What Skills Do You Need To Become a Social Media Manager?
Honing the necessary social media manager skills needed for the job can help bump your resumé to the top of an employer’s list.
Here’s eight skills to put into practice now:
#1: Copywriting
From an Instagram caption to campaign assets for a product launch, copywriting is a highly-used skill for social media managers.
Writing captions like:
C’mon brain think of things. C’mon brain be so smart.— (@latermedia) February 18, 2022
Plus, given that the attention span of social media users is so low, being able to write content that elicits engagement is critical.
#2: Curiosity
While this might not be a “hard skill” you list on your resumé, being curious is essential to being a social media manager.
Why? What works one month, might not work the next. So, it takes a level of curiosity and openness to dig into what’s happening and then come up with solutions.
TIP: If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy constant change, social media marketing may not be the right career for you.
#3: An Eye for What Works on Social
It’s hard to quantify, but being able to identify the type of content that works on social media, along with the brands (and creators) who are thriving on different platforms is an important skill.
Paying attention to little details like aspect ratio, editing techniques, or even the use of memes, and then applying what you’ve learned (with your own spin on it), can help set you apart.
#4: Project Management
Social media managers often juggle multiple deadlines and collaborate with several people at a time, whether it’s clients or other team members.
Without project management skills (and knowing what to prioritize), you won’t be able to make as great of an impact on your business goals.
TIP: ’s social team loves this Digital Project Management course from Superhi.
#5: Nimbleness or Ability to Pivot
The one constant about social media? It’s always changing.
Keeping up with industry news, current trends, and even pop culture moments will make your job easier.
Social media managers often have to pivot their content strategies and update their content calendars, so nimbleness is a must.
#6: Graphic Design and/or Editing
While graphic design, video editing, and social media managing are very different, having basic design and editing skills can be helpful for creating quick-turnaround assets — especially if you’re a team of one.
While you don’t need to be a professional, having an eye for design will benefit your career.
#7: Crisis Management
Compared to other marketers, social media managers arguably have a better pulse on their customer’s wants, needs, and complaints.
And crisis management on any social media platform isn’t for the faint of heart.
TIP: Bookmark our resource for handling a crisis on social media: How to Manage a Social Media Crisis: A Step-by-step Guide
#8: Public Speaking
Not every role will require on-camera skills, but being comfortable on camera can give you an edge.
Plus, being able to pitch your ideas or share results in team (or client) meetings will be important for showcasing your value as a social media manager.
Streamline your to-do list with ‘s social media marketing tools. Plan, schedule, and publish your social posts — find your perfect plan today:
