The development of digital technologies and the increasing popularity of social networks have created a new market for professions, where the SMM manager has become a key figure in brand promotion. Companies no longer view social networks as entertainment tools – they are now full-fledged business platforms that generate revenue. A skilled specialist helps businesses build communication with the audience, increase sales, enhance brand recognition, and foster customer loyalty. Understanding the details of the profession will help you grasp what an SMM manager does, what tasks they perform, and what is needed for a successful start in the profession.
Who is an SMM Manager, What They Do, and Why Businesses Need Them
An SMM specialist is involved in the strategic management of social networks, develops content strategies, optimizes advertising campaigns, analyzes effectiveness metrics, and interacts with subscribers. Businesses require professional promotion on social networks because modern consumer habits are formed here.

By 2024, around 4.95 billion people will be actively using social networks, with the average user spending 2 hours and 31 minutes on them daily. Brands understand that without a quality presence in the media, they lose a significant market share. Companies of any scale need professional management of their accounts: small businesses use social networks for direct sales, medium-sized businesses for building long-term relationships with customers, and large corporations for shaping their image and managing reputation.
What does an SMM manager do? They:
- Increase audience reach and engagement.
- Develop engaging content that encourages interaction from subscribers.
- Set up targeted advertising to attract new customers.
- Manage brand reputation and respond promptly to crisis situations.
- Analyze metrics and adjust promotion strategies.
What an SMM Manager Does: Key Tasks
A promotion specialist is responsible for a wide range of functions that require not only creativity but also analytical thinking. The work is based on several key directions.
Development of Promotion Strategy
Before starting work on social networks, it is necessary to define goals: increasing sales, enhancing loyalty, attracting new audiences, or strengthening reputation. An SMM manager analyzes the market, evaluates competitors, defines key metrics (KPIs), and develops a strategy. For example, when working with a clothing brand on Instagram, goals may include a 20% increase in engagement over three months, gaining 15,000 new followers per quarter, and a 12% increase in average purchase value.
Content Creation and Management
Quality content is the foundation of successful promotion. The specialist develops a plan, determines publication formats (texts, photos, videos, stories, Reels, podcasts), monitors trends, and analyzes audience reactions. For a fitness brand, content may include workout videos, expert posts from trainers, customer reviews, engaging marathons, and challenges.
Setting Up and Managing Targeted Advertising
Targeting allows for attracting a paying audience. The employee segments customers, tests creatives, and analyzes ad effectiveness. For instance, when launching ads on Facebook for a cosmetics online store, audience sectors are created: women aged 25-35 interested in organic products, and men aged 30-45 looking for gifts.
Engaging Subscribers and Reputation Management
Communication with the audience is key to increasing loyalty. An SMM manager responds to comments, handles negativity, participates in discussions, organizes contests, and engaging activities. For example, in an IT company’s Telegram channel, polls, discussions, and AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions are conducted.
Metrics Analysis and Reporting
Working on social networks requires constant data analysis. The specialist tracks engagement indicators, reach, conversion, ad campaign effectiveness, and adjusts strategies. For example, if there is a 30% decrease in activity on Instagram, content audit is conducted, new formats are tested, and posting schedules are changed.
Skills Required for an SMM Manager
Successful specialists combine a creative approach with the ability to analyze data and manage advertising budgets. Important skills include:
- Knowledge of social network algorithms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Telegram).
- Copywriting and storytelling (ability to write engaging texts, create viral content).
- Working with graphics and video (Canva, Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, CapCut).
- Advertising setup (Facebook Ads Manager, TikTok Ads, Google Ads).
- Metrics analysis (Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, Yandex.Metrica).
- Crisis management (handling negativity, reputation restoration).
Becoming an SMM Manager
The profession does not require a university degree but demands a deep understanding of digital marketing. Training can be obtained through online courses, internships, and practical work on real projects.
Where to study:
- Courses: Netology, Skillbox, GeekBrains, Coursera, Udemy.
- Certifications: Facebook Blueprint, Google Digital Marketing.
- Practice: working on small projects, managing personal accounts.
How to gain initial experience:
- Create and manage a personal blog to test strategies.
- Participate in volunteer projects and intern at small businesses.
- Complete tasks on freelance platforms (Fl.ru, Upwork, Kwork).
Career Prospects
The digital marketing market continues to grow. By 2025, the social media market volume will exceed $200 billion, and advertising budgets will increase by 12% annually. The outlook creates a stable demand for specialists capable of promoting brands online.

Average Salaries for SMM Managers in 2025
The specialist’s income depends on competency level, experience, and work region. In Russia and the CIS, average figures vary based on qualifications:
- Junior (novice, up to a year of experience) – 40,000-60,000 rubles. Main tasks include social media management, basic analytics, and content work.
- Middle (2-3 years of experience) – 80,000-120,000 rubles. This level involves in-depth analytics, setting up ad campaigns, and developing promotion strategies.
- Senior (3+ years of experience) – 150,000+ rubles. It includes team management, developing large-scale marketing strategies.
Conclusion
Understanding what an SMM manager does allows you to assess the prospects of the profession. Demand, flexibility, and growth opportunities make the specialty attractive for those willing to develop in digital marketing. Mastering the profession requires practice, learning advertising tools, analytics, and content work.