It’s not a temporary gig for interns or relatives. Social Media Management is an essential marketing tactic

Social media management - sounds like child's play, right? That's what the media might lead you to believe. However, beneath the surface lies a dynamic world demanding skill, strategy and at least a sprinkle of wit. Today, we're shedding some light on social media management, answering the burning question: Does your business need a social media manager?

Understanding Social Media Management: Fact vs. Fiction

Let's clear the air, here. Contrary to popular belief, a social media manager isn't just the intern crafting witty tweets (X’s?). No, believe it or not, it's a senior-level role, steering the ship of your brand's entire online presence. An estimated 93% of consumers used online searches to find a local business. That means your social media content is the face of your company. Think about that for a second. We’re talking about more than just posting cat memes; we’re talking about building a high-quality, multi-leveled social media presence that resonates with your target audience.

Customers who engage with a business on social media spend up to 40% more with them in the long term.

Effective Social Media Management is Essential in Today’s Business Landscape

Roles and Responsibilities: The Do's and Don'ts

So, what's in the job description? Creating content, managing calendars, engaging with the community – it's a lot. But beware, a role that juggles too much might set your ship adrift. Instead, focus on effective content marketing. Craft a narrative that speaks to your brand's values, and don't just throw content out there. A well-planned strategy ensures your ship sails smoothly.

Skills Required: Beyond the Basics

The media might portray it as a walk in the park, but ask a social media manager, and you'll learn it's more like a strategic chess game (and only about 9% of people know how to play chess!). Soft skills like communication and creativity are key. Hard skills? Think community management, analytics and a bit of graphic design. It's not just about catchy captions; it's about understanding the analytics chessboard.

Instagram Hashtags and Targeted Ads: The Power Duo

Now, let's get into strategy. Instagram hashtags are not just a way to look trendy; they're a precise tool for reaching your brand's target audience. And don't even get us started on targeted ads. They're not just ads; they're even more particular, narrowing the reach down to ensure you hit the bullseye with your marketing efforts.

Avoiding Mistakes in Your Digital Strategy

While we're at it, let's steer clear of common mistakes in your digital marketing strategy. These will simply lead to subpar results and wasted resources. Viral videos are cool, but not exactly easy to generate. And what about consistency? Like a good cup of coffee, social media success is about steady sips, not just a raging caffeine high.

Effective social media management hinges on precision and foresight. A social media manager ought to establish SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound –to chart their course and gauge success. They must also delve into audience research to align campaigns with the needs of the target demographic. 

77% of businesses use social media to reach customers, and social media ads take up 30% of small business' ad budgets.

Networking and Reputation Building

Building a strong network isn't just a buzzword; it's a load-bearing pillar to social media success. Connecting with potential employers, fellow social media managers, and watching your knowledge base grow. It's not just about what you know; it's who you know in the dynamic world of social media.

The Social Media Journey

Embracing the role of a social media manager goes beyond a simple career decision; it's a strategic move. Approach the digital landscape with intention, equipped with impactful content marketing, targeted ads and a robust professional network. So, is a social media manager essential for your business? Or can we just have Jan’s son-in-law do it? 

The answer: Don’t have Jan’s son-in-law do it.