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So you want to become a social media manager with no experience? Well, you’re in luck! Social media management is a highly sought-after and competitive position in the world of freelancing and entrepreneurship. With the rise of social media, every business, big or small, needs to have a strong online presence to succeed, and that’s where social media managers come in. They are responsible for creating and implementing social media strategies, managing social media accounts, and engaging with followers.
How to become a social media manager with no experience you ask? It might seem daunting, but it’s not impossible.
According to Indeed.com, “Social media managers are individuals who manage the social media presence of a business or person.” This means you need to have excellent communication skills, be creative, and have knowledge of various social media platforms.
Now that you know what a social media manager does, it’s time to gain experience. You can start by creating your own social media accounts and building a following. This will give you hands-on experience and a portfolio to showcase your skills. Additionally, you can take online courses or attend workshops to learn more about social media marketing and management. With persistence and hard work, you can become a successful social media manager even with no prior experience!
How To Become a Social Media Manager With No Experience?
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can become a social media manager in 2023:
- Build your own social media accounts: The best way to learn how social media works is to use it yourself. Create your own accounts on various platforms and learn how to use them effectively. This will give you a solid foundation to build on.
- Learn about the different social media platforms: Each social media platform has its own unique features and audience. Research the latest trends and best practices for each platform to help you understand how to create content that resonates with your target audience.
- Gain some technical skills: To be a successful social media manager, you’ll need to know how to use social media management tools, how to analyze data, and how to optimize content for search engines. Online courses and certificate programs can help you gain these skills quickly.
- Build an online portfolio: Potential employers will want to see examples of your work. Create an online portfolio that showcases your skills and demonstrates your ability to create successful social media campaigns.
- Network and gain professional experience: Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with other professionals in the field. Consider taking on freelance social media management jobs to gain professional experience and build your resume.
- Hone your communication skills: As a social media manager, you’ll be responsible for communicating with customers, team members, and potential clients. Strong communication skills are essential for success in this field.
- Learn about marketing and public relations: Understanding marketing and public relations principles is crucial for creating successful social media campaigns that align with a brand’s story and target audience.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest trends: Social media is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices. Follow industry leaders and subscribe to relevant blogs to stay informed.
- Develop project management skills: As a social media manager, you’ll be responsible for managing multiple projects simultaneously. Developing strong project management skills will help you stay organized and meet deadlines.
- Apply for social media manager positions: Once you’ve gained some experience and built a strong online portfolio, start applying for social media manager positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for social media managers in the United States is $62,810 per year, making it a high demand and growing field.
Becoming a social media manager with no experience may seem challenging, but with dedication and hard work, you can build a successful career in this exciting field.
How Much Does A Social Media Manager Get Paid?
If you’re interested in becoming a social media manager, you may be wondering how much you can expect to earn. The answer to this question can vary depending on a number of factors, such as your level of experience, the industry you work in, and the location of your employer.
As a beginner social media manager with no experience, you can expect to earn an average salary of around $40,000 per year. However, as you gain more experience and build your skills, your earning potential will increase. According to Forbes, experienced social media managers can earn anywhere from $50,000 to $80,000 per year, while professional social media managers can earn upwards of $100,000 per year.
It’s important to note that these figures are just averages and that your actual salary may be higher or lower depending on a number of factors. For example, social media managers who work in industries like finance or healthcare may earn more than those who work in retail or hospitality. Additionally, social media managers who work in large cities like New York or Los Angeles may earn more than those who work in smaller cities or rural areas.
If you’re interested in working as a freelance social media manager, your earning potential can also vary depending on your level of experience and the types of clients you work with. According to Money From Side Hustle, freelance social media managers can earn anywhere from $15 to $150 per hour, depending on their experience and the scope of the project.
To give you a better idea of how much you can expect to earn as a freelance social media manager, here’s a table that breaks down average hourly rates for beginner, experienced, and professional freelancers:
| Level of Experience | Hourly Rate |
| Beginner | $15-$30 |
| Experienced | $30-$75 |
| Professional | $75-$150 |
As you can see, there’s a wide range of earning potential for social media managers, whether you work in-house or as a freelancer. With hard work and dedication, you can build a successful career in this exciting field and earn a comfortable living while doing so.
