What does a community manager do? That is one of the most common questions I have had to face since I started working as a freelancer. During the past few years, I have been dealing with clients who don’t know «exactly» what I do, but they know for sure that they «need» me and my services for their business. Funny, right?
That’s the point: the majority didn’t and still don’t know how to manage their own business, more specifically, their social media. That is when my profession and knowledge play an active and strategic role in the equation.
However, not everything is so bad as it sounds. So let’s talk about how to become a community manager.
Just for you to know, this is how my story begins. I got my degree in social communication at Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. When I was halfway through my studies, I realized I wasn’t meant to work on the mass media.
Therefore, I decided to start to gain experience in managing social media. Fortunately, there was an opportunity on AIESEC, an international NGO, where I was able to learn a lot about social media marketing, leadership and strategy.
After volunteering, I subscribed to different blogs (Hubspot and Rock Content for example) in order to improve my knowledge and consequently get the job of my dreams. But that job didn’t come until 2017 when I was hired to work on a communication studio called Rule Branding. There, I learnt a lot not only about social media management but also WordPress, communications plans, and dealing with our clients.
At the same time, I was building my own client’s portfolio to have extra money and extra experience. And there is when all began, so I’ll give you some piece of advice to build your own path as a CM a whole way better.
ASK WHAT YOUR CLIENTS NEEDS
When it comes to clients, you will face challenging and forgettable ones, don’t worry about that. Instead, be always on the way to find better clients. Even so, before you start to work with someone, make sure to know what their goals are and what’s their social media budget is
ALL BY EMAIL
Everything you agree with your clients (responsibilities, tasks, response times, content planning, deadlines, etc.) should be specified in an email. Preventing is better than regretting.
KNOW YOUR VALUE, OR VALUE YOUR TIME
If they’re not paying you for a 24/7 job, so better off setting your times of work. And there is a very important thing, if they’re asking you for a discount: red flag my friend!
YOU HAVE TO LEARN ABOUT ADS, DESIGN AND STRATEGY
Do not stay with what you have learned during community manager courses. Learn about your clients´ needs and incorporate the knowledge that you can capitalize on in future jobs. The more skills you have, the better job opportunities.
FIND A DESIGNER TO WORK WITH
As a communication professional, you will probably have to learn to use design programs at first. But the ideal scenario would be to find a designer that complements you and allows you to focus on your role.
RESPECT YOUR FREETIME, YOUR HEALTH MATTERS
As simple as that. Find some time to work out, go out with your friends (meeting protocols of course,) and eat more vegetables and fruits. You´ll spend most of your time in front of your laptop, so take care of your body posture too.
I hope my journey to become a community manager helps you to make wiser decisions and enjoy your ride.
See you on my next post!