The Top 3 Trending Jobs in Social Media (and What They Actually Mean)
Ok… let’s be real for a minute. Hiring a freelancer for your blog or online business can be so darn confusing.
There’s just so much to consider... What should you outsource first? How do you actually get started with a freelancer? What if you pick the wrong candidate?
What I get asked often is, “Which roles do I even need in my business?”
So if you’re reading this and raising your hand -- even a little bit -- I see you, and this article is for you.
This article breaks down three of the most popular roles entrepreneurs are hiring. That way, you can decide which roles will help you shed the things you don’t love to do so you can focus on the work that revs you up.
3 Job Titles Currently Trending in Social Media Management
One area that’s becoming more popular when it comes to outsourcing is social media management.
If you’re looking for a sign that you need to outsource this area of your business, I’ll tell you what I tell my clients: Figure out your Zone of Genius -- the things that energize you, make you come alive.
(If you’re thinking, “Zone of what?” you can see what I’m talking about here).
And if working on social media is outside of your Zone of Genius and trying to take it on yourself is holding you back from pursuing other projects or opportunities, it’s time.
Remember, just because you can do something doesn’t mean you have to.
So, when you decide it’s time to add a social media management role to your business, it’s important to get the job title right for the role.
Why?? Because it’s the best way to attract the best people to apply.
And when you post the position, you want to be sure you are casting your net in the right direction.
The three job titles in social media management that are trending right now might all look and sound the same, but they’re actually quite different. Keep reading to see what I mean.
1. Social Media Manager
The Social Media Manager is the role that is most likely to be confused with a virtual assistant.
I see job posting after job posting with the title of VA, but a social media manager job description.
What does a Social Media Manager do?
Social Media Managers are a little bit like a Swiss Army knife because they’re generally extremely versatile. And they thrive on keeping up-to-date on social media best practices, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Here are a few things you can hand off to a Social Media Manager:
Create and schedule all social media posts.
Respond to comments and direct messages.
Moderate and manage a Facebook group.
What platforms can a Social Media Manager work on?
Let’s be honest: there’s a lot you can do on social media.
That’s why it’s important to look for someone who specializes in two to three platforms.
Beyond that, it’s hard to keep up with the rapidly evolving trends and best practices. And if you’re hiring a freelancer for support, they should be specialized.
If you have a very large presence on more than three platforms, it’s best to hire a couple of social media managers to focus on two platforms each.
For example, there are a lot of Social Media Managers who specialize in Instagram and Facebook. There are others who focus on YouTube, TikTok, and SnapChat.
Ultimately, the right choice is going to depend on your goals for social media.
How is a social media manager different from a virtual assistant?
A social media manager is focused solely on marketing your brand and growing your social media presence.
A VA, on the other hand, is there to assist you with day-to-day admin tasks. They help you stay on top of your inbox and calendar, schedule client appointments, assist with data entry -- and some marketing admin tasks like scheduling content or sourcing images.
Can they schedule social media? Sure. Is it what they live and breathe for? Probably not.
A VA can be an extremely valuable member of your team. For more about what they can take off your plate, read this. Because you will probably need to hire one at some point. But you most likely need to hire a social media manager first.
What should you consider when hiring a Social Media Manager?
When you’re hiring a Social Media Manager, look for someone who is passionate about marketing and staying on top of social media marketing trends.
Also, they should have real-world experience managing social media for a brand -- not just their own personal social media.
How do you hire a Social Media Manager?
If you’re looking for a magical place where all the best Social Media Managers hang out, you’re not alone.
The number one question I get about hiring freelancers is where to find them.
But what I’ve found after recruiting close to 100 freelancers is that where you find them is all about how you find them.
They are in Facebook groups, they are on freelancing platforms like Upwork, and they are on LinkedIn.
But finding the right person for your team is a deeply personal process. In fact, hiring is probably one of the most vulnerable things you’ll do as a business owner.
So, it makes sense to take the process seriously and create a hiring plan. Only, who has time for that, right?
To jumpstart your hiring process, take a look at my Hiring Fix course. It walks you through everything you need to find, hire, and manage talented freelancers.
