The current era we’re in would be considered by many as the ‘social media era; and with much of daily life being integrated with social media, it’s hard to disagree with that statement. 

Social media has changed a great deal over the last decade. Not only have more options been introduced in recent times, but the capabilities of the respective platforms have increased greatly. Users interact differently with various platforms; they can conduct shopping activities and the introduction of ChatGPT’s ‘My AI’ to Snapchat has provided another dimension. 

Businesses are utilising social media platforms to target and engage with their audiences, and the likes of TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram have allowed a more creative approach. As a result, social media professionals along with being creative, are having to add to their skill sets in order to keep up with current social media trends and achieve their desired goals. 

But what are the must-have skills every social media professional should have? Let’s take a look. 

Writing ability 

Your ability to write, captivate and get a reaction from your audience is one of the most effective skills you can have. Understanding your brand’s tone of voice when writing can help greatly when addressing your audience. Whether that be in a tweet, infographic, or video. 

Creativity 

As previously mentioned, new social platforms such as TikTok are sparking brands’ creative juices. One of the benefits of working in social media is that you have free reign to be creative. Audiences can get bored quite easily, so being able to come up with creative ideas to engage and drive sales is a very valuable skill to have. 

Excellent communication

Communication is vital in most job roles, and social media falls into that category! This is essential for representing your brand online; but also for internal purposes too. You’re likely to have a bucket list of ideas you want to try out,  and you’ll have to communicate effectively with your peers in order to get their views and approval. 

Strategic thinking 

You may think that being ‘strategic’ and social media don’t necessarily go hand-in-hand, but it does! A successful social media strategy requires a strategic plan. It can help you understand why you make certain decisions, and the potential benefits and consequences of those decisions.  

Content curation 

Content curation is considered a major social media marketing skill, especially for businesses that do not have time to create content regularly. This also assists them with collecting and sharing relevant information with your audience based on their interests and preferences. As a result, this keeps them engaged with your material. 

Community management 

One of the things that big brands have in common when it comes to their social media presence, is their strong online community. One trait that all successful social media marketers have, is their ability to build connections and an online community. 

Analytical skills 

Understanding analytics in social media is a very important skill to have. Analysing the success and shortcomings of your campaigns allows you to understand what your audience enjoys, therefore giving them more of that. Compiling your findings and presenting them in a report format is a valuable skill to possess. 

There’s no doubt that the heart of successful social media campaigns is the ability to create content and engage with your online community and audience. However, you cannot overlook the importance of soft skills such as communication and strategic thinking can play in your social media career. 

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