Skills Required In A Social Media Manager
Becoming a social media manager with no experience may seem daunting, but it is possible with the right skills and mindset. The field of social media management requires a mix of technical skills and soft skills to be successful. In this section, we will discuss the skills required to become a social media manager.
Technical Skills
As a social media manager, you will need to have a good understanding of the technical aspects of social media platforms. This includes the ability to use social media management tools, create and manage social media campaigns, and analyze social media metrics. Some of the technical skills required for social media management are:
- Graphic Design: You don’t need to be a professional graphic designer, but you should have some basic design skills. This includes the ability to create simple graphics, edit images, and create visually appealing social media posts.
- Analytics: You should be able to analyze social media metrics to determine the success of your campaigns. This includes understanding how to use social media analytics tools, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- SEO: Search engine optimization (SEO) is important for social media management. You should have a good understanding of how to optimize social media content for search engines and use keywords effectively.
- Content Creation: You should be able to create engaging and relevant content for social media platforms. This includes writing captions, creating videos, and curating content from other sources.
- Be Platform-Savvy: Know your way around popular social media tools such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Be comfortable with video editing and creating reels and stories for your clients.
Soft Skills
In addition to technical skills, you will need to have a range of soft skills to be successful in social media management. These skills are essential for building relationships with your audience, managing your time effectively, meeting yourdeadlines and collaborating with others. Some of the key skills required for social media management are:
- Communication Skills: You should be able to communicate effectively with your audience, colleagues, and stakeholders. This includes the ability to write clearly and concisely, respond to customer inquiries, and share ideas with others.
- Time Management: Social media management can be time-consuming, so you should be able to manage your time effectively. This includes prioritizing tasks, setting deadlines, and staying organized.
- Creativity: Social media is a constantly changing landscape, so you should be able to think creatively and come up with new ideas for content and campaigns.
- Adaptability: Social media platforms are always changing, so you should be able to adapt to new features and trends quickly.
Courses To Help You Become A Social Media Manager Quickly
If you’re looking to become a social media manager with no experience, taking a social media marketing course and some certification programs can be a great way to learn the skills you need. Here are some options to consider:
Online Courses and Certification Programs
Online courses are a flexible and convenient way to learn the basics of social media management. Many of them are self-paced, so you can fit them around your schedule.
Some popular online courses for social media management include:
- Hootsuite Social Media Marketing Certification: This course covers all the basics of social media marketing, from creating a strategy to measuring results. It includes 60 video lessons and a final exam to earn your certification.
- Buffer Social Media Strategy Course: This course covers the fundamentals of social media strategy, including creating a content plan, engaging with your audience, and measuring success. It includes 25 video lessons and a final quiz.
- Udemy Social Media Marketing Mastery: This course covers everything you need to know to become a social media marketing expert, including how to create a social media strategy, how to use different social media platforms, and how to measure your results. It includes 23 hours of video content and a certificate of completion.
- Digital Marketing Institute Social Media Marketing Certification: This program covers all aspects of social media marketing, from creating a strategy to measuring results. It includes 30 hours of online content and a final exam to earn your certification.
- HubSpot Social Media Certification: This program covers the basics of social media marketing, including creating a strategy, creating content, and measuring results. It includes 6 video lessons and a final exam to earn your certification.
Taking online courses or certification programs can be a great way to gain the skills and knowledge you need to become a social media manager quickly. Whether you choose an online course or a certification program, make sure to choose a reputable provider and invest the time and effort needed to get the most out of the program.
Growing Your Experience As A Social Media Manager From Scratch
Starting from scratch? Don’t worry! There are several ways to grow your experience and develop your skills.
Managing Own Accounts
One of the best ways to grow your experience as a social media manager is to manage your own social media accounts. This will not only give you hands-on experience but also allow you to experiment with different strategies and tactics.
Start by creating accounts on different social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Then, create content that is relevant to your niche and target audience. Use hashtags, engage with your followers, and track your metrics to see what works and what doesn’t.
You can also use your own accounts to showcase your skills to potential employers or clients. Make sure to highlight your achievements and provide examples of successful campaigns you’ve run.
