THE REALITY OF BEING AN SMM 💼
SMMs anonymously share the realities of working in social media…
Tell me a little about you and your role
I started as a freelance SMM in March 2021, before that I was working for a top agency in Australasia - during 2020… Nightmarish to say the least, but learnt a whole heap and got some big brands under my social belt!
What’s your favourite thing about working in social?
My absolute favourite thing about working in social (apart from a bloody good meme) is probably digital community management. I’ve looked after some of New Zealand’s biggest, most well known brands online. While it’s a tough job with immense amounts of pressure and client demands 24/7, I love building their communities and having great banter, especially when it’s a brand where you can have a little fun and be a little cheeky with the community. You honestly can’t beat a well-placed GIF.
What’s your least favourite thing about working in social?
My least favourite thing is probably the shifting technology and software, and trends constantly changing. Waking up each morning wondering what’s changed online and how it will affect you and your clients. You think you’re a Facebook and Instagram professional, then everything changes… and suddenly there are new buttons in new places and things don’t work the way they used to anymore. Relearning constantly can sometimes be a pain!
Top tip!
From a community manager/crisis team point of view, my top tip is definitely to re-read everything SUPER carefully before pushing the send/enter button. How can this copy potentially be misconstrued, have you answered all the questions being asked, how can you avoid a PR disaster from happening or pissing someone off? Re-reading, proofing, editing and getting someone to help sense check everything is super helpful and has helped save me from many potentially shitty moments in the past.