How to Become a Freelance Social Media Manager in 2024
Okay, SO, you’re looking to make a career move and you’re considering freelance social media management.
Let’s freaking GO!!!! I’m so pumped for you. This career path is a wild ride, but one that is more than worth it.
I won’t give away all that’s in store, but just know - it’s a pretty exciting field, and 2024 is shaping up to be the perfect time to get started.
With more businesses looking to boost their online presence, your skills could be in high demand. Let's walk through everything you need to know to kick off your freelance social media management journey this year!
Understanding the Role of a Social Media Manager
So, what exactly does a social media manager do? In a nutshell, you’ll be the mastermind behind a brand's organic social media presence. You’ll create and schedule posts, engage with followers, and analyze the performance of your content. It’s a mix of creativity, strategy, customer service and a bit of number-crunching.
Setting the Foundation
Before you jump in, let’s take a look at your current skill set. Are you already a pro at crafting killer posts, or do you need to brush up on analytics? There are plenty of online courses on sites like Coursera and Udemy that can help you fill in any gaps. Not to mention, we also have the Noah Social Squad (our monthly membership for social media managers) here to hold your hand every step of the way.
Creating a Personal Brand
Alright, now let’s talk about you. Yes, you! Your personal brand is what’s going to set you apart from the crowd. What makes you unique? Maybe it’s your knack for engaging storytelling or your data-driven approach. Whatever it is, make sure it shines through in everything you do.
When creating a personal brand - I want you to first consider what your unique selling proposition (USP) is going to be. This is what makes you, well, you. Maybe it’s your knack for engaging storytelling, your data-driven approach, or your ability to create stunning visuals. Take some time to think about your strengths and what you bring to the table. This is the foundation of your personal brand.
Your brand voice is how you communicate with your audience. Are you formal and professional, or friendly and conversational? Choose a voice that feels natural to you and resonates with your target audience. Consistency is key here – your voice should be recognizable across all platforms and content.
Building Your Portfolio
Your portfolio is your chance to show off your best work. If you’ve already got some social media campaigns under your belt, great! If not, consider creating some mock projects to showcase your skills. Don’t forget to include case studies that highlight the challenges you faced and the awesome results you achieved.
Establishing an Online Presence
Having a professional website is a must. It’s your digital business card. Make sure it’s got all the essentials: your portfolio, case studies, services offered, and contact info. And don’t forget to stay active on your own social media platforms. It’s your chance to walk the talk and show potential clients what you can do.
Networking and Building Relationships
Networking might sound daunting, but it’s really just about building relationships. Join industry groups on LinkedIn or Facebook, and don’t be shy about jumping into conversations. Attending online and offline events can also be a great way to meet potential clients and other social media pros.
Finding Your First Clients
Your first clients might come from your existing network. Let friends, family, and professional contacts know you’re offering social media management services. You can also check out freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Upwork was my BREAD AND BUTTER the first few years of my career. Create a compelling profile and start bidding on projects that catch your eye. Need more ideas on how to find your first clients?
Check out our free list of over 200 ways to find your next social media management client.
Setting Your Rates
Figuring out how much to charge can be tricky. Do some research to see what other freelance social media managers are charging. You’ll need to decide if you want to charge by the hour or by the project. Each has its pros and cons, so choose what works best for you and your clients.
Check out our free pricing calculator for social media managers here.
Managing Client Relationships
Good communication is key to keeping your clients happy. Keep them updated on your progress and be quick to respond to their questions. Setting clear expectations from the start can help avoid any misunderstandings down the road.
Tools and Resources for Social Media Management
There are tons of tools out there that can make your life easier. Tools like Hootsuite and Buffer can help you schedule posts and track engagement. Staying on top of the latest trends is also crucial, so keep an eye on industry blogs and webinars.
Creating Effective Social Media Strategies
Each client will have different goals, whether it’s boosting brand awareness or driving traffic to their website. Understanding these goals is the first step in creating an effective strategy. Developing a content calendar can help you stay organized and ensure you’re posting consistently.
Measuring Success
You’ll need to keep track of how your social media campaigns are performing. Key performance indicators (KPIs) like engagement rates and follower growth can help you measure success. Regularly analyze the data and provide reports to your clients to show them the impact of your work.
Scaling Your Freelance Business
As your business grows, you might find that you need some help. Consider outsourcing tasks that are time-consuming or outside your area of expertise. This will free you up to focus on the things you do best. You can also expand your service offerings to attract more clients.
Ready to take your freelance social media management career to the next level? \
Join the Noah Social Squad, our exclusive monthly membership for social media managers!
As a member of the Noah Social Squad, you'll get:
Exclusive Resources: Access to premium templates, tools, and guides designed to streamline your workflow.
Expert Training: Monthly webinars and Q&A sessions with industry experts to keep you ahead of the curve.
Supportive Community: Connect with like-minded professionals in our private forum to share tips, advice, and encouragement.
Business Growth Strategies: Learn proven techniques to attract and retain high-paying clients.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your skills, boost your business, and connect with a thriving community of social media managers.
Click here to learn more and join the Noah Social Squad today!
Conclusion
And there you have it! A step-by-step guide to becoming a freelance social media manager in 2024. It’s a journey that requires hard work and dedication, but with the right skills and a bit of hustle, you can build a successful freelance business. Good luck, and happy freelancing!
FAQs
What qualifications do I need to become a freelance social media manager?
While formal qualifications aren’t always necessary, having a background in marketing, communications, or a related field can be beneficial. Online courses and certifications can also boost your credibility.
How much can I expect to earn as a freelance social media manager?
Earnings can vary widely based on experience, skill level, and the clients you work with. On average, freelance social media managers can earn anywhere from $25 to $100 per hour.
What are the best platforms to find freelance social media management jobs?
Popular platforms include Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. LinkedIn is also a great place to network and find job opportunities.
How do I stay updated with the latest social media trends?
Follow industry blogs, join relevant social media groups, and attend webinars and conferences. Staying engaged with the social media community can help you stay ahead of the curve.
What are some common challenges faced by freelance social media managers?
Common challenges include finding clients, managing multiple projects, and staying updated with constantly changing social media algorithms. Effective time management and continuous learning can help overcome these hurdles.
