How to Become a Social Media Manager (Step-by-Step) (2026)
Saving money on become social media manager does not have to be complicated. We rounded up the essentials so you can spend less and skip the guesswork.
Key Takeaways
- How to Become a Social Media Manager (Step-by-Step) As a social media manager, you can either work for one company as an employee or consult...
- Here's how to create an online portfolio, reach out to companies, and find your first gig.
- Written by Catherine Collins Last Updated: April 1, 2025 Reviewed by Zina Kumok Home Jobs Freelance Some of the links on DollarSprout point...
As a social media manager, you can either work for one company as an employee or consult with multiple clients as a freelancer. Here's how to create an online portfolio, reach out to companies, and find your first gig.
Written by Catherine Collins Last Updated: April 1, 2025 Reviewed by Zina KumokSome of the links on DollarSprout point to products or services from partners we trust. If you choose to make a purchase through one, we may earn a commission, which supports the ongoing maintenance and improvement of our site at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
If you spend a lot of time on social media, you might be able to turn that into a career as a social media manager.
Social media managers are responsible for managing the social media accounts of businesses, celebrities, and other entrepreneurs.
In most cases, large businesses hire full-time social media managers to work in-house. They might even have an entire department dedicated to social media management.
On the other end of the spectrum are small brands and individuals that rely on contract-based social media managers to help them address their marketing needs.
When a business owner’s time is frequently tied up in other areas, scheduling content to Facebook and Instagram can become an afterthought. This is where a social media manager comes in.
The owner can offload the management of their social profiles to you, so they can get back to focusing on wherever else their time is best spent.
How Do Social Media Managers Make Money?
A social media manager, sometimes referred to as a social media director, earns money online from the clients and businesses they serve. If they work for a company, they’ll typically earn a salary. If they’re self-employed, they likely charge an hourly, monthly, or per-project rate.
Self-employed social media managers, also known as social media consultants, most commonly offer different levels of monthly service packages. The lowest level might include posting on social media three to four times a week, while the largest package might include daily posting on social media across multiple platforms.
In the photo below, you can see how the social media marketing company, Brandit360, breaks down its pricing:
These packages are typically offered on a monthly basis. Additionally, numerous social media managers request clients work with them for a minimum of three to six months to allow time for measurable improvement.
How Much Does a Social Media Manager Make?
According to PayScale, the average social media manager’s salary is $49,000 a year. In high-cost-of-living areas like New York City, the average salary is around $57,000 a year.[1]
If you own your own social media management business, your income is only limited by the number of clients you’re able to land. As your company grows, you can hire virtual assistants and outsource tasks, becoming your own agency.
You can always get on-the-job training as a salaried employee, then branch off to create your own business when you’re ready.
Related: How to Become a Virtual Assistant: A Step-by-Step Guide to Earning $25+/hr
What Does a Social Media Manager Do?
Because the position is still relatively new, the required social media skills vary depending on the job. It’s helpful to have some type of marketing, business, or communications background.
Typical social media marketing manager duties and qualifications include:
- Planning and scheduling content across various social media platforms
- Analyzing, tracking, and reporting on campaign performance
- Looking for breakout opportunities on growing social networks
- Working with influencers and other brands to drive lead generation and enhance business visibility
Related: How to Become a Paid Influencer and Make Money on Social Media
It’s also helpful to have graphic design knowledge, since you might have to create graphics for social media posts, especially if you work for a small company.
Beyond merely managing social profiles, you’ll be expected to report on your results. Business owners won’t be highly motivated to keep paying for your services unless you can justify your worth. Here’s an example social media manager checklist and tentative reporting schedule:
Having a strong command of the English language is also key, as you might be in charge of responding to messages and managing a community.
It also lets you to have a love of learning, because the social media landscape is constantly changing. Stay up to date on the latest trends, resources, apps, and tools associated with the job.
Getting Started: Get the Right Training
The best way to get started in social media management is to take a course that teaches you the necessary skills.
By understanding a little bit about each area of social media management, you are better positioned to delegate work to virtual assistants if or when you decide that starting an agency is right for you. If you have no plans to scale, you’ll need to know everything regardless.
There are several social media marketing training courses you can take to receive certifications in the area of study. They typically cost between $100 and $500 and teach you everything you need to know to start working with clients.
Social Media Marketing Courses:
- VA Foundations by Gina Horkey
Beyond the training component, expect to master several social media management tools such as Buffer, HootSuite, CoSchedule, Edgar, and more.
Next: Choose Which Platforms to Master
If you want to become a social media manager, you’ll want to become extremely proficient at several social media platforms. Going a step further and mastering a platform can really set you apart from competing management services (i.e. become a Facebook specialist or Instagram guru).
The three hottest areas for social media marketing are:
Instagram is a excellent social media platform to manage if you enjoy graphic design and photography.
If you’re comfortable with making and editing videos, Instagram stories offer a powerful way to connect with an audience. There are now numerous different programs that allow you to schedule Instagram posts and stories.
If you’re comfortable with live videos, Facebook Live can be a good way to engage with an audience. You can also learn how to send automatic message responses on Facebook, which will show that your company is responsive and cares about its community.
Like Instagram, you can improve your engagement on Pinterest by following other accounts and using hashtags. Pinterest also has numerous group boards to help you improve your reach.
Related: 16 Online Business Ideas That Anyone Can Start (with Little or No Cost)
How to Become a Full-Time Social Media Manager in 3 Steps
If you prefer the stability of an office job over starting your own business, there are a few ways to increase your chances of getting the job. This is frequently a good route to take if you’re not sure you want to be self-employed. Plus, you’ll get on the job training that will help you hone your skills.
1. Create a Website
These days, your website is your resume. Use your page to show who you are as a person because a company has to trust you to manage its social media.
The most attractive candidates come across as trustworthy, reliable, and put-together. Make sure you have links to all the socia
Final Thoughts
The bottom line: a little research on become social media manager goes a long way. Compare your options, watch for seasonal offers, and never pay full price when a better deal is one click away.
Originally published at dollarsprout.com.
Catherine Collins
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