7 Traits of a Great Social Media Manager
Social media is a crucial element of a brand’s content and marketing plans these days. That’s why being a social media manager has become such a lucrative career. If you’re considering a career change to pursue this path, or maybe you already are one, and you want to ensure you’re successful at your job… Pay close attention to the advice in this post in order to hone your skills!
7 Traits of a Great Social Media Manager
Besides the obvious writing and graphic design skills, there are a few important traits that every social media manager should have in order to succeed. The ones who have these traits down are the ones who are managing your favorite accounts (like @Wendys or @DennysDiner). Here’s what you need to know about them:
1. They’re Creative & Great With Generating Ideas
Considering social media is such a busy place, it can be hard to stand out. If you want to get noticed, you’ve got to have some good ideas. Fresh ideas! A social media manager needs to be creative and someone who can come up with amazing ideas that can be easily implemented. Creativity shines though in written copy, as well as visual content, so someone who is skilled in both is a must.
2. They’ve Got Personality (& Even a Sense of Humor)
It’s safe to say the social media accounts we always remember are the ones with personality. Those are the ones that stand out and get people talking, especially if they have a great sense of humor as well. (Think @Wendys and how they’re always roasting competitors).
Must have scraped up all of BKs leftovers and slapped mcprice tag on it. https://t.co/mVkvqAPvkH
— Wendy’s (@Wendys) August 26, 2020
Obviously, this kind of behavior isn’t appropriate for all brands, but that doesn’t mean your social media posts need to be bland and boring. You can still add a little flavor. Make people smile or get them to laugh and you’re sure to keep them coming back for more. By showing your personality and having some fun, it helps to humanize your brand and people can connect with you even better.
3. They’re Awesome Communicators
What makes social media so special is how it brings people together from all over the world. And if you’re a social media manager, you’re going to be expected to engage with some of those people. You’ll need to build relationships with potential clients and customers, influencers, and so many others. That’s why it’s important to have strong communication skills. With everything you do, you want to make sure you’re representing the brand you work for and creating content in their voice.
4. They Can Easily Spot Potential Leads
As a social media manager, you want to make sure you’re helping the brands you represent generate more income. After all, you want the company you work for to be successful! And you can do this by training yourself to recognize potential leads on the platforms you’re using.
Pay close attention to the conversations that are taking place on social media about your company, as well as the kind of product or service you offer. Use these opportunities to connect with new people and provide value, as opposed to flat out pitching your offering. Build trust first and you’ll be more likely to land the conversion.
5. They’re Ready & Willing to Help
When representing a brand on social media, you’ll probably be hit with some customer service tasks. These days, when someone has a problem, they tend to head to social media first before sending an email or making a phone call.
Dropped calls happen. ? Try moving to a different location and try calling again. Still not working? ? Follow us and send a DM. Help is on the way! ? #Verizon24X7
— Verizon Wireless CS (@VZWSupport) September 18, 2020
You’ll want to be prepared to handle any questions or complaints that come your way. And you need to do so politely and with respect. Remember that people are counting on you to be the face of the brand and provide them with the assistance they need, so don’t let them down. I’ve actually written a post all about using Twitter for customer service. I highly recommend checking that out for some tips!
6. They’re Ready to Dive Deep Into the Data
And of course, you can’t neglect the data! A social media manager needs to be familiar with the built-in analytics that each platform has, as well as any third party tools they may be using. By gathering data, it allows you to see what content works and what doesn’t so you can create more of what the audience is resonating with. When you create more of the content they love, you’ll see your community, engagement, and conversions grow.
7. They Should be Passionate About the Work
Let’s be honest. Managing multiple social media accounts can sometimes feel a little overwhelming in this busy online world. Not only that, but a social media manager will sometimes need to step in at a moment’s notice after hours. And if you don’t love the work, then there’s a good chance you’ll grow tired of it quickly.
— Madalyn Sklar – Digital Marketing since 1996 (@MadalynSklar) September 28, 2020
If you’re planning to venture into a social media career, make sure this is something you truly love and that excites you. Doing your job (and doing it well) will be so much easier this way.