Freelancing
Another way to gain experience as a social media manager is to offer your services as a freelancer. This will allow you to work with different clients and industries, and develop a diverse portfolio.
Start by creating a website or portfolio that showcases your skills and experience. You can also use freelancing platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer to find clients and projects.
When freelancing, make sure to communicate clearly with your clients, set realistic expectations, and deliver high-quality work. This will help you build a strong reputation and attract more clients in the future.
Work Experience
While managing your own accounts and freelancing are great ways to gain experience, work experience is also valuable. Look for entry-level positions such as social media assistant or coordinator, and apply even if you don’t meet all the requirements.
When applying for jobs, make sure to highlight any relevant skills or experiences you have, such as managing your own accounts or freelancing. You can also take online courses or certifications to enhance your skills and make yourself a more competitive candidate.
Remember, becoming a social media manager takes time and effort, but with persistence and dedication, you can grow your experience and achieve your goals.
Building an Online Presence
To become a successful social media manager, building an online presence is crucial. Your online presence will help you showcase your skills and expertise in the field. Here are a few tips to help you build a strong online presence:
Create a Personal Brand
Creating a personal brand is the first step towards building an online presence. Your personal brand should reflect your personality, skills, and values. You can start by creating a logo, choosing a color palette, and creating a tagline that represents you and your work.
Increase Brand Awareness
Once you have created your personal brand, the next step is to increase brand awareness. You can do this by promoting your brand on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also use paid advertising to reach a wider audience.
Write Blog Posts
Writing blog posts is a great way to showcase your knowledge and expertise in social media marketing. You can write blog posts on topics related to social media marketing, such as how to increase engagement on social media, how to create a successful social media campaign, and more. You can also use your blog to share your thoughts and opinions on industry news and trends.
Build an Online Portfolio
An online portfolio is a collection of your work samples that showcase your skills and expertise. You can create an online portfolio using platforms like Behance, Dribbble, or Wix. Your portfolio should include examples of your work, such as social media campaigns you have created, social media accounts you have managed, and any other relevant work samples.
By following these tips, you can build a strong online presence that will help you become a successful social media manager.
Networking and Community Engagement
Networking and community engagement are essential for launching your social media career. By connecting with others in your industry, you can learn from their experience, get advice, and find job opportunities. Here are some tips to help you network and engage with your community:
1. Join Online Communities
Joining online communities is a great way to connect with other social media managers and learn from their experiences. You can find these communities on social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Joining these groups will allow you to ask questions, share your work, and get feedback from others in your field.
2. Engage with Local Businesses
Engaging with local businesses is a great way to build your network and gain experience. You can offer to manage their social media accounts for free or at a reduced rate in exchange for a testimonial or a referral. This will help you build your portfolio and establish yourself as a social media manager.
3. Attend Local Events
Attending local events is a great way to meet other professionals in your industry. You can attend networking events, conferences, and workshops to learn from industry leaders and connect with other social media managers. These events are also a great opportunity to showcase your skills and build your network.
4. Collaborate with Small Businesses
Collaborating with small businesses is a great way to gain experience and build your portfolio. You can offer to create social media content for them, run a social media campaign, or manage their social media accounts. This will help you gain experience and establish yourself as a social media manager. Plus, it’s a great way to build relationships with local businesses and establish yourself in your community.
Make friends online. Meet other virtual social media managers, virtual assistants, and other freelancers. Grow your network. Start recommending jobs to each other, and watch the magic happen.
Applying for Social Media Jobs
If you’re looking to become a social media manager with no experience, you’ll want to start by applying for entry-level social media jobs. Here are a few common job titles to look out for:
Social Media Assistant
Social media assistant positions are typically entry-level and involve assisting the social media team with tasks such as scheduling posts, monitoring social media channels, and creating reports. This is a great position to start with if you have no prior social media experience. To apply for a social media assistant position, you should have strong organizational skills, excellent written communication skills, and a basic understanding of social media platforms.
