What are the best ways to build a career in Social Media marketing with a non-traditional background?

From someone who is a college dropout and made a career in social media. These are the three things that will help you in this career: 👉🏾Your network 👉🏾Your portfolio 👉🏾Your ability to pivot Here’s how and why 👉🏾 Start building your network early! LinkedIn is the perfect platform for it. Put yourself out there by building your personal brand 👉🏾 Your portfolio is your proof. Create mock projects, work on real ones. Show that you can walk the talk. 👉🏾 Be flexible and creative. You CAN create opportunities for yourself you just have to think outside the box. You come from a non-traditional background you have to use non traditional methods.

Being successful in social less is less about technical skills as much as it's about critical thinking, creativity, and problem solving skills. The tech evolves quickly, and anyone can teach themselves those hard skills, including you. Figure out what other attributes you have that can benefit a social team strategically.

This article was made for little ol' me. So I'm a lawyer by day who ended up falling into legal social media marketing. Having run a few businesses in the past during a time when social media was emerging, I had to learn SMM quick. I noticed a lot of law firms just stink at writing engaging blogs that make sense to normal people. And the social media content, if it existed, was just as terrible. How many times can I see your logo or that same headshot of yourself? The answer is 2. So I took my current job as a lawyer and pivoted to offer my services to folx in my field who already knew me. It's worked so far!

If you're infatuated with social media, you likely already possess the basic knowledge and you also know how to elevate your social media skills. However, achieving proficiency in that aspect is maybe only 10%—of the essential skills required to thrive as a successful social media specialist. Key to excelling in social media marketing is mastering Branding. As a Social media manager, you act as the Voice of the brand, reaching a global audience. Becoming an expert in brand and marketing communications is essentially what you need. Further, being a proficient communicator with exceptional writing skills is a must. And ofcourse, experience is the key to excelling.

Identifying your strengths and skills is crucial. In my journey, I realized early on that storytelling and visual creativity were my biggest assets. I leveraged these in creating content that resonates with audiences whether it was through Instagram stories or engaging YouTube videos. It's also key to recognize the less obvious skills. For me, empathy played a huge role. Understanding audience sentiments and responding to them authentically helped in building a loyal community. I also honed my analytical skills. So, when you make your list, think broadly. Combine your obvious talents like writing or design with softer skills like empathy or communication. This comprehensive skill set is what makes a social media marketer truly effective.

We are living in a world where all the materials you need are just a click away. Learn the basics of social media marketing. You can take online courses, read books and blogs, watch videos, or listen to podcasts to gain an overview of the concepts, strategies, and best practices of social media marketing. You can also use tools like Google Analytics or Hootsuite to learn how to measure and optimize your social media campaigns

Let me tell yall, the internet is a beautiful place for learning new skills. I follow social media managers and brands that I like. They are always showing how to do post in new ways or trends.

Some ways to get started- - Getting started with free courses like google , facebook blueprint. - Reding articles from meta and leading knowledge sharing websites like hubspot - Following industry experts on linked in and consume their contents on social media.

Diving into social media marketing is about immersing yourself in its ever-evolving landscape. Remember, the key is not just learning, but adapting. When I started, I soaked up every piece of information - from podcasts to influencer strategies. But what truly set me apart was applying these learnings creatively. Stay updated, but also experiment with your unique spin on trends. This not only keeps your content fresh but also makes you stand out in the crowded social media space. Keep learning, but more importantly, keep innovating!

With no formal training in social media I learned by experience. I posted content and built a following to 15k on Instagram. I learnt from others, tried and tested new things. Then when I applied for marketing jobs I suddenly got noticed

This is how I achieved 34 Million views in 2023... Your portfolio is your social media identity card. When I was building mine, I treated every post like a portfolio piece, ensuring it reflected my style and expertise. Don't shy away from showcasing diverse skills - from witty tweets to visually stunning Instagram stories. Networking is equally vital. It's not just about attending events, but engaging meaningfully. I found my most valuable connections came from genuine interactions, be it in LinkedIn groups or after a webinar. Remember, in the digital world, your network is your net worth. Make every connection count!

