Becoming a social media manager without experience is entirely possible, and I’m here to guide you through it.
Over six years ago, I transitioned from a commercial photographer to a social media manager, learning everything from scratch. Here’s my journey and the steps you can take to follow your own path.
My Journey
I started as a commercial photographer, having studied photographic technology. During school, I launched a commercial photography business, helping local businesses with their product photography. I loved being creative and helping these businesses showcase their products in unique ways.
I created and managed social media accounts for my photography business to attract more clients. As my social media presence grew, my clients noticed and began asking if I could manage their accounts too. Despite having minimal formal training, I dove in and started learning on the job.
I began by helping clients optimize their profiles and maintain consistent posts. Working with local businesses helped me understand the local market and develop effective social media strategies.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need a formal education in social media management. Start with a solid understanding of the basics. Experiment with your own profiles, learn from your successes and mistakes, and get familiar with tools like Cloud Campaign, Sprout Social, Metricool, Hootsuite, Buffer, and Google Analytics.
Begin with Basics
If you’re considering a role as a social media manager, start simply. Use your own social media profiles as your playground. Experiment with content, get familiar with different features, and understand how various platforms work. This stage is essential for learning what engages audiences and what doesn’t.
Learn Continuously
In the beginning, I learned everything on the fly, with just one basic course under my belt. Engage deeply with resources like Sprout Social, Hootsuite, or Google Analytics. These tools are invaluable for scheduling posts, tracking engagement, and analyzing growth—soon, they’ll become indispensable to your workflow.
Expand Your Reach
Once you’re comfortable, begin to offer your services more broadly. Start with friends or local businesses. Even small projects can open doors to larger opportunities; building your experience and portfolio is crucial when you’re starting from scratch.
Strategic Planning is Key
A social media manager’s job involves more than random posts; it requires thoughtful strategy and analytics to meet specific objectives. Set clear goals, whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving traffic, or boosting sales, and align your actions accordingly. Utilize insights from social media to monitor your success and adjust your strategies based on concrete data.
Building and Managing Relationships
Social media, by nature, requires interaction. Engage with your audience by responding to comments, participating in discussions, and managing inquiries. Focusing on relationships rather than merely boosting follower numbers will significantly enhance your chances of success.
The Social Aspect and Self-Care
Managing social demands can be tough. I find myself balancing introverted and extroverted tendencies, so taking breaks is crucial. Establish processes early to manage your workload effectively and prevent burnout. Automate routine tasks and focus on personal interactions where they count.
Keep Evolving
The field of social media changes constantly. To stay competitive, continuously update yourself about new platforms, trends, and technologies. Being well-informed and adaptable distinguishes you in a crowded field.
Starting Your Own Social Media Management Business
As your skills and confidence grow, you might consider starting your own business. Define your target clientele, the services you offer, and how you want to structure your operations. If you need guidance, structured programs like our Rising Social Media Manager’s membership can help you every step of the way.
Practical Steps to Establish Your Business
Starting a career in social media management requires careful planning and organization. Here’s a detailed checklist to help you get started:
- Decide on a Business Name: Choose a name that reflects your brand and is easy to remember. Ensure it’s unique and available as a domain name and across social media platforms.
- Get a Domain Name and Website: Secure a domain that matches your business name and set up a simple website to showcase your services. Platforms like WIX, Weebly, or WordPress are user-friendly and effective for beginners.
- Set Your Pricing: Determine your pricing structure based on your costs, the value you provide, and market rates. Consider offering different packages to cater to varying client needs and budgets.
- Create Service Packages: Develop comprehensive service packages that outline what you offer. For instance, you might have a basic package for profile setup and content scheduling, a standard package for regular posts and engagement, and a premium package for full-service management, including paid advertising and detailed analytics.
- Set up a Business Bank Account: Keep your business finances separate from your personal finances. This helps you manage your finances better and is essential for tax purposes.
- Draft a Contract: Ensure you have a contract template that outlines your services, payment terms, cancellation policies, and other important details. This will protect both you and your clients and set clear expectations from the start.
- Develop a Workflow: Use project management tools like ClickUp, Asana, or Trello to manage your tasks and keep track of client projects. Establish a workflow that includes regular check-ins, content reviews, and performance analysis.
- Build Your Brand: Establish a consistent brand image and voice across all your platforms. This includes your logo, colour scheme, and the tone of your content. Consistency helps in building brand recognition and trust.
- Networking and Marketing: Network within your community and online. Attend local business events, join social media groups, and connect with other professionals in your field. Your personal and business social media accounts should showcase your expertise and attract potential clients.
- Stay Updated and Educate Yourself: Continuously educate yourself about new tools, platforms, and trends in social media. Join webinars, take online courses, and read industry blogs to stay ahead of the curve.
One more important point: Handling Burnout
Burnout is a real challenge in social media management. It’s important to recognize the signs early and take proactive steps to address them. Setting boundaries, taking breaks, and seeking support when needed are essential practices to maintain your well-being and sustain long-term success.
Starting a career in social media management without prior experience is challenging but achievable with dedication and strategic effort. Start with a solid understanding, keep learning, and build upon your experiences. Your growth in managing social media can mirror the growth of the platforms themselves. Ready to begin your journey and grow with your business? Let’s get started.
And if you’re serious about diving deeper and accelerating your growth, join our Rising Social Media Managers membership. Get access to comprehensive resources, step-by-step guidance, and a supportive community to help you succeed. Together, we can make your career in social media management a reality.