2. Digital Media Manager or Digital Marketing Manager
The difference between these two job titles is purely semantics. They really are the same thing - which is a highly creative and business-savvy person with marketing strategy always on their mind.
What do Digital Media Managers and Digital Marketing Managers do?
Typically, a Digital Media Manager or a Digital Marketing Manager oversees all the digital assets in a company, such as the website, blog posts, social media posts, email marketing, and other content.
They are highly strategic and manage the content development process more than they implement the content.
Here are a few common responsibilities for a Digital Media Manager or a Digital Marketing Manager:
Develop a multi-channel editorial calendar with input from key stakeholders.
Serve as a liaison between writers, graphic designers, and administrative staff.
Report on results and suggest improvements or other [something] to explore.
Should you hire a Digital Media Manager or Digital Marketing Manager?
One thing to consider before hiring either a Digital Media Manager or a Digital Marketing Manager is that most companies with these roles have at least $1 to $3 million in annual revenue.
This means that most blogs and online businesses just aren’t big enough to support this position. Why? Because they will also need a writer, graphic designer, and a virtual assistant to complement this position.
To expect one freelancer to create your social content, including images and captions, AND write your email newsletter and manage the editorial calendar… is on the edge of expecting too much from one person.
Freelancers who are specialized in social media are typically great at writing for social media, but that doesn’t always translate to other forms of digital content.
The other challenge that is particular to the Digital Media Manager role is that it’s not too common among freelancers. Most are either positioning themselves as Social Media Managers or Digital Marketing Managers, which is covered next.
My last question, if you are considering hiring a Digital Media Manager: Is that the role you really need? I keep seeing job postings where the title says Digital Media Manager, but the description is for a Social Media Manager.
Why does that matter? Well, the best freelancers, the high-performing ones, are quite selective about the jobs they apply for because it takes time and energy to put together a good application.
And, if they aren’t sure what you’re looking for, if the title and description aren’t in alignment, or they’re just not sure if they are the right fit for you, they aren’t going to apply. That means you are less likely to attract the right person to the role.
3. Social Media & Digital Marketing Manager
The Social Media & Digital Marketing Manager role is the most versatile of the social media management job titles. It is a perfect blend of strategy and execution and a great fit for many entrepreneurs.
What does a Social Media & Digital Marketing Manager do?
On top of the responsibilities mentioned above for the Social Media Manager, a Social Media & Digital Marketing Manager can also:
Advise on strategic direction of social media.
Report on social media insights and suggest improvements.
Measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
How do you hire a Social Media & Digital Marketing Manager?
Finding the best of the best in social media and digital marketing involves having a solid hiring process.
The truth is you can find awesome freelancers just about anywhere.
You just need a plan. Which is exactly what my Hiring Fix course is for. It’s a self-guided hiring course to help you create a simple and strategic process for hiring freelancers. Intrigued? Check it out right here.
Why Job Titles Matter
I know I keep saying this -- and it might sound like it’s a small detail -- but job titles really do matter.
Getting the job title right can mean the difference between finding an amazing freelancer who’s exactly what you’re looking for and, well, not.
Think of it this way. If you get the job title wrong, you’ll attract the wrong people. Which means you might hire the wrong person.
Every little step in the hiring process is designed to increase your chances of finding a freelancer who’s a great fit for you.
Which is why it’s important to understand the subtle -- and confusing! -- differences between the Social Media Manager, Digital Media Manager, Digital Marketing Manager, and Social Media & Digital Marketing Manager job titles.
Because I want to help you be super clear about what you need, then find the right people for the job.
How To Get Started Hiring For Your Team
If you’re ready to start hiring, but aren’t sure where to start -- or you don’t want to repeat a past not-so-hot hiring experience -- you are not alone.
Most entrepreneurs are in the same boat. I’ve been there, too -- and I’m a hiring strategist!
But after 15 years of experience working with business owners just like you, I’ve figured out what it takes to build a rock-solid team that will help you grow beyond what you ever imagined.
And I want to share everything I know with you. It’s all in my free mini-course, The 5 Things No One Tells You About Hiring Freelancers.
When you sign up, you’ll get everything you need to start hiring for your team delivered to your inbox.
Access my free mini-course here.
