I’ve found that the role of a Community Manager has evolved in recent times. Years ago, the role just required someone who was passionate about a product & a member of several online communities. Nowadays it takes a lot more than that & experience is key. Community Management is a great role that can launch your career from entry level to marketing rock star! Since the online world has evolved outside of a website & forums, Community Managers need to have experience in the following areas:
- Strong writing skills & knowledge of writing online to consumers.
What you need to know - Community Management
- Extensive understanding of social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Pinterest etc.)
- Experience running a community or fan site.
- Experience in creating digital content.
- Experience in analyzing community sentiment & growth.
You can get this type of experience online in a lot of different ways. Becoming apart of a tech, gaming, or fashion community (depending on your preference) is a start. Websites are always looking for volunteers & experience counts. Once you feel like you have some experience under your belt work your way up & aim for paid gigs.
I’m a big believer in getting a University degree & I’ve noticed that the demand for Community Managers includes a Bachelors degree. It’s not always required but it can definitely help you move up the ranks within a company.
Got any specific questions or insights of your own on Community Management? Are you a Community Manager yourself? Post your thoughts.
I’m fairly new to the community management world and have found that knowing social media platforms is a good start, but understanding the Internet is a larger part. If you want an example of what I’m talking about, check out this picture that Beats By Dre put on their Facebook Wall.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150654731549110&set=a.126409229109.101918.78986534109&type=3&theater
Knowing the language of the Internet isn’t taught in school, although school helps with things like grammar in writing and the such. (I’m not a master at grammar.)
Great post!