Nov 28, 2023 4 min read 🇬🇧

Newbie Manager in Media Communication? Learn from Someone Who’s Been There

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Hello, I'm Thomas, founder of an agency with four years in media production, campaigning, and social media management. I also co-founded BLUEPIC, a startup creating graphic template software for brand consistency in large teams. As both a manager and a media communicator, this blog aims to guide new leaders in media communication, though veterans may find new insights too. My advice comes from experience, but every situation is unique, so feel free to adapt it to your needs.

Stepping into a managerial role brings new challenges and opportunities, especially in the realm of media communication. The way your team handles social media, PR, and public awareness can significantly impact your company’s brand and reputation. This guide is crafted to help you leverage these tools effectively, creating a visible improvement that reflects your leadership skills.

Deep Dive into the Media Landscape

The media landscape is vast and constantly evolving. Start by identifying which platforms best align with your target audience. Different platforms cater to different demographics and interests: LinkedIn excels in professional content, Instagram in visual storytelling, Twitter in real-time updates. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for an effective media strategy. Knowledge of these platforms is key to effectively reaching and engaging your audience. For instance, video content is king on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, while LinkedIn thrives on thought leadership articles.

It's about making the platform's discovery mechanisms your ally!

Building a Skilled Media Team

Building a competent media team goes beyond just hiring the right people; it's about nurturing talent and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Identify team members who exhibit a knack for storytelling, graphic design, or data analytics. Invest in their growth through specialized training programs and workshops. Encourage them to stay updated with webinars and courses from industry leaders. This not only boosts their skills but also keeps your team ahead in the media game.

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However, there's a practical challenge to consider: media communication can be seen as extra work, and some employees prefer to stick strictly to their job descriptions without seeking additional responsibilities. Not everyone is driven by career ambitions! Focus on identifying and encouraging those who are.
For example, we had a client with several franchise stores where most employees weren't interested in social media work. But the two who were made a huge difference! One employee enjoyed being on camera, helping create engaging Instagram videos that got tens of thousands of views and boosted the channel's growth. Another, a store manager, regularly produced thoughtful and relevant content, gaining substantial trust and appreciation from our client.

Crafting a Comprehensive Media Strategy

A well-thought-out media strategy serves as a roadmap for your team's efforts. This strategy should include diverse content types like blog posts, social media updates, press releases, and videos. Also, plan a content calendar to maintain consistency. For example, you might decide to post industry-related news on Mondays, customer stories on Wednesdays, and behind-the-scenes content on Fridays. This structured approach ensures a balanced and engaging presence across all platforms.

Mastering Content Creation and Consistency

The heart of media communication lies in content. Encourage your team to brainstorm innovative content ideas that align with your brand's voice. For instance, if your brand is youthful and vibrant, consider quirky memes or interactive stories. In addition to creativity, emphasize the importance of quality and consistency. Regular posting schedules and maintaining a high standard in content quality are crucial in building a trustworthy and engaging brand image.

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If your company places high importance on brand identity, consider using templates for your social media content that align with your company's corporate design. Additionally, if you're concerned about your team potentially altering key elements of your brand design, it might be wise to explore BLUEPIC's brand-safe template software. The tool ensures your team can create content without risking the integrity of your brand's visual identity.

Fostering Audience Engagement

Active audience engagement transforms passive viewers into loyal brand advocates. Encourage your team to engage in meaningful conversations with your audience. This could involve responding to comments, creating interactive polls, or hosting Q&A sessions. Such engagement not only boosts your brand's relatability but also provides valuable insights into your audience’s preferences and concerns.

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Social media platform are smart. Channels that regularly engage with their audience will be seen as worthy to be followed and the algorithms will help increase your following.

Upholding Ethical Media Practices

Avoid misleading content or sensationalism just for the sake of engagement. Maintain transparency and honesty in all your communications. A strong ethical foundation is critical in building and maintaining a positive brand reputation in the long term.

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If you want a successful career, you definitely don't want to damage your company's brand identity!

Learning from Success Stories

Incorporate case studies of successful media campaigns in your industry. Analyze their strategies, content, and audience engagement tactics. Discuss with your team how these strategies can be adapted or improved upon for your purposes. This not only serves as inspiration but also as practical, real-world examples of effective media communication.

Conclusion: Making Your Mark

As a new manager, enhancing your team's media communication is a significant opportunity to demonstrate your leadership and strategic thinking. This journey requires a blend of creativity, analytical skills, and ethical practices. By staying informed, adaptable, and forward-thinking, you can lead your team to new heights in media communication, making a visible and impactful difference in your organization.

Thomas Wicke

- Trying to reinvent stuff