Trumpeter Media uses affiliate marketing. An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to this product and affiliated sites. Other affiliate links may be used in this article, but they do not impact on the price that you pay (in fact you get to use my discounts!) and they help me to get this information to you for free.
Social media is one of the most rapidly increasing industries and job market. As companies grow, they want to improve their online presence and increase brand awareness through social media. Roles in social media marketing and management are becoming more frequently advertised and better paid.
Many people get community manager vs social media manager mixed up. Although community managers and social media managers are both involved in social media marketing online, there is a slight difference between the two.
What’s the Difference between Community Manager vs Social Media Manager?
The main difference between a social media manager and an online community manager is that a social media manager manages the social media accounts of the actual brand that it represents. This means that social media managers manage Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus account, amongst others, in order to market the brand to its current following. Therefore, social media marketers are primarily aiming at the current customer base.
So what do Online Community Managers do?
Online community managers do marketing online through social media accounts such as Facebook and Twitter. The term stemmed from initial online community managers in the online gaming industry. However, the difference is that they are managing communities of people online who have never previously heard of the band or who may not already be customers. This means interacting and engaging with people through social media accounts to encourage that awareness of the brand. Online community managers often do their marketing through their own personal account and personal brands, rather than the accounts and brand of the business itself.
Community Manager vs Social Media Manager – Which should I do for my Business?
How do you know whether you need a community manager or social media manager for your small business? Most startups need a social media manager initially, and later, as they grow their online presence, they need both. I now outsource a lot of marketing for my business and this frees me up to act as an online community manager for my business through my own personal accounts. If you are unsure about using an online community manager, familiarise yourself with social media yourself first. Try to manage your own social media accounts initially where possible. You can always work with community managers at a later date as and when your business grows.
Working in Social Media
If you want to work in social media, you do not necessarily have to have a marketing degree. However, it may be advantageous for you to complete a course in online marketing or social media for business. A good example of this would be the BTEC in social media for business. If you are interested to find out more, please get in touch with Trumpeter Media. You can speak to Amy on (07840) 380352.
If you enjoyed this article you might also like to read about Impact of Social Media on PR and What to look for in a Digital Marketing Consultant