Behind the Scenes: What Does a Social Media Manager Really Do?

Have you ever met someone for the first time and realized halfway through the conversation that they've mistaken you for someone else? That's kind of how it feels to be a Social Media Manager sometimes. With the complexity of social media marketing, there's this assumption floating around that social media managers are the jack-of-all-trades, wearing every possible hat. Spoiler alert: we don't (and can't) wear them all.

At their core, Social Media Managers are responsible for curating, creating, and publishing content that resonates with audiences. This means researching trends, planning content calendars, crafting compelling visuals and captions, analyzing engagement data, and even running and monitoring ad campaigns. They're also the ones engaging with comments, managing direct messages, and ensuring your brand maintains a consistent and authentic voice across platforms.

But here’s where it gets a tad nuanced.

While they're nailing the content game on social platforms, they're not typically diving deep into website management. Sure, they'll make sure content is integrated, but the backend tweaks and intricate designs? Those are usually the playgrounds of website managers or developers.

And while they're champions of social strategy, shaping a broader, overarching marketing vision isn't always in their wheelhouse. That expansive view often comes from the wider lens of a marketing strategist. Similarly, public relations is its own specialized realm. Crafting an image on social media is one thing; managing comprehensive media relations, press releases, and crisis management is another.

Furthermore, while they might be a whiz at managing DMs and comments, it's worth noting they're not typically customer service specialists. They engage and entertain but for in-depth customer support or issue resolutions? That might require a different team member.

Lastly, and this is crucial, they're not your go-to for all administrative tasks. Their focus is laser-sharp on the social landscape, so they're probably not the ones to delegate your general admin tasks to.

Here's the takeaway: Social Media Managers are versatile, dynamic, and utterly crucial in the digital age. But like all specialists, they have their area of expertise. And understanding those boundaries? Well, that’s the key to a harmonious and productive working relationship.

So, next time you scroll through a brand's engaging feed, know there's a Social Media Manager working their magic behind the scenes. And remember, while they bring a lot to the table, clarifying roles and expectations from the get-go is always best. A well-outlined contract can be a lifesaver and helps everyone be on the same page.