Work with the world’s most exciting brands, thrive at an inspiring agency, or be your own boss—wherever and however you choose. Social Media Management is one of the fastest-growing, most dynamic careers, giving you the freedom to create, connect, and shape the digital world.
In Social Media marketing, you’ll be the voice behind brands—whether it’s a fashion label, a tech giant, or even a celebrity. You’ll craft stories that engage millions, create viral content, and drive real impact.
You can start today—no degree, no experience—just your creativity and a phone. Whether you're growing a global brand, helping startups find their voice, or building your own agency, the path is yours. This career is as flexible as it is exciting—work from anywhere, collaborate with top brands, or create content from a tropical beach. A Career as a Social Media Manager puts you in control.
Are you great at crafting stories, creating videos, writing compelling copy, or designing dynamic visuals? Social Media Management brings all these skills together, turning creativity into a powerful career.
The industry is booming, with businesses of all sizes—from startups to global brands—investing in their online presence. Social Media Managers are at the heart of it all, shaping digital marketing strategies, driving engagement, and building loyal online communities.
In this role, creativity meets strategy. You’ll craft content that stops the scroll—videos, visuals, captions, and campaigns that spark conversations and create impact. You’ll also analyse trends, track performance, and optimise strategies to keep brands ahead of the curve. With AI and data-driven insights, Social Media Managers are more essential than ever in today’s digital-first world.
And the best part? There are no barriers to entry. You don’t need a degree—just an internet connection, a phone, and a passion for creating. Whether you want to freelance, consult, work in-house, or even start your own agency, Social Media Management offers endless career paths.
The flexibility is unmatched. Work from anywhere, set your own hours, and build a career on your own terms. As you gain experience, you can specialize, grow into leadership roles, or launch your own business. In this ever-evolving industry, the possibilities are limitless.
Responsibilities
As a Social Media Manager, your role is to grow brand awareness, engage audiences, and drive results across social media channels. You’ll be at the forefront of digital marketing, crafting compelling content and shaping the online presence of the brands you represent.
Develop Social Media StrategiesDefine goals and create social media marketing strategies that align with a brand’s objectives. Identify the ideal audience and demographics, selecting the right social media channels to maximise impact and your organisations online presence.
Create and Launch Scroll-Stopping ContentCraft eye-catching posts, viral-worthy videos, immersive stories, and bold visuals that demand attention. Bring brands to life with innovative campaigns, perfectly timed rollouts, and content that sparks conversations and drives engagement.
Engage & Build CommunityConnect with key stakeholders, from designers to directors, to align brand messaging. Leverage customer service skills to foster strong relationships, respond to feedback, and spark meaningful conversations. As an Online Digital Community Manager, create an engaged, loyal audience that strengthens brand presence and drives growth.
Lead & Optimise CampaignsDrive end-to-end social media campaigns, working with partners, influencers, and leadership teams to ensure seamless execution. Track performance, refine strategies, and maximise impact for brand growth.
Data Analysis Performance & Report InsightsTrack and evaluate campaign performance using data analytics. Measure audience response, optimise content strategies, and present insights to stakeholders to improve future results.
Stay Ahead of TrendsKeep up with the latest social media trends, platform updates, and best practices. Use strong networking skills to build valuable connections, exchange industry insights, and stay ahead of emerging opportunities. Continuously adapt strategies to maintain brand relevance and visibility.
Key Skills & Traits
To thrive as a Social Media Manager, you need a blend of creativity, strategy, and communication. You’re part storyteller, part trendsetter, and part data analyst. A sharp eye for engaging content, a knack for building relationships, and the ability to adapt in the ever-changing digital landscape will set you apart. This role is where creativity meets strategy—turning ideas into viral moments and engagement into real impact.
Collaboration
The ability to collaborate using communication and teamworking skills will help you create a wider network both internally and externally and help you in the process of buy-in from stakeholders and making lasting relationships and in turn, further develop connections and drive campaign succession.
