One thing is abundantly clear: social media is now necessary for global commerce, and 2014 will be the catalyst for vital social media marketing positions. (Click here to Tweet this thought.)

Social media is more than liking or retweeting a post; it’s a new, cutting-edge marketing medium with unlimited potential. According to Constant Contact’s Small Businesses: Then and Now Survey conducted in May 2013, social media marketing has exploded, with 87 percent of small businesses using social media as a marketing tool today.

Since social media marketing requires a combination of analytical skills, good communication and performing extensive research, you can bet business, communications and English-related degrees are good candidates for 2014 social media job openings.

Explore the new frontier of marketing with these six up-and-coming social media positions:

1. Search engine optimization (SEO) specialist

Companies want to be visible to potential and current customers. To do so, SEO specialists are essential. SEO specialists wear many different hats, each of which are designed to boost website rankings within relevant search results.

This job involves analyzing websites, testing different marketing techniques and creating new quality content. SEO specialists also use social media websites to market new content. In an age where digital technology outperforms print sources, social media is a quick way to spread more than status updates and commercial information.

SEO specialist positions often require a bachelor’s degree and at least one to three years of Web experience. Knowledge in HTML, CSS and blogging is a plus.

Approximate annual salary: $69,000

2. Social media strategist

Social media strategists work on creating a public profile for companies, allowing them to interact freely with customers on social media sites. Though posts are about company services and products, these business social media accounts help develop an interactive business-customer relationship.

It’s marketing by humanizing a company through online social interactions. The more social media followers a company has, the more their products and services are recognized.

Social media strategist positions often require a bachelor’s degree and two years of previous work experience in social media marketing.

Approximate annual salary: $61,000

3. Online community manager

An online community manager is a liaison between a company and an online community (e.g., social networks, message boards and email groups). As more people come together online to share similar interests and ideals, online marketers have the perfect opportunity to target these groups and pitch their own products and services.

The online community manager’s goal is to use online communities to increase brand loyalty and Web traffic and to maximize their company’s social media marketing strategy.

It involves analytical, creative and business-oriented skills to promote a company, products and services. An online community manager never has the same job any single day; it involves adapting to new online technologies and social media tools.

This position often requires a bachelor’s degree, two years within a business setting and experience with Photoshop, video editing and website development.

Approximate annual salary: $59,000

4. Social media marketing manager

Social media marketing managers oversee the design and execution of social media marketing strategies. Their goal is to drive audience growth and bring their company and brands to the forefront.

A number of social media tools are used to analyze the best marketing tactics for each social site. Since each social networking platform works differently, content has to be adapted to maximize its effects. The social media marketing manager oversees the communications strategy for these platforms and delegates their goals and expectations to the rest of the online marketing team.

Social media marketing manager positions often require a bachelor’s degree (an MBA is sometimes preferred), a minimum of five years of digital marketing experience, excellent verbal/written communication skills and a solid understanding of social media platforms.

Approximate annual salary: $57,000

5. Social media marketing coordinator

Social media marketing coordinators write unique content and take photos and videos for the social media accounts they administer. The position involves frequent social media post updates (hours on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, etc.) and use of social media analysis tools.

A college degree isn’t required, but strong written/verbal skills, proficient blogging and knowledge of social media platforms and video editing are all necessities of the position.

Approximate annual salary: $47,000

6. Blogger or social media copywriter

The word “blogger” has become overly generalized as a simple hobby for some people. But for businesses and marketing firms worldwide, bloggers and social media copywriters are essential in creating an online presence. It’s a strategy of numbers, and the role of the blogger is crucial for receiving online attention.

There’s a dual function behind this position: 1) create engaging and factual online content via blog posts, social media networks, message boards etc.; and 2) attract readers and followers.

Posts often include keywords that, when clicked on, redirect readers to a specific company website or related page. Where a spammer presents irrelevant, flashy content to readers, bloggers and social media copywriters deliver valuable online information to their readers.

Bloggers and social media copywriters require exceptional written skills to deliver concise information. A college degree isn’t required, but is often preferred.

Approximate annual salary: $43,000

In 2014, prepare for a new chapter in online marketing. Social media marketing will help personalize the business experience and reach an unlimited pool of potential consumers. Since online social demands will only continue to grow and evolve, these positions will redefine marketing’s online future — and it begins here.

