We caught up with social media manager Robyn about the highs and lows of this popular job role.
- How did you get into being a social media manager?
I saw it advertised on social media and decided to apply despite being happy in my previous role; this position was with a company that I really admired, so it felt like a sign that I was ready for a change.
- How many years have you been a social media manager?
Less than one! Around ten months.
- What advice would you give to someone who is interested in getting into socials/marketing ? Are there any best apps, tools or ways to improve your content?
Apply with experience! And while that can sound really scary – especially to students – there are loads of ways to gain experience in social media marketing without working in the field. An active TikTok or Instagram will show potential employers that you know how to use the apps, for example.
The best way to improve your content is to keep making it! I cringe at things I created when I first started my role. Feedback from the public and learning from others is invaluable in this profession.
- What’s the best part of your role?
I love having total control over our outputs. I’m a one-woman team aside from a student content creator who helps me with TikTok, so I’m able to have full say over the directions we take.
- What’s the worst part of your role?
Social media roles notoriously encompass too many skills under one header, and mine is no different. I’m a copywriter, videographer, social media manager, PR manager, community manager and content creator all rolled into one – and sometimes that’s a lot to handle!
- Do you have a most memorable day/event at work?
Since I work in nightlife, I’ve met a lot of cool DJs. One in particular who I met a few months ago was incredibly nice and asked me lots of questions about my aspirations and plans for the future. It’s often seen as a very snobby industry and he proved that it’s not always like that, which made for a really memorable experience.
- How long have you been interested in this kind of role? When did you consider it?
I wanted to work in social media when I graduated from uni in 2020, but there were limited jobs so I took a copywriting role instead. At the time, I was really grateful, and I couldn’t have asked for a better grad job, but I’m glad to have found my way back to my original goal.
8. What was your first day at work like?
Busy! I had a lot to learn – both about the role and the company. But it was really interesting and I was keen to get stuck into something new and exciting.
9. Worst mistake you’ve made on the job, and what did it teach you?
I once posted an incredibly controversial TikTok which made its way back to the company directors. It was swiftly deleted. My manager had told me it was fine to post – I later learnt that they hadn’t actually looked at the draft I’d sent over – so they were kind enough to take the fall for it.
It taught me to slow down and go back to things with fresh eyes before putting them out for the world to see. This has in turn improved my content creation and outputs in my role.
10. How fulfilled are you?
Pretty fulfilled! I love connecting with people, and – when you dig deep under all the rubbish online – social media is inherently about connection.
To read more from our 10-questions with series, click here : Convos with Clever Clogs – Messy (jusmedia.co.uk)