Content Creation
Craft compelling content for various social media platforms using strong writing skills and effective storytelling techniques. Take initiative to create engaging text, eye-catching visuals, video clips, graphics, and even creating podcasts, building a strong online presence and maximising impact across channels.
Creativity
Being innovative and creating new ways and fresh ideas for content will set you and the brand apart from competitors and capture attention and get people 'talking about'. Both for you personally as well as the brand/business. You will have image editing skills, know about media production and public relations digital content creator.
Analytical and Problem Solving
Having an analytical mindset will help you understand the data and outcome of any social media output and solve any issues quickly, that might arise and edit content to make improvements. This can be needed in case of negative feedback, algorithm changes and poor campaign performance.
Social Media Tools
There are several media tools that can enhance your success in social media marketing. Platforms like Hootsuite, Buffer, Canva, and Adobe Suite help streamline content creation, schedule social media posts, track trends, generate reports, and optimise digital output across major social media networks like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Gaining experience with these tools will improve efficiency and boost engagement.
Adaptability
Being able to quickly adapt in an ever changing environment, will set you ahead of the game and help you invent new strategies, respond to rising issues quickly and be in with platform updates and market changes.
Resilience
Thriving under pressure and not letting any obstacles stand in your way, will be a beneficial trait to deliver your campaign successfully.
Education & Qualifications
Anyone can break into social media management—no formal degree required! While some employers may value qualifications in marketing, advertising, or digital media, what truly matters is your creativity, strategy, and ability to engage audiences. Many top Social Media Managers started with nothing but a phone, a passion for content, and a willingness to learn.
Success in this industry is built on experience and results, not just credentials. A strong portfolio showcasing your work—whether it’s personal projects, brand collaborations, or freelance gigs—will open more doors than a degree ever could. With persistence, adaptability, and a standout portfolio, you can build a thriving career, whether you're self-taught, freelancing, or working with major brands.
Lifestyle
A career in Social Media Management offers unparalleled flexibility and freedom. Whether you work for an agency, manage multiple freelance clients, or build your own business, your office can be anywhere in the world. From coffee shops to co-working spaces, from bustling cities to tropical beaches—borders don’t matter when your work lives online.
The industry is fast-paced, ever-evolving, and exciting. You'll spend time creating, engaging, and strategising across social platforms—always staying ahead of trends. Some Social Media Managers thrive in structured office environments, while others embrace remote work, flexible hours, and the ability to set their own schedules.
This career also opens doors to amazing networking opportunities. You’ll collaborate with brands, influencers, and industry leaders, and may even get the chance to travel for events, content shoots, or brand activations. Whether you prefer the dynamic energy of agency life or the freedom of working for yourself, Social Media Management gives you the power to design a lifestyle that works for you.
85%
Remote Suited
Work from Anywhere – Whether you’re with an agency, a global brand, or freelancing, this role offers the freedom to work from a city office, home, or even a beachside café.
75%
Stressful
Fast-Paced & Rewarding – The industry moves quickly, with constant content creation, networking, and problem-solving. While demanding, the thrill of launching successful campaigns makes it all worthwhile.
75%
Work Life Blance
Flexible Work-Life Balance – Set your own schedule, whether you prefer 9-5 or flexible hours around events and peak times.
Rewarding & Creative – Social Media Managers rate the role 3.5 out of 5 for enjoyment, with many highlighting the fast-paced environment, endless learning opportunities, and the reward of creating content that connects and engages communities.
40/hrs
Weekly
Flexible Work Hours – A typical 9-5 schedule applies in company roles, while freelancers can set their own hours, offering greater flexibility and control.
Salary Data
Social Media Managers typically earn between £22,000 and £25,000 per year when starting out. With experience, salaries average around £35,000, depending on location and employer, while senior roles can offer £50,000 or more.
Freelancers, contractors, and business owners have unlimited earning potential, with income varying based on clients, projects, and expertise. Some independent Social Media Managers charge £150-£500 per day or £30-£100 per hour, while successful agency owners can earn six figures or more annually.