Volunteer and ask to help! I had no experience with marketing or social when I started, but I volunteered to take over my company's LinkedIn and help create an Instagram for our team. Through this volunteer stretch assignment, I learned by doing and gave myself the experience I needed to move into a formal marketing role. You can create your own opportunities, you just have to get creative about it.

Remember you can always use your own social media page or websites as a reference while starting out. I don't sign up to the old adage to do things for free to build up your portfolio. Your time and skills (even starting out) are valuable.

When applying, showcase your skills, but be honest about your experience. Remember not all roles will be suitable for you. And the ones you get may push you out of your comfort zone. But see it all as learning opportunities. You learn best by doing.

Aprender marketing es más efectivo en la práctica. No temas innovar y mantente al tanto de las tendencias, no solo en redes sociales sino también en otras plataformas. Aunque entrar en este sector puede ser desafiante, tener un portafolio es clave.

When I was starting, I learned that personalization is key. Tailor your applications to reflect not just your skills, but also how they align with the specific needs of the job or gig. Use your social media insights to demonstrate your understanding of trends and audience engagement. When using online platforms, ensure your profile is detailed and up-to-date; this is your first impression. Networking plays a huge role here too—don't hesitate to reach out directly to industry contacts. Your website or blog should tell your professional story, showcasing not just your successes, but also your learning journey. And always remember, each application is a chance to learn and refine your approach.

Don't let your "non-traditional" background hold you back in the exciting world of Social Media marketing! Remember, your non-traditional background can be your biggest asset! It brings fresh perspectives, unique skills, and adaptability that the industry increasingly values. By focusing on self-education, building your portfolio and network, and applying strategically, you can break into the world of Social Media marketing and carve your successful path.

Social media changes quickly and often. Fortunately, most of us spend our free time on the platforms, so we can observe the changes happening in real time as both a consumer and a marketer. It's always beneficial to look to the platforms themselves. What are they saying about their product, how are they using it? Then, take what you've observed and test their approach in a way that makes sense for your brand, measure, and continue to iterate.

In my journey, setting clear, measurable goals was a game-changer. I used to track every content's performance meticulously, analyzing what resonated with my audience. This data-driven approach helped me iterate quickly, learning what works and what doesn’t. Also, never underestimate the power of experimentation. When I started, I tried different content formats - some flopped, but others went viral. It's all about finding that unique angle that clicks with your audience. And yes, learning from others is invaluable. I regularly networked with peers and joined online communities, soaking in diverse strategies and insights.

Learn, learn, learn! Take all the tips and tricks you can. But make sure you really take them to heart. If your clients tell you they don’t like a certain color…remember that and don’t use it. Don’t be afraid to say, I don’t know but I’ll do some research and ask questions. There are never enough opportunities to learn!

My best advice would be- just keep posting good content. If you’re content is interesting and relevant people will react and share it , and as a direct result your network will grow

Enroll for Free & Paid Certification Courses: There are numerous YouTubers sharing their extensive knowledge & experience absolutely free. Follow them, learn every day. Furthermore, many free platforms provide certification courses. LinkedIn Premium offers a variety of courses tailored for both beginners and professionals. Try LinkedIn Premium for free & start learning today. There's also a separate app - LinkedIn Learning. Google also provides many free & paid certification courses. if you're looking for a top-notch job in this field, go ahead and enroll in executive programs from universities like IIMs and ISBs. As an IIML alum, I highly recommend such a course. Feel free to reach out to me, if you need genuine assistance.

Let's be real. There is no traditional background. I think the most important thing in this space involves taking risks. Most of the time those risks will fail, but sometimes they turn into the great moments.

Never give up. I've been through this process and transitioned from a retail manager to becoming Head of Marketing for an agency. So if I can do it, anyone can!

Following social media marketing leaders on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook is a valuable strategy. These experts regularly share insights, industry trends, and even templates, providing an easy and effective way to stay informed.