Find the Best Social Media Design Jobs

What does a Social Media Designer do?

In short, social media specialists design visual content to post on social media channels, including:

• Original illustrations
• High-definition photography
• GIFs
• Typography art
• Animations
• Videos

That may sound simple, but of course, social media design is about more than just throwing a few posts up every so often.

Effective social media marketing campaigns involve creating and scheduling posts across social media accounts on a consistent basis, whether that’s once a week or three times every day. Social media managers must coordinate posts in a way where content across all channels complements each other and also follows branding guidelines. In addition, they must be attuned to current events so as to tailor social media posts appropriately. For example, a workout attire brand would not want to post anything with a celebratory tone when a prominent sports figure passes away.

Finally, social media designers should possess marketing skills, which will be helpful in gauging a brand’s reputation, and then tailoring designs to reach a company’s target audiences.

What skills do I need to become a Social Media Designer?

Skills all social media designers should possess include knowledge of:

• Different social media platforms, including their demographics and what strategies work for each
• Knowledge of graphic design fundamentals
• Social media graphics tools like Canva and Adobe Spark for visuals and Easel.ly for infographics
• Higher-level graphic design skills using Adobe software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
• Photography and videography
• Logo design and web design skills

In addition, skills that will take social media work to the next level include:

• Analytics and search engine optimization tools like Google Analytics, SpyFu, and Semrush
• Social media management tools like Sprout Social and Hootsuite to schedule posts and track social media metrics
• Digital marketing and how to identify and reach target audiences
• Excellent communication skills, both for writing posts as well as for interacting with followers
• Copywriting skills
• Programming skills and computer science knowledge

What are the core Social Media Designer job responsibilities?

Many job descriptions will ask social media designers to:

• Plan, write, and post engaging content for various social media channels
• Design and produce high-quality digital media content
• Identify current trends and real-time news, tailoring content accordingly
• Determine which hashtags will best draw relevant audiences based on SEO research

Depending on the company, social media designers may also be expected to handle the duties of a social media marketer and:

• Collaborate with social media analysts to parse through social media data, including tracking metrics and KPIs
• Develop strategies for driving and increasing online traffic
• Conduct market research to gauge perceptions about the company by its target market and how to influence them
• Connect with influencers to run cross-promotional campaigns
• Perform ongoing community management, engaging with followers on a personal basis

Should I get a Social Media Designer degree or certification?

Like most designer jobs, a portfolio with samples of your social media design work as well as your own robust social media channels will show employers that you have the skills to do the job. That said, your educational background may help to strengthen your profile.

Many job postings for social media designers will seek candidates with bachelor’s degrees in subject areas like marketing and communications.

You can also find social media marketing boot camps such as those offered by General Assembly and the Digital Marketing Institute.

Alternatively, you can also look to improve specific skills that may contribute to your social media work, such as by learning photography, graphic design, video shooting and editing, or web development.