Salary data from Simply Hired.

Andrea Fisher is an online marketer and content specialist for Excite Education. She has an English degree and Political Science minor from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her work has been published in a variety of publications, including the Chicago Tribune and Business Insider.

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The post 6 Social Media Jobs That’ll Be Big in 2014 appeared first on Brazen Life.

It’s a common question — should you enter the job market right away or take a leap of faith and enroll at a university, community college or technical school?

The answer depends on several factors, including the amount of student loan debt accumulated, declared major and ability to gain employment, and the future of job industries.

1. Student loan debt

These three words are a potential burden for the next 10 to 20 years. The cost of higher education is nothing short of expensive; in fact, the rates have doubled.

On top of higher living expenses and a fluctuating job market,student loan debt reached the $1 trillion mark in 2012. Market Probe, Inc. and Wells Fargo conducted a study that showed many young professionals — 31 percent — believe working would have been a better choice than college.

The study fails to mention several important factors: what did the 31 percent major in, and what were their employment statuses and salaries?

Sure, it’s hard to pay off an average of $28,000 in student loans, yet if that’s the path to take, there are ways to minimize the pain.

The real question becomes: what’s the prospective return of this expensive investment? (Click here to Tweet this thought.)

2. Declared major and gaining employment in the job market

Before making your mind up as to whether or not to apply to colleges or tech schools, research your intended major. Some majors are more lucrative and employable than others.

Know the product before you buy it. That $28,000 is a big price tag, so find the median salaries and unemployment rates for your prospective study area.

Depending on the industry, that $28,000 or so in student loans could be worth it.

3. Up-and-coming job industries

If education is an investment for the future, it makes sense to see where the future is headed.

Certain positions are becoming outdated thanks to growing technology and other advancements. Don’t get caught up in a dying industry; seek careers with future job growth.

Check out resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ list that shows specific industries projected to grow or decline from now until 2020.

Before you throw in the towel — or dive into the land of academia — know what to expect career-wise. College is an investment that can offer little or much in return. It just depends on your circumstances.

Andrea Fisher is an online marketer and content specialist for ADT business security. She is a published journalist and blogger with an English degree and Political Science minor from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

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Though today’s job market is still mending from the 2008 recession, it isn’t as black and white as it was. English majors are no longer forced into a confined box, limited to professions in education or journalism. Those aspiring to receive an English degree and those who already have one face a labor market that desires their unique set of skills and abilities.

For starters, English majors read and interpret varying data. They formulate sound arguments, backed by detailed research and, in this process, are able to multitask—keeping up with the demands of other classes and topics of study. English degree-holders know what it means to be adaptable.

These transferable talents will go a long way in an unpredictable economic climate. As the job market continues to fluctuate, English majors will emerge, time after time, with their heads above water.

Businesses recognize their talents and discipline; it’s time to expand beyond the box and explore a labor market that could use more creative and adaptable thinkers. These five jobs are just a few of the positions that apply skills obtained throughout an English major’s education:

1. SEO content writer

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a field of online marketing comprised of traditional marketing practices combined with online components. SEO content writers are in high demand all throughout the business industry.

For those unfamiliar with SEO, it’s online advertising: marketing specific clients to various websites. Targeted websites are assessed by Web analytic tools that read their strength and quality. SEO content writers are essentially professional bloggers who write with a specific client in mind. The demand for online marketing has made SEO a crucial element for many businesses.

Most schools don’t offer courses in this field; however, English majors have all the necessary tools to make SEO a profitable career.

Approximate annual salary: $56,000

2. Copywriter

Copywriting is an English major’s dream. Anyone familiar with AMC’s hit show Mad Men has seen a depiction of the industry’s earlier days.

Copywriting is the bridge between creative writing and advertising. It entails proofreading and editing copy, creating banner ads, writing digital and print copy and taking part in social media campaigns via Facebook and Twitter.

Those with a colorful and creative mind should seek a position in this field. Every business, big and small, utilizes a creative department—complete with copywriters.

Approximate annual salary: $53,000

3. Public relations

In today’s economy and the progression from print to digital media, those with a background in journalism will prosper in a switch to public relations. This field requires a strong background in research, database maintenance and the ability to relay vital information in a cohesive manner.

