Social media has grown into more than a place for memes or reconnecting with friends. For businesses, it’s a powerful engine that drives awareness, engagement, and sales. That’s where a social media strategist comes in. These professionals don’t just post updates, they design strategies, analyze results, and ensure a brand’s presence on social platforms is meaningful and effective.
Here’s a compelling stat to put things into perspective: as of 2025, over 63% of the population uses social media, spending an average of more than two hours daily across platforms. Brands that fail to leverage social media risk being invisible to this massive audience. This rising demand has fueled the need for skilled social media strategists who can navigate this dynamic landscape.
If you’ve ever asked yourself how to become a social media strategist, this guide will walk you through ten concrete steps to build a successful career in the field.
1. Understand What a Social Media Strategist Does
Before diving in, it’s critical to know exactly what this role entails. A social media strategist is responsible for planning, executing, and optimizing social media campaigns to align with a brand’s overall marketing objectives.
They work on a variety of tasks:
- Creating content calendars
- Monitoring engagement and analytics
- Managing communities and interacting with followers
- Collaborating with marketing and creative teams
- Testing new ideas to grow reach and engagement
A social media content strategist often focuses more narrowly on content planning, creation, and optimization. Meanwhile, a full social media strategist manages the bigger picture, combining content, strategy, and analytics into a cohesive plan.
Knowing the scope of the job helps you identify the skills and experiences you’ll need as you build your career.
2. Get the Right Education
While there’s no one “required” degree, a background in marketing, communications, journalism, or public relations can give you a solid foundation. Many employers appreciate candidates who understand marketing principles, consumer psychology, and media trends.
If you don’t want to commit to a four-year degree right away, online courses can also be incredibly useful. Platforms like HubSpot Academy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning offer certifications in social media marketing, content strategy, and analytics. Even a short, structured course can boost your credibility and teach practical skills you’ll use daily as a social media strategist.
3. Gain Hands-On Experience Early
There’s no substitute for experience. Start small, even managing social media for a personal project, a friend’s business, or a local nonprofit counts. The key is to get familiar with:
- Creating content for different platforms
- Scheduling posts efficiently
- Monitoring engagement and follower growth
- Using analytics tools like Google Analytics, Sprout Social, or Hootsuite
Real-world experience allows you to experiment, learn from mistakes, and see what actually works to engage audiences.
4. Build a Portfolio That Showcases Your Work
A portfolio is essential if you want to be taken seriously. Don’t just list tasks, you want to show results. Include:
- Content calendars you created
- Campaign graphics, videos, or posts
- Analytics showing engagement growth, follower increases, or conversions
- Case studies or mini-reports on projects
Think of your portfolio as your professional story. Employers and clients want to see evidence that you can plan, execute, and measure campaigns effectively. A well-presented portfolio can set you apart from other candidates, even if your formal experience is limited.
5. Stay Updated with Social Media Trends
Social media moves fast. Platforms constantly change algorithms, launch new features, or phase out outdated tools. As a strategist, you must stay on top of trends to keep your campaigns relevant.
Follow reputable blogs, attend webinars, and join professional communities. Some key areas to monitor include:
- Short-form video trends like TikTok or Instagram Reels
- Algorithm changes on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
- New tools for analytics, scheduling, or content creation
- Emerging platforms and niches
Being proactive ensures your strategies are always optimized and competitive.
6. Network with Industry Professionals
Your network can make a huge difference in your career growth. Connect with other marketers, strategists, and content creators on LinkedIn, Twitter, and industry forums.
Networking benefits include:
- Access to job openings before they’re publicly posted
- Learning from peers’ successes and mistakes
- Collaboration opportunities on campaigns or projects
You don’t need to attend every conference. Even participating in online communities, sharing insights, and asking questions can help you build valuable relationships in the field.
7. Start with Internships or Entry-Level Roles
If you’re unsure about jumping directly into a strategist role, internships or positions like social media assistant or coordinator are excellent starting points. These roles allow you to:
- Understand processes in professional settings
- Work with multiple platforms and content types
- Gain mentorship from experienced strategists
These experiences often transition into full-time social media strategist positions. They provide exposure to real campaigns and teach you how to handle the pressures and deadlines that come with managing a brand’s social presence.
8. Develop Complementary Skills
Being a social media strategist isn’t just about knowing how to post. You’ll need additional skills to excel:
- Graphic design basics: Using Canva, Photoshop, or Illustrator to create visually appealing content
- Video editing: Short-form video is dominant on most platforms, and basic editing skills are a huge plus
- SEO knowledge: Helps your content reach a wider audience organically
- Data analysis: Ability to interpret engagement metrics and adjust strategies accordingly
The more versatile your skill set, the more valuable you become to employers or clients.
9. Earn Certifications to Boost Credibility
Certifications aren’t mandatory but can significantly enhance your profile. Some well-recognized options include:
- HubSpot Social Media Marketing Certification
- Facebook Blueprint Certification
- Google Analytics Individual Qualification
- Certifications show employers you have both the knowledge and the commitment to your craft. They can also give you confidence in your ability to strategize and manage campaigns effectively.
10. Continuously Learn and Adapt
Even after landing a social media strategist role, learning never stops. Platforms evolve, audience preferences change, and new technologies emerge. The most successful strategists are those who:
- Regularly review analytics and assess campaign effectiveness
- Seek feedback from peers and mentors
- Experiment with new content formats and approaches
Continuous learning ensures your strategies remain effective and your career continues to grow.
Why Curiosity and Creativity Define a Social Media Strategist
At the end of the day, being a social media strategist is as much about curiosity and experimentation as it is about skill and strategy. It’s about understanding people, spotting trends before they become mainstream, and turning insights into content that actually connects.
The most successful strategists aren’t just planners, they’re storytellers, analysts, and problem-solvers all rolled into one. If you approach this career with a mindset of continuous learning and creative exploration, you’ll not only help brands thrive online but also carve out a space for yourself in one of the most dynamic fields in marketing today.