Social Media Specialist
Social media specialist positions are a step up from social media assistant positions and involve more responsibility. As a social media specialist, you’ll be responsible for creating content, managing social media campaigns, and analyzing social media metrics. To apply for a social media specialist position, you should have experience creating social media content and a good understanding of social media analytics.
Social Media Coordinator
Social media coordinator positions are a step up from social media specialist positions and involve even more responsibility. As a social media coordinator, you’ll be responsible for managing the social media team, creating social media strategies, and overseeing social media campaigns. To apply for a social media coordinator position, you should have several years of experience in social media management and a proven track record of successful social media campaigns.
When applying for social media jobs, be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific position you’re applying for. Highlight any relevant experience you have and be sure to emphasize your social media skills. Some potential employers to consider include marketing agencies, social media management firms, and in-house marketing teams. Good luck!
Making Social Media Management A Long Term Career
Congratulations on deciding to pursue a career in social media management! With the high demand for professional social media managers, it’s a wise choice to make.
One of the best ways to turn social media management into a long-term career is by developing a clear career path. This means setting goals for yourself, identifying the skills you need to develop, and working towards them. For example, you might start as a social media coordinator and work your way up to becoming a social media manager. From there, you could aim to become a social media director or even start your own social media agency.
To be a successful social media manager in the long term, you need to be adaptable and always willing to learn. The social media landscape is constantly changing, so it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices. Attend conferences, read industry blogs, and connect with other social media professionals to stay informed.
Another key to making social media management a long-term career is to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues. Be responsive, communicative, and always strive to deliver high-quality work. When you build a reputation as a reliable and skilled social media manager, clients will be more likely to return to you for future projects and recommend you to others.
Conclusion
Freelancing can be extremely rewarding in both the financial and time freedom sense. Nothing comes easy, however, and freelancing offers one of the toughest starting points. It is not impossible when you are determined and focused on your goals. It’s important to stay motivated and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Start by building your social media presence and creating a portfolio of your work. This will help you showcase your skills and get noticed by potential clients or employers.
- Consider taking online courses or obtaining a degree in fields such as communication, business, journalism, or marketing to gain valuable knowledge and skills.
- Network with other professionals in the industry and attend events or conferences to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.
- Highlight your transferable skills and show how they apply to social media marketing. This can include skills such as writing, graphic design, or project management.
- Be open to learning and adapting as the industry evolves. Social media is constantly changing, and it’s important to stay informed and flexible.
Becoming a social media manager can be an exciting and rewarding career path. With hard work and dedication, you can turn your passion for social media into a successful and fulfilling career. So go out there and start building your skills, creating your portfolio, and getting noticed!
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills are essential for a successful social media manager?
To be a successful social media manager, you need a combination of creativity, communication skills, and technical know-how. You should be able to create engaging content, communicate effectively with your audience, and have a good understanding of social media platforms and analytics. Additionally, you should be able to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and changes in social media.
Are there entry-level social media manager jobs available?
Yes, there are entry-level social media manager jobs available. Many companies are open to hiring candidates with no prior experience, as long as they have a good understanding of social media and are willing to learn.
How can I become a social media marketer without any prior experience?
To become a social media marketer without any prior experience, you can start by building your own social media presence and creating content. You can also take online courses or attend workshops to learn more about social media marketing. Networking with other professionals in the industry can also help you find opportunities and gain experience.
What is the job description for a social media manager?
The job description for a social media manager typically involves creating and implementing social media strategies, creating and publishing content, monitoring and analyzing social media metrics, and engaging with the audience. Additionally, social media managers may be responsible for managing social media advertising campaigns and collaborating with other departments within the company.
Is it possible to find remote social media manager jobs without prior experience?
Yes, it is possible to find remote social media manager jobs without prior experience. Many companies are open to hiring remote workers, and some may even offer training and support for new hires.
What is the average salary for a social media manager?
The average salary for a social media manager varies depending on experience, location, and industry. According to Indeed, the average salary for a social media manager in the United States is around $50,000 per year.
Is a college degree or marketing degree required to become a social media manager?
No, a degree is not always required to become a social media manager. However, having a degree in marketing, communications, or a related field may be beneficial and can help you stand out from other candidates. Additionally, having relevant certifications or completing relevant courses can also be helpful.
