In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, there is still a confusion around the role of Social Media Professionals, particularly a Social Media Manager versus Social Media Strategist. In this blog post, we will delve into the roles and responsibilities of social media managers and social media strategists, shedding light on the key differences between these two essential roles.
What Does a Social Media Professional Actually Do?
Meet the Social Media Manager: Alright, let's talk about Social Media Managers – the superheroes behind a brand's killer social media game. These folks are the ones making the magic happen on a day-to-day basis across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and even TikTok (the cool kids' corner).
They're the creators, the curators, and the engagement wizards, all rolled into one. Their mission? Crafting eye-catching content that screams your brand's personality, scheduling posts like clockwork for max engagement, and turning followers into loyal fans through meaningful interactions.
What about the Social Media Strategists?
The strategists are the big-picture thinkers who cook up long-term plans that align with your brand's ultimate marketing dreams.
A social media strategist plays a more strategic and big-picture role in a company's or brand’s social media efforts. While social media managers focus on execution, strategists work behind the scenes to develop comprehensive plans and long-term strategies that align with the brand’s overall marketing goals.
Comparison: Social Media Manager vs. Social Media Strategist
Social media managers focus on day-to-day execution, content creation, and engagement with the audience.
Social media strategists are responsible for developing high-level strategies, setting goals, and guiding the overall social media approach.
Skillset:
- Social media managers require strong organisational skills, content creation abilities, and proficiency in social media tools and platforms.
- Social media strategists need strategic thinking, data analysis skills, and the ability to understand the broader marketing landscape.
Time Horizon:
- Social media managers typically work on short-term objectives and operate on a more immediate timeline.
- Social media strategists work with long-term objectives and develop plans that can span several months or even years.
Collaborative Nature:
- Social media managers often collaborate closely with creative teams, designers, and community managers to execute the content strategy.
- Social media strategists work with directors, and other stakeholders to align social media efforts with overall business goals.
Can you work as a Social Media Manager and Social Media Strategist?
Absolutely, you can totally be a social media manager and strategist rolled into one! In fact, many professionals in the field wear both hats. Being a combination of a manager and a strategist can make you a powerhouse in the realm of social media, plus charge the big bucks!
So, if you've got a knack for both the nitty-gritty details and the grand vision, being a hybrid Social Media Manager and Strategist could be an awesome way to make your mark as a Social Media Professional.