Public relations is the strategic, marketing-based cousin of journalism. PR generalists use AP style writing to create company newsletters, press releases and content for social media.

Approximate annual salary: $52,000

4. Technical writer

Remember when you bought all of those new appliances? Each contained a product manual. Technical writers are in charge of creating these manuals and supporting documents. They communicate complex and technical information in an easy-to-understand way.

As technology increases and the demand for consumer goods rises, technical writing is an industry where many English majors can excel and make a lucrative living.

Approximate annual salary: $52,000

5. B2B content writer

B2B marketing, or business-to-business marketing, centers on organizations and their ability to sell products to other companies for resale. A classic example of this is a wholesaler that sells its products to individual retailers.

Content writers for B2B marketing are in charge of marketing their products for a different type of client, other businesses, not individual people. To reach this type of demographic, most B2B content writers rely heavily on online content writing.

Approximate annual salary: $34,000

English majors utilize skills that work well within today’s demanding business world. While these positions may not lead to writing the next great American novel, combining the creative mind with an entrepreneurial spirit can offer a lucrative life—far from any notion of starving artists.

Salary data from Simply Hired.

Andrea Fisher is an online marketer and content specialist for DISH Mobile TV. She is a published journalist and blogger with an English degree and Political Science minor from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

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This is the time of the dreaded “quarter-life crisis.” Unpredictability seems to surround everything—particularly when considering employment opportunities and financial stability. You face a rocky start in an economy that’s still recovering from the Great Recession of 2008.

Amid this difficulty, you can stay ahead of the financial curve by following two basic tips:

1. Personal marketing trumps all other tactics for landing your first job

In the job market, a college degree doesn’t guarantee a job, nor does it give you a huge advantage. Yet, a degree is worth the hundreds of study hours you put in and the thousands of dollars you spent on tuition (or will be paying over the next 10 years). With the fragile labor market, you may have to make do with a position that’s completely out of your field. The good news is that if you have a college degree, you face half the unemployment rate as those with only high school diplomas.

According to a 2012 study from the National Employment Law Project, three-fifths of the jobs lost during the recession paid middle-income wages. Since then, the economy has improved, but many of the recently created jobs pay lower wages. Fewer jobs are available in certain fields, making the job-to-applicant ratio disproportional. It’s the perfect employer’s market, with a large pool selection of qualified candidates.

Adding to this predicament, recent grads must either climb the corporate ladder or become self-made entrepreneurs; all the while being 10 to 15 years financially behind graduates from previous years. Quite simply, a college degree won’t get you in the door, and it won’t mean getting paid top dollar. It simply provides one of the basic components that need to be checked off on your resume.

What will help you get hired is how you market yourself.

Today’s luck of the draw depends on the trainability and flexibility given from those four, five or six years spent in college. Research, write and ace the test. Translated to the real world, that means: create an effective resume and cover letter and leverage your LinkedIn profile to network and aggressively job hunt. The key is to be seen throughout the employment market and distinguish yourself from the competition.

With social media platforms, networking has never been easier. Job search platforms such as Indeed.com list millions of available jobs. As someone who grew up in this multi-faceted digital era, it should be easy for you to use online tools and mobile apps to increase your odds for success.

2. Stick to your budget and save

If you just graduated, frugal living might be a reality. But try to make it a priority, too. Putting that extra graduation cash towards bills or for a rainy day will help set the stage for financial success.

Today’s economic uncertainty makes it essential to budget, reduce spending and save. Begin by calculating all of the necessary monthly payments needed for rent, utility, gas and groceries. Find ways to curb spending, research the best deals for new appliances, Internet and other optional daily amenities. Or, simply do without.

Even if you’re making bank as you’re job hunting, saving should still be a priority. Check to see if your bank has special offers on savings accounts. When you make a purchase with your debit card, some banks will round up to the nearest dollar and automatically deposit the extra “change” into your savings. Even if it doesn’t seem like a lot, that money adds up and will come in handy if you need it.

For recent graduates who are looking to find their way in society, there’s plenty of opportunity. It may not be as accessible as in previous years, but by marketing yourself in this type of economy and learning to live on a budget, you can set yourself up for financial and career success.

Andrea Fisher is an online marketer and content specialist for DISH’s best internet and TV bundles. She is a published journalist and blogger with an English degree and political science minor from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

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