Social Media Marketing Tips For Future Graduates

9 Career Tips For Future Social Media Career Success

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, changing the way we communicate and interact with each other.

It has also transformed the way businesses operate, with social media platforms providing a powerful tool for companies to reach out to their target audiences and build their brands.

As a result, social media marketing has emerged as one of the most sought-after careers in the digital world, offering a wide range of exciting opportunities for professionals to showcase their skills and creativity.

Read on to find out more about how to start a career in this exciting space. 

What is the average starting salary for a social media manager?

The average starting salary for a social media manager in Australia can vary depending on several factors, including the size and industry of the company, the level of experience of the candidate, and the location of the job.

According to job market data from Payscale, the average starting salary for a social media manager in Australia is around AUD $55,000 per year, but it can range from AUD $40,000 to AUD $75,000 per year.

What about for a senior social media director?

According to Payscale, the average salary for a social media director is around AUD $100,000 per year.

Salaries can range from AUD $65,000 to AUD $160,000 per year, depending on the individual circumstances. Additionally, social media directors may also receive bonuses, profit sharing, and other benefits, which can add to their overall compensation package.

It pays to have career progression in mind so that you can hit these higher income brackets.

What are the tasks of a social media marketer?

Here are the tasks of a typical social media marketer:

Developing a social media strategy. This involves defining goals, identifying target audiences, and scheduling a content calendar.

Creating and curating content. Social media marketers create content that will get the attention of their target audience. This includes creating text, images, and videos.

Running social media ads. Social media marketers sometimes run paid advertising campaigns on social media platforms to reach a broader audience.

Engaging with followers. Social media marketers engage with followers by responding to comments, answering questions, and participating in online conversations.

Monitoring and analysing performance. Social media marketers track social media performance by monitoring metrics such as engagement, reach, and conversion rates. They use this data to adjust their strategies for better results.

Collaborating with other departments. Social media marketers work closely with other departments such as sales, customer service, and public relations to align their social media efforts with company business goals.

Staying up-to-date with industry trends. Social media marketers keep up with changes and trends in social media platforms, algorithms, and consumer behaviours to ensure their strategies remain effective.

9 tips on how to become a social media manager

Now is a good time to invest in a social media marketing career because companies are recognising the need to have a robust social media strategy to gain more exposure. Here are my top 6 tips to become a social media manager.

1) Develop a strong social media presence. One of the most effective ways to showcase your social media skills is by building a strong personal brand on social media platforms. Create a professional social media profile and showcase your skills by sharing relevant content and engaging with your followers.

2) Gain experience. Start by gaining relevant experience in social media management, even if it is through internships, freelance work or managing your own personal social media channels.

3) Build a portfolio. Create a portfolio showcasing your work in social media, including examples of campaigns you have managed, strategies you have developed, and results achieved.

4) Stay up-to-date. Keep yourself informed on the latest social media trends, techniques, and best practices, and continuously learn and upskill in this fast-evolving field.

5) Network. Attend social media conferences, events, and networking sessions to connect with other professionals in the industry and learn from their experiences.

6) Seek out mentorship. Find a mentor in the social media industry who can offer guidance, support and help you grow your skills and network.

7) Be flexible. Be willing to work across different social media platforms and industries, as well as take on new challenges and learn new skills.

8) Apply for social media positions. Look for social media positions and apply with your portfolio and resume. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific job and company you are applying for, highlighting relevant skills and experience.

9) Study a social media marketing course. Enrol a social media marketing course or invest in a degree in digital marketing or communications. This will give you a strong foundation in social media marketing principles and strategies.

You can always start with a qualification such as Diploma of Digital Marketing or Advanced Diploma of Marketing and Communication and work your way up to a degree.

Take home message…

Social media platforms have become almost mandatory to the success of businesses, brands, and individuals who are looking to reach a wider audience and build their brand.

As a result, the demand for skilled social media managers is on the rise, making it an exciting and rewarding career path.

Why not begin your journey today?

Marie Bennett

Marie Bennett, Chief Operations Officer (COO) Pacific Training Group.
Marie is an experienced Manager & Global Business Executive with a demonstrated history of working in the education and e-learning industry for over 10 years. Marie is highly skilled in Career Development, Admissions, Academic Advising and Instructional Design. She is a strong consulting professional with a Diploma of Business and is currently working towards her MBA.