£22,000
Entry
£33,000
Average Salary
£50,000
Senior
£22,000
Entry
£33,000
Average
£50,000
Senior
Career Path
Becoming a Social Media Manager doesn’t require a specific degree—what matters most is creativity, strategic thinking, and hands-on experience. While a background in marketing, PR, or communications can provide a strong foundation, many successful Social Media Managers start by building their own online presence, freelancing, or gaining experience through internships. Certifications, online courses, and a strong portfolio showcasing your content creation, engagement strategies, and campaign success can be just as valuable as a formal education. This role offers multiple entry points, making it an accessible and flexible career path.
Social Media Assistant / Coordinator
As an assistant, you will be able to use your skills and knowledge to grow your expertise as your responsibilities will include assisting with creating content, scheduling posts and review analytics. You will additionally design and create social media posts and get hands-on experience with social media tools.
Social Media Manager
The social media manager has experience in overseeing content strategies, analyze output as well as coordinating teams. They will collaborate with other functions like PR and Marketing to meet a company's wider business goals, all the while growing their expertise and network to progress to more senior levels.
Senior Media Manager and Leadership
As Social Media Managers advance, senior positions bring increased responsibilities, including managing budgets, leading complex campaigns, and overseeing long-term content strategies. Senior Media Managers focus on analyzing social media trends, optimizing engagement tactics, and aligning campaigns with broader business objectives. Many leadership roles blend technical expertise with managerial oversight, making skills like video production, copywriting, and SEO analytics highly valuable.
As you gain experience, you can advance into leadership positions like Social Media Director, Head of Digital Marketing, or even Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Many professionals transition into roles such as content strategist, brand consultant, or influencer marketing specialist. Others choose to freelance, contract, or start their own social media agency, working with multiple clients across industries. With the constant evolution of digital marketing, the opportunities are limitless—whether you’re working in-house, running your own business, or exploring new media trends like AI-driven content and virtual reality marketing.
History of the Profession
The role of a Social Media Manager is still relatively new, emerging from the internet boom and the rise of social media in the late 1990s. What started as a space for personal connections quickly became a game-changing marketing tool, giving businesses direct access to millions—and eventually billions—of users worldwide.
Early 2000s
The Wild West of Social Media
When platforms like MySpace (2004), Facebook (2004), and YouTube (2005) launched, social media was primarily a space for personal interactions. By 2006, MySpace became the first platform to reach 100 million users, proving that social networking was more than just a fad. Marketers started experimenting, but there were no clear strategies—just trial and error.
2005-2010
Social Media Becomes a Marketing Powerhouse
The introduction of Twitter (2006), Instagram (2010), and LinkedIn (2011) changed the game. Facebook hit 500 million users by 2010, and businesses realized that social media wasn’t just for fun—it was a direct line to their customers. Engagement, brand voice, and real-time interaction became key, and the demand for Social Media Managers skyrocketed. By 2015, over 2 billion people were active on social media, making it a core pillar of digital marketing strategies.
2016 - Onwards
The Rise of Strategy and Specialisation
Social media is now one of the most important aspects of digital marketing. As of 2024, Facebook has over 3 billion monthly active users, YouTube boasts 2.5 billion, and TikTok has exploded to over 1 billion users in just a few years. The role of a Social Media Manager has evolved beyond just posting content—it now includes data analytics, paid advertising, influencer partnerships, and community management. With over 90% of businesses using social media for marketing, it has become a crucial part of brand strategy.
Future Outlook
Future Outlook – The AI & Innovation Era
With AI-driven tools like ChatGPT, automated scheduling, and predictive analytics, the industry is evolving faster than ever. Social Media Managers must stay ahead of trends, adapt to new platforms, and leverage data-driven insights to keep brands relevant. The future holds endless possibilities—from virtual reality integrations to AI-generated content—but one thing is clear: social media isn’t slowing down, and neither is the demand for those who can master it.
