It is possible to experience a great deal of freedom when you work as a freelance social media manager. As long as you have access to a reliable Wi-Fi connection, social media management can be done from anywhere.
The process of becoming a freelancer is quick and easy if you already have some experience under your belt. Find out how to get started by reading on.
We’ve outlined the rates, best practices, and key requirements of the role below for people interested in becoming freelance social media managers, as well as for businesses that are looking to hire one.
What Is a Freelance Social Media Manager?
As a freelance social media manager, you are able to obtain on-demand services in the field of social media marketing. They typically work with multiple companies and clients as a team of one, are members of their local Chamber of Commerce, and are registered with their local government.
It is common for freelance social media managers to handle their clients’ social media presence, though some freelance gigs are more specialized. An overview of the services that freelance social media managers commonly offer can be found below:
- Strategy for social media
- Developing and managing content calendars
- Creation of content (photography, design)
- Copywriting
- Post-scheduling and publication
- Engaging followers and responding to direct messages and comments (community management)
- Reporting and analytics
Rates for Social Media Freelancers
In the field of social media freelancing, setting rates is one of the most challenging tasks. To assist you in setting your own rates, we have conducted a research study on what social media freelancers are charging in recent years.
Note that these rates should only be used as a reference and should be supplemented by your own research about freelance rates in your area and in your niche.
My recommendation is to conduct a discovery call with the prospective client before providing a quotation. Ask about the client’s business model, target customers, marketing budgets, key performance indicators, and any history of working with freelance social media managers during this call to identify possible red flags.
Freelance Social Media Management Facts
It takes courage to work as a freelancer, there is no doubt about that. On the other hand, you are also throwing away the security of a steady paycheck as well as the familiarity of your working environment in the long run.
It is important to understand, however, that working as a freelance social media manager has many advantages. Become a freelancer and you will experience a significant change in your career. The following reasons explain why:
- It is important to note that freelancers work on their own schedules; therefore, they are free to plan their days in any way they deem appropriate
- You will be able to continuously develop new skills as you work with a variety of clients
- You are not restricted in terms of the types of people and projects you work on
- In addition to negotiating higher rates than an in-house manager, working as a freelance social media manager has many advantages.
What Are The Responsibilities of a Freelance Social Media Manager?
Freelancer social media managers may have varying responsibilities based on the type of clients they work with and the projects they accept.
A freelance social media manager may handle every aspect of the process, whereas another may be hired to support the PR departments of companies and organizations.
The following are some of the responsibilities of a freelance social media manager:
- Planning and implementing social media strategies and editorial calendars
- Branding through social media content production and sharing
- Respond to the comments of followers and participate in conversations with them
- Establish a positive relationship with your customers through social media
- For each campaign, identify the social media marketing goals
- Measure and report the success of your marketing campaigns using marketing analytics
- Reports on social media marketing for management should be prepared
- Providing guidance and direction to other social media specialists (for in-house teams)
Conclusion
Are you ready to join the bandwagon of the Great Resignation and become your own boss? The possibility of setting up your own freelance business may appeal to social media managers who are interested in going out on their own.
By working as a social media freelancer, you will be able to collaborate with an array of clients and assist them with their social media marketing efforts. Besides, you can choose exactly who you want to work with, what kinds of projects you want to take on, and even what rates you want to charge.
