Melissa Want to get into community management? Great idea! It’s a booming sector, and honestly, who wouldn’t want to get paid to scroll through Instagram or TikTok all day? Okay, fine, it’s a bit more complicated than that, but don’t worry, I’m here to guide you. Whether you want to switch careers, boost your job prospects, or simply develop your skills, there are plenty of training courses tailored to your needs. Let’s discover together what you need to become an expert community manager.
What is community management, and why should you train for it?
Community management is the art (yes, the art!) of managing and animating an online community around a brand, product, or service. Basically, a community manager (or CM for friends) creates and shares content, interacts with followers, moderates comments (yes, even those from trolls), and analyzes the performance of posts to optimize their client’s or company’s online presence.
So, why train for this job? Simple: social networks are everywhere. Companies know that a good online presence is crucial for growth. By training, you’ll learn to master platforms like Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and even automation tools that will save you time (because, spoiler alert, you can’t do everything manually!).
The best community manager training programs in 2024
Now that you’re convinced (I knew it!), let’s look at the best training programs in 2024 to become a community manager. They are eligible for CPF (Personal Training Account) and cater to different profiles: beginners, pros looking to switch careers, or experts who want to improve their skills.
- OpenClassrooms: a highly flexible online training with a personal mentor. Plus, it’s certified and eligible for CPF. You even have access to a community of learners on Slack. Perfect for never feeling alone on your journey!
- IMCI: their program is hands-on with practical workshops and an active community (#IMCIFamily). They offer varied modules and personalized support, ideal for improving quickly.
- Cegos: one of the classics! Their training immerses you in all aspects of the job, with courses on Instagram, TikTok, and even on using artificial intelligence (yes, even CMs need to be on top of tech).
- L’École Française: small group training for personalized follow-up. The best part? They are available in several cities, such as Paris, Lyon, or Marseille, but also online for more flexibility.
Here’s a little comparison table to help you choose:
| Training | Duration | Average Cost | Available Funding? | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenClassrooms | 6 months | 3000 € | CPF, Pôle Emploi | Online |
| IMCI | 3 months | 2500 € | CPF | Mixed |
| Cegos | 12 months | 3500 € | CPF, company | In-person and online |
| L’École Française | 4 weeks | 1500 € | CPF | Online |
Essential skills and tools to excel
So, what do you actually learn in these training programs? Here’s an overview of the key skills you will acquire:
- Social media strategy: you will learn to develop an effective strategy for each platform (because yes, what works on LinkedIn isn’t necessarily suitable for TikTok).
- Content creation: catchy texts, impactful photos, captivating videos… the community manager must know how to do it all!
- Analysis tools: to measure the impact of your actions, you will use tools like Google Analytics or native tools from social networks.
- Monitoring and e-reputation: knowing how to manage comments and protect the brand’s image online (goodbye bad buzz!).
Social networks: which network for which strategy?
Each network has its specifics, and as a future CM, you will need to master them:
- Instagram: the king of image networks. It’s where we share photos, short videos (reels), and stories. It’s great for lifestyle, fashion, and beauty brands.
- TikTok: the must-have platform to reach young people. Ideal for short videos and viral trends. Be warned, you need to be creative!
- LinkedIn: the professional network par excellence. We publish articles, job offers, or company achievements here. Perfect for B2B.
Alumni reviews and success stories
If you’re wondering if it’s really worth it to take a community management training course, let me reassure you: testimonials from alumni speak for themselves. Many have transitioned thanks to these training programs and now hold positions as social media communication officers, content managers, or even freelance community managers. Here’s what some of them say:
“Thanks to the IMCI training, I was able to transition in just three months. Today, I work as a community manager for a tech start-up and manage several Instagram and TikTok accounts.” – Julie, 28 years old
“The OpenClassrooms training allowed me to master essential tools and create a real social media strategy for my clients. I recommend it!” – Théo, 32 years old
A little word on funding: how to obtain your CPF?
The CPF is your ally to finance your training without breaking the bank. If you are an employee, self-employed, or job seeker, you are entitled to it! Basically, you accumulate training rights each year (about €500) that you can use for training. And if you don’t use them, no worries, they accumulate!
Ready to get started? Share your journey and build your community!
Now that you know the basics and have all the information to choose your community management training, it’s time to dive in! Don’t hesitate to share this article with friends or colleagues looking to switch careers, or follow us to discover more articles and practical guides. Who knows, the next successful community manager could be you!