Reviews
Below we have shared some insights from professionals performing the role as a social media manager, to give you some career tips and help you decide, if a social media marketing career is the right path for you.
Autonomy and Flexibility
Hannah
The flexibility I get being a social media manager is great. Whether I am working from home or scheduling my hours to fit in with a work life balance that suits me and my young family, it offers a lot of autonomy. I get to create and shape the direction of a brand, and the success of my efforts are very transparent from customer feedback and social media metrics. Innovation is highly encouraged. Every Social Media campaign feels like a new opportunity to experiment and learn a lot from on the job training.
💰£37,000Annual salary
💼38Weekly hours
🏝️70%Remote suited
🤷♀️65%Stressful
⚖️90%Work life balance
Stressful but rewarding
James M.
The social media managers job definitely comes with its challenges. There is a lot pressure to generate content, stay on top of trends, and monitor social media campaign activities. Depending on the social media campaign activities, you sometimes have to work around the clock to liaise with a mix of marketing teams. Especially around implementation, you might feel that its never ending. It is however incredibly rewarding, when you get to see how your strategy impacts a brand’s growth and community response. You do need a good pinch of adaptability, a keen eye for trends, and be able to juggle several tasks at the same time, which is tiring but also very exciting.
💰£37,000Annual salary
💼40Weekly hours
🏝️90%Remote suited
🤷♀️80%Stressful
⚖️60%Work life balance
Continuous Growth
Pravin
Social Media Marketing is forever evolving and makes you gain valuable experience. Platforms change, new and improved tools and features emerge. I am constantly experimenting with new strategies, content formats, and engagement techniques across multiple sites. I always push myself to think creatively and analytically. I also love how the role allows me to work with different communication strategies and help me understand what content resonates most with and the audiences.
💰£41,000Annual salary
💼45Weekly hours
🏝️95%Remote suited
🤷♀️60%Stressful
⚖️80%Work life balance
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Podcast
The life of a social media manager
The Life of a Social Media Manager is a podcast from 'Socialinsider' that goes behind the scenes into the life of people who work in social these days. Discover the ins and outs of a career in social media from top experts, and learn how to perform in this job.
Mitra Mehvar shares her week schedule working as a social media manager and how to make the best use of your time. She also shares infographics from meltwater and links to more information on the job.
Learn everything you need to know to attract customers and grow your business with social media marketing in 2024. Don't let the name fool you - 500 Social Media Marketing Tips is a complete guide to successful social media marketing for small business! It's jam-packed with expert advice, essential insights and strategies for Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok, and more!
How To Become A Social Media Manager - Beginners Guide
Ben Leavett from Flick talks you through how to get started as a social media manager with hints and tips, on tasks you will perform, platforms and do's and don'ts + more
The future of social media | 2025 trends you NEED to know
In 2025, social media is evolving, and this video is your ultimate guide to staying ahead of the curve with essential social media tips and tricks. From mastering attention-grabbing multi-layered hooks to creating engaging long-form content, you'll uncover effective social media marketing strategies to adapt to shifting trends. Whether you're a creator, brand, or social media enthusiast, these actionable tips will prepare you for the future of social media and digital engagement.
Social Media ROI: Managing and Measuring Social Media Efforts in Your Organisation
Use this book to bring true business discipline to your social media program and align with your organisation’s goals. Top branding and marketing expert Olivier Blanchard brings together new best practices for strategy, planning, execution, measurement, analysis, and optimisation. You will learn how to define the financial and non-financial business impacts you are aiming for--and achieve them. Social Media ROI delivers practical solutions for everything from structuring programs to attracting followers, defining metrics to managing crises. Whether you are in a startup or a global enterprise, this book will help you gain more value from every dime you invest in social media.
Social media masterclass in community and influencer marketing with Elfried Samba (ex Gymshark)
Elfried Samba is CEO of Butterfly 3ffect. Samba immigrated from D.R. Congo to the UK at age 14 before rising to prominence in the Social media space through his work at global fitness brand, Gymshark.
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