WHAT IS A VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MANAGER JOB?
A virtual community manager job is a role that involves managing and engaging with online communities on behalf of a company or organization. These communities can be found on various platforms such as social media, forums, or online groups. The main goal of a virtual community manager is to build and maintain positive relationships with community members, while also promoting the brand or organization they represent. This role requires a combination of communication skills, creativity, and a deep understanding of the target audience.
WHAT DO VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MANAGERS USUALLY DO IN THIS POSITION?
In a virtual community manager role, there are several key responsibilities that are typically involved. These include:
1. Community Engagement: Virtual community managers are responsible for actively engaging with community members by responding to comments, questions, and concerns. They facilitate conversations, encourage participation, and ensure that the community feels valued and heard.
2. Content Creation: Creating and sharing relevant and engaging content is another crucial aspect of the role. Virtual community managers may write blog posts, create social media posts, or curate content from other sources to keep the community informed and entertained.
3. Community Growth: Virtual community managers work towards growing the community by attracting new members and retaining existing ones. This can be done through various strategies such as hosting events, running promotional campaigns, and collaborating with influencers or partners.
4. Brand Advocacy: It is the responsibility of a virtual community manager to act as a brand ambassador and advocate for the organization they represent. They should be knowledgeable about the brand's values, products, and services, and effectively communicate them to the community.
5. Data Analysis: Monitoring and analyzing community metrics is essential to measure the success of community initiatives. Virtual community managers track engagement, reach, and sentiment to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.
TOP 5 SKILLS FOR VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MANAGER POSITIONS
- Excellent Communication Skills: Virtual community managers must have strong written and verbal communication skills to effectively engage with community members and convey the brand's message.
- Social Media Management: Proficiency in managing social media platforms and utilizing their features is crucial for virtual community managers. They should be familiar with scheduling tools, analytics, and community management features.
- Content Creation: Being able to create compelling and relevant content is essential. Virtual community managers should have a good understanding of content marketing principles and be able to produce engaging posts, articles, or videos.
- Relationship Building: Building and nurturing relationships with community members is a key aspect of the role. Virtual community managers should be empathetic, approachable, and able to handle both positive and negative interactions with professionalism.
- Analytical Skills: Virtual community managers need to be able to analyze data, track community metrics, and identify trends or areas for improvement. This requires a basic understanding of analytics tools and the ability to interpret data.
HOW TO BECOME A VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MANAGER
Becoming a virtual community manager typically requires a mix of education, experience, and specific skills. Here are some steps you can take to pursue a career in this field:
1. Education: While there is no specific degree required for virtual community management, a background in marketing, communications, or a related field can be beneficial. Courses or certifications in social media management can also provide valuable knowledge.
2. Gain Experience: Building experience in community management can be done through internships, volunteering, or managing your own online communities. This will help you develop the necessary skills and demonstrate your ability to engage and grow communities.
3. Develop Skills: Focus on developing the skills mentioned earlier, such as communication, social media management, content creation, and relationship building. Utilize online resources, attend webinars, or take courses to enhance your skill set.
4. Networking: Networking with professionals in the industry can provide valuable insights and potential job opportunities. Join relevant online communities, attend industry events, and connect with virtual community managers to expand your network.
5. Job Search: Look for virtual community manager positions on job boards, company websites, and social media platforms. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Be prepared for interviews by showcasing your ability to manage and engage with communities effectively.
AVERAGE SALARY
The average salary for a virtual community manager can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the size of the organization. According to data from Payscale, the average salary for a virtual community manager in the United States is around $50,000 per year. However, salaries can range from $35,000 to $70,000 or more, depending on the specific circumstances.
ROLES AND TYPES
Virtual community manager roles can vary depending on the industry and the organization's specific needs. Some common types of virtual community manager positions include:
1. Social Media Community Manager: These managers focus on managing and engaging with communities on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
2. Forum Community Manager: Forum community managers oversee and moderate online forums or discussion boards, ensuring that the community guidelines are followed and facilitating meaningful discussions.
3. Brand Community Manager: Brand community managers work specifically for a brand or company and focus on building and nurturing a community of brand advocates and loyal customers.
4. Online Community Manager: Online community managers can work in various industries and manage communities across different online platforms, including social media, forums, and online groups.
LOCATIONS WITH THE MOST POPULAR JOBS IN THE USA
Virtual community manager positions can be found throughout the United States, but certain locations may have more opportunities than others. Some of the cities with a high demand for virtual community managers include:
- San Francisco, California
- New York City, New York
- Austin, Texas
- Seattle, Washington
- Chicago, Illinois
These cities are known for their vibrant tech and marketing industries, making them ideal locations for virtual community manager jobs.
WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL TOOLS USED BY VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MANAGERS?
Virtual community managers rely on various tools and software to effectively manage and engage with communities. Some typical tools used in this role include:
- Social Media Management Platforms: Tools like Hootsuite, Sprout Social, or Buffer help virtual community managers schedule posts, monitor mentions, and analyze social media metrics.
- Collaboration Tools: Platforms such as Slack or Trello facilitate communication and collaboration with team members, allowing virtual community managers to streamline their workflow and stay organized.
- Analytics Tools: Tools like Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, or Twitter Analytics provide valuable data and insights into community engagement, reach, and other key metrics.
- Content Creation Tools: Virtual community managers often use tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud to create visually appealing graphics, videos, or other multimedia content.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems: CRM systems like Salesforce or HubSpot help virtual community managers organize and track interactions with community members, ensuring personalized and efficient communication.
IN CONCLUSION
Virtual community manager jobs play a crucial role in building and maintaining positive relationships between organizations and their online communities. These professionals need a combination of excellent communication skills, social media management expertise, content creation abilities, and a passion for building relationships. By following the steps to become a virtual community manager and developing the necessary skills, you can pursue a rewarding career in this field. Remember to stay up-to-date with industry trends and continuously adapt your strategies to engage and grow online communities effectively.