Did you know that 50% of people worldwide currently use social media?
The sheer number of global users means that companies across all industries rely on social media as a cornerstone of their marketing strategy. However, social media requires a specific skill set to engage audiences, making social media marketing salaries both highly attractive and competitive.
Here’s everything you need to know about this opportunity and how much you can earn as a social media marketer.
What is Social Media Marketing?
Social media marketing is the practice of creating and promoting content for marketing purposes on social media platforms. For any organization using social media, the benefits include increasing brand recognition and traffic, along with building relationships with their audience.
To command a competitive social media marketing salary, you’ll need the skills to create a social media strategy that supports business goals and optimizes the impact of social media campaigns.
The Social Media Marketing Salary
The social media marketing salary varies as there are many positions that fall under the social media umbrella such as social media manager, director, strategist, community manager or specialist, and brand ambassador.
The average US salary for a senior social media manager is $63,000, but can be as high as $90,000. Entry-level social media marketing jobs like a coordinator start at $32,000 while social media director salaries can reach well over $100,000.
Social Media Roles: Job Requirements
To secure a top social media marketing salary a a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in marketing, communications, journalism, or public relations is required.
Experience with digital marketing is expected by most organizations, especially if you’re looking beyond an entry-level position. Digital marketing experience with advertising, sales, and/or community management are all considered an asset.
Plus, you’ll also need a strong understanding of the foundational principles of social media marketing. Working knowledge of the principles of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), marketing analytics and website usability along with familiarity with all social media platforms may be expected.
Most of all, in any social media role you’ll need excellent writing and communication. Visual marketing experience including video and graphic design abilities are also desirable.
Roles and Responsibilities
Depending on the specific social media role you’re being considered for, both the social media marketing salary and accompanying responsibilities will vary. However, you can expect your job duties may include:
- Implementing and executing the social media strategy: Coordinating with stakeholders across the company to ensure effectiveness and encourage understanding of relevant social media techniques.
- Managing social media campaigns and day-to-day activities: This includes advocacy, writing, photography, video, editorial, community-outreach efforts, promotions, and more.
- Being the voice of the company: You’ll represent that organization on social networking sites including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and other similar community sites.
- Measuring success: Monitoring effective benchmarks for measuring the impact of social media programs and analyzing, reviewing, and reporting on the effectiveness of campaigns to maximize results.
Land the Social Media Marketing Salary You Desire
While social media marketing may seem simple on the surface, it requires a specific set of specialized skills to be effective in these roles. From strategic planning to community engagement, if you’re looking to secure job interviews for social media marketing positions you’ll need to show potential employers you have a well-rounded skill set that aligns with the needs of the company.
Are you looking to join the growing workforce of digital marketers and social media specialists?
Check out the Udacity Digital Marketing Nanodegree Program where you’ll gain real-world experience running marketing campaigns and learn the foundational principles of digital marketing — content strategy, social media marketing, search engine optimization, email marketing, Google Ads, and more.