Difference between Social Media Manager and Community Manager

Community Manager 

For some companies, a Community Manager handles all digital aspects, but this can differ significantly from reality.

Therefore, it's crucial to define the objectives of this new professional profile to understand what their work entails and why it's essential for brands. 

It's important to know the required skills, aptitudes, and behaviors that contribute to the value of this profession.

Typically, the Community Manager takes on tasks previously managed by different team members like public relations, marketing plan implementation, customer service, and identifying needs. 

Additionally, they now handle new digital roles such as connecting with audiences, being the online voice of the brand, and creating tailored content for fans.

In general, the Community Manager:

• Is an undervalued role. Many assume managing social media is like personal use, but it involves much more.
• Juggles numerous daily tasks from strategic social media management to content curation, digital customer service, and online reputation monitoring.

Key Tasks and Functions of a CM:

• Online user support as community facilitator
• Promoting brand image through content creation
• Monitoring brand mentions: Constantly overseeing social platforms to manage comments about the company, competitors, and market sentiment.
• Identifying leaders and advocates: Guiding them towards a positive view of the brand and involving them in brand dialogue with followers.
• Establishing collaboration guidelines with internal stakeholders: Brand ambassadors.
• Crisis management: Handling negative situations around a brand on social media effectively. Their role involves resolving conflicts and maintaining customer satisfaction through active listening and error minimization.
• Implementing a marketing plan.

Skills of a CM:

• Strong written and verbal communication tailored to the brand.
• Empathy and listening skills.
• Creativity.
• Deep knowledge of the brand and relevant tools.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Adaptability and continuous learning.

Avoid Common Mistakes:

• Focusing solely on product sales and neglecting audience interaction.
• Mishandling criticism.
• Being self-centered.
• Lack of transparency or deleting comments.
• Unclear brand voice.
• Plagiarism or not citing sources.
• Falsifying information without verification.
• Not collaborating effectively with other departments.

Types of Community Managers:

• Internal CM
• External CM

In robust companies with comprehensive social media departments, responsibilities are divided among various roles like CMs, Social Media Managers (SMMs), Social Media Strategists, Social Media Analysts, and Content Creators.

Social Media Manager 

The Social Media Manager (SMM) oversees the development and execution of marketing and communication strategies on social media platforms for brands or individuals. 

They manage social media presence to increase brand visibility, engage with the audience, and achieve marketing goals. 

Both SMMs and CMs create and publish content, but the SMM's strategy guides these activities.

Key Differences between SMM and CM:

• SMM typically has more experience managing online environments than a CM.
• They coordinate and ensure the execution of global social media strategies within an organization.
• They supervise and work closely with social media strategy leads, providing guidance to CMs on implementation.

In summary, while the Social Media Manager focuses on strategic campaigns and execution across social media, the Community Manager concentrates on community management and direct interaction with followers. 

Both roles are complementary and crucial for a brand's online success.