Measuring and reporting
- Training and support
Hmm . . . that’s a lot more work than you may have suspected, huh? Social media management has matured into an important role for business today. Social media is no longer just a “free” way to get your message out there. It has become a vital tool used for collaboration, customer service, branding, public relations, and community engagement. Take time to sharpen your skills in each of the areas outlined by Hootsuite’s guide. If you are hiring for the position or outsourcing to an agency, ensure you ask about the candidates’ familiarity with each function or area of responsibility.
