Should I Become a Social Media Editor?

Business owners are always curious about trying new ways to reach their target audience and pitch their products and services to them. Social media has proven to be one of the most effective tools to reach these goals and more.  

What exactly does a social media editor do? 

Social media editors are also known as social media managers. Their primary role revolves around helping brands oversee their social media presence. Check out some duties they perform. 

  • Develop marketing strategies 

Customers’ needs are always evolving, so it’s important to create a strategy that reflects this and aligns with the brand’s goals. Social media editors design powerful marketing strategies and campaigns, whether the goal is to create awareness, get more leads, generate traffic, or increase sales.

  • Curate and manage a brand image 

Social media editors are saddled with the responsibility of defining and managing the image of the brand they represent across all platforms. They also create both organic and sponsored content to establish a meaningful relationship with their target audience and spur engagement in their community. 

They maintain a consistent tone by following the style guide and ensuring that each piece of content is accurate before sharing online. Another thing is that they can deploy scheduling tools effectively.  

  • Collaborate with others 

Social media editors work closely with creative directors, graphic designers, content writers, and video editors. Their relationship-building skill is top-notch. You’ll often find them brainstorming ideas with the entire marketing team and offering actionable insights to other departments.  

Apart from that, they know the traits to look out for in influencers and can quickly build rapport with the relevant ones. Social media editors will make the onboarding process for new hires in the social media department hassle-free. 

More so, they will equip them with the necessary resources to fast-track their career growth.

  • Stay on top of trends 

The top social media editors have a keen interest in social media trends. They always stay alert to dig deeper into new trends and discover the best ones for each campaign. These professionals will also ensure that each trend they follow matches the values of the brand they are representing. 

Their knowledge isn’t limited to social media trends alone. They are familiar with the latest SEO best practices and the changes in the algorithm of each social media platform. 

  • Track analytics 

Monitoring analytics will help you determine the effectiveness of your social media marketing strategy. Savvy social media editors know which KPIs they need to focus on during each campaign. If you’re considering any social media career, it’s best to learn how to interpret data accurately and leverage it.  

How to start your social media editor career 

Some of the skills you need to kickstart your career include: 

  • Creativity 
  • Strategic thinking
  • Attention to detail
  • An in-depth understanding of how the major social media platforms work
  • Graphic design skills 
  • Organizational skills 
  • Ability to meet deadlines

Get certified by taking online courses if you don’t have a Bachelor’s degree in communications, advertising, or marketing. You can start your career with an entry-level role and keep evolving. Ensure you have a compelling portfolio and resume to increase your chances of securing a lucrative social media job.


Written by Rida Sheppard