What is a community manager?

A community manager is responsible for building and nurturing relationships between a brand and its audience. They create an inclusive environment where people feel connected to the brand and each other. From moderating conversations to sparking engagement, community managers are key in turning customers and followers into loyal, engaged members of a brand’s community. 

What does a community manager do?

A community manager oversees all interactions happening between a brand and its audience, handling interactions that go beyond social media. They create and nurture a space where people can engage directly with the brand, share ideas, ask for support, and build relationships with others in the community. 

Some of the key responsibilities of a community manager include:

• Engaging with community members through comments, DMs, or discussion threads.
• Hosting events or virtual meetups to strengthen the community.
• Monitoring feedback and using insights to inform the team about customer needs.
• Creating and enforcing community guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful environment.

What platforms does a Community Manager use?

Community managers operate across various platforms depending on where their audience is most active. Some of the most common platforms are:

• Facebook Groups are ideal for creating a private space where users can interact, share experiences, and discuss topics relevant to the brand on social media.
• Slack and Discord are popular for businesses and professional communities, allowing real-time chats and discussions.
• Reddit and Telegram are great for more public and open communities that focus on specific topics or industries.

How does a community manager differ from a social media manager?

While social media managers focus on publishing and promoting content to grow a brand’s following, community managers focus on fostering one-on-one relationships with community members on social media and beyond. Rather than posting as the brand, they often act as individuals, allowing them to engage more personally with the audience.

Kaylin Marcotte, who has built two thriving communities on startup budgets, first as Director of Marketing and Community at theSkimm and now as the founder and CEO of puzzle company JIGGY, shares her advice for doing it right.