Community manager: The expert in online communities

The job of community manager (CM) has established itself as a key function in the digital world. This web professional juggles social networks, animates communities and oversees the online reputation of his or her organization. But what does their day-to-day work really entail, and why is this position so sought-after?

A job at the heart of web 2.0

The community manager is the digital spokesperson for a brand, a company or even a public figure. Their mission? Create, federate and engage an online community. He’s on all fronts: posting on social networks, replying to messages, managing comments… And when necessary, he’s also the one who defuses crises linked to bad buzz or serial trolls.

This profession, born with the explosion of the interactive web, requires the ability to create captivating content, be it videos, visuals or even organizing online events to engage web users.

How do I become a community manager?

To land this job, you should generally aim for a bac +3 to bac +5 in communications, marketing or multimedia. More technical courses such as bachelor’s degrees in e-marketing or master’s degrees in digital strategy are also springboards.

In terms of skills, the CM must be versatile:

• Creative, to captivate your audience.
• Organized, because managing several networks requires a good dose of method.
• Curious, to keep abreast of web trends.
• And of course, he needs to master tools like Google Analytics, Photoshop and social networking platforms.

how much does it pay?

Salary often depends on experience and the size of the company. At the start of a career, a CM can expect to earn €2,200 gross per month, but in a large company or as a freelancer with high-profile clients, this can rise to €4,500 and more for expert profiles.

Possible developments

Community management is also a gateway to other digital professions. With a few years’ experience, a CM can progress to positions such as :

• Social media manager, overseeing all social media strategy.
• Digital communications manager, to manage a more global vision.
• Or as an independent consultant, helping brands define their online presence.

In a nutshell

Being a community manager isn’t just about posting stories on Instagram or replying to tweets. It’s a truly strategic job that combines creativity, responsiveness and an excellent command of the web. So, whether you’re passionate about social networks or dream of working in digital communications, the role of CM could well be for you.

Want to go behind the scenes of brands and their digital strategies? The job of community manager is just waiting for you.