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Online Community Manager Career Guide

Job Description:

Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers.
Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied.
Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

Online Community Manager Salary 2024

National Salary Data for Online Community Managers

This bar graph shows the annual salary for Online Community Managers.

U.S. Salary in 2024

Annual Median Salary: $140,040

Hourly Median Wage: $67.33

Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Projected Employment for Online Community Managers

Job Growth Projections

This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Online Community Managers.

Projected Job Openings for s by 2031

Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 10%

Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Typical Tasks for Online Community Managers

Evaluate the financial aspects of product development, such as budgets, expenditures, research and development appropriations, or return-on-investment and profit-loss projections.
Formulate, direct, or coordinate marketing activities or policies to promote products or services, working with advertising or promotion managers.
Identify, develop, or evaluate marketing strategy, based on knowledge of establishment objectives, market characteristics, and cost and markup factors.

Technologies and Skills Used by Online Community Managers

Data base user interface and query software

Airtable
MySQL

Video creation and editing software

TikTok
YouTube

Web platform development software

Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP
Ruby on Rails

Basic Skills

Figuring out how to use new ideas or things
Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

People and Technology Systems

Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

How To Become an Online Community Manager

Becoming an online community manager can be an exciting career path for those who are passionate about fostering engaging online spaces, nurturing relationships, and managing digital communications. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you launch your career in this dynamic field.

Understand the Role and Responsibilities

Firstly, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of what an online community manager does. The role typically involves:

Developing and managing brand communities on various platforms.
Creating content strategies to engage members.
Moderating discussions to maintain a positive environment.
Analyzing data to inform community growth strategies.
Collaborating with other departments like marketing, customer service, and product development.

Gain Relevant Skills and Experience

To thrive as an online community manager, you'll need a combination of hard and soft skills. Consider honing the following:

Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build relationships with community members.
Content Creation: Skills in creating compelling content that resonates with the audience.
Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with community platforms (like Discord, Reddit, or Facebook Groups), analytics tools, and basic HTML/CSS can be beneficial.
Problem-Solving: The ability to handle conflicts and issues within the community effectively.

Acquire Education and Training

While formal education isn't always mandatory, it can give you a competitive edge. Relevant educational backgrounds include:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or related fields.
Online courses or certifications in social media management, digital marketing, or community engagement.

Build Your Own Online Presence

Creating and maintaining your own blog or social media channels can:

Show potential employers your ability to grow and manage an online community.
Help you stay updated with the latest digital trends and platform updates.

Gain Practical Experience

Hands-on experience is invaluable. You might:

Volunteer to manage online communities for non-profit organizations or small businesses.
Intern with companies that have active online communities.
Manage or moderate forums or social media groups related to your interests.

Stay Updated with Industry Trends

The digital landscape is ever-changing. To stay relevant:

Follow influential community managers and thought leaders.
Join professional groups on LinkedIn or other platforms.
Attend webinars, workshops, and conferences related to community management.

Network with Professionals

Networking can lead to job opportunities and professional growth. You can:

Connect with current online community managers on LinkedIn.
Participate in online forums and groups where community managers gather.

Apply for Jobs

When you're ready to apply for jobs:

Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Provide examples of communities you've managed or grown.
Prepare to discuss specific strategies you've used to engage members or handle challenging situations.

Remember, each step you take towards becoming an online community manager is a building block for your career. With dedication and a strategic approach, you can establish yourself as a skilled professional in this vibrant field.

Online Community Manager Career Path FAQ's

What is an Online Community Manager?

An Online Community Manager is a professional responsible for building, growing, and managing online communities around a brand or cause. They engage with community members, facilitate discussions, and often serve as the brand's voice within these digital communities.

What qualifications do I need to become an Online Community Manager?

To become an Online Community Manager, you typically need:

A bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, business, or a related field.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Experience with social media platforms and community management tools.
Understanding of online community trends and customer engagement strategies.
Some positions may require experience in content creation or digital marketing.

How can I start my career as an Online Community Manager?

To start your career:

Gain relevant experience through internships or by managing small online communities.
Develop a strong understanding of social media analytics and SEO best practices.
Build a portfolio showcasing your community management skills and successful engagements.
Network with professionals in the field and stay updated with industry trends.

What career progression can I expect as an Online Community Manager?

Career progression might include:

Starting as a Junior Community Manager or a Social Media Coordinator.
Advancing to a Community Manager or a Social Media Manager role.
Moving into senior roles like Senior Community Manager, Director of Community, or Head of Social Media.
Shifting towards strategic positions such as Digital Marketing Manager or Brand Strategist.

What are the key skills required for an Online Community Manager?

Key skills include:

Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities.
Proficiency with social media platforms and monitoring tools.
Content creation and curation skills.
Analytical skills to interpret community engagement data.
Crisis management and problem-solving capabilities.

Are there any certifications for Online Community Managers?

Yes, certifications that may enhance your qualifications include:

Community Management Certification from recognized institutions.
Social Media Marketing Certifications from platforms like HubSpot or Hootsuite.
Courses in digital marketing, SEO, or analytics from educational websites.

Where can I find job opportunities as an Online Community Manager?

Job opportunities can be found on:

Job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn.
Websites that specialize in digital marketing or social media careers.
Company career pages for brands with a strong online presence.
Networking events or industry conferences.

Remember to customize your resume and cover letter to highlight your community management skills and experience for each application.