The day-to-day grind of working in an office can be exhausting for urbanites: every day you have to go through the same dreaded commute to and from work, and every day you have to sit at the same desk, staring at the same computer screen, doing the same kind of work. It is the same thing every day. It won’t be long before the monotony of it all gets to you and you find yourself exhausted every single day, too tired or uninterested to work. The feeling is difficult to describe precisely – all you can say is that you are tired all the time.
If you have ever experienced the moments mentioned above, you were likely experiencing an aversion to the repetitive nature of your job. Perhaps it is time to find another job. You may wish to work from anywhere in the world – whether it is in a lovely café in Paris or by the pool on a lovely island in Indonesia. Maybe you are simply looking for a job that does not require a long commute every day. The idea of working all day in your pajamas may appeal to you. If so, you may want to consider becoming a freelancer.
There are many freelance jobs available today. If you enjoy social media, have a knack for marketing, and have a bit of a creative flair, you might be interested in learning how to work from home as a social media manager. According to a study by Global Workforce Analytics, telecommuting jobs have grown 115% over the last decade. There are obviously not all these jobs available from home, but they demonstrate the great demand for social media managers.
The Tasks of a Social Media Manager
- Posting on all social media channels on a regular basis
- Keeping track of viral topics and trending topics
- Responding to comments and messages from customers
- Analyzing the reach, traffic, and growth of social media accounts and owned online assets, such as websites
- Reporting to upper management on the data mentioned above
- Developing images and videos for social media with the assistance of a creative agency
- Setting up a search engine optimization campaign
- Managing your brand’s paid advertising
- Engaging with members of your brand’s community pages and forums
What Does it Take to Become a Social Media Manager?
You can also learn how to become a social media manager from home if you are interested in this home-based job. The following is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
1. Don’t stop learning
In order to engage in social media effectively, you must understand that it is constantly changing, as are the rules for engaging in it. You should gain as much knowledge and information about social media management as possible before beginning your career. Take online courses, read blog posts, and watch videos to get started. On the internet, there are numerous free resources available to assist you in becoming a social media manager.
2. Demonstrate your expertise in social media management by offering a free seminar or webinar
Taking this step will enable you to reach out to potential customers who need social media management for their businesses (otherwise, they would not have enrolled in your course) and may require assistance in managing this aspect of their business. Keep the contact information of people who signed up in a database so that you can contact them regularly to offer your services.
3. Put your portfolio together by gaining some real-world experience so you can learn on the job
Once you have completed your studies in social media management, do not expect to earn big bucks right away. Offer to work on social media projects for the company where you currently work or apply to work for other social media managers in order to gain experience and build your portfolio. Although the pay will not be great, the experience you will gain will be priceless.
4. Make your own social media presence a priority
It is likely that your own personal brand will be your best resume to share with potential clients and the rest of the world. It may be a good idea to apply everything you have learned about social media management to your own Facebook page, Instagram account, and other social media accounts.
5. Become a networker
It is the jobs that a social media manager receives from clients that determine his or her earnings. Many entrepreneurs seek assistance in managing their brand’s social media presence because either they do not have the time or they do not have the interest to do so. Networking is an effective method of establishing contact with these clients. Participate in conferences and networking events in your area. Participating in forums and communities is another way to network online.
Conclusion
To be good at something, you must love it. As a social media professional, you need to be naturally curious and inclined to learn the ways of social media as well as the trends, issues, and general dips and valleys it entails.
Please be patient. The social media world is a fast-paced industry, as is nearly everything in the digital space and technology industry, and building your career as a social media manager will take some time. Keep doing what you are doing, do not give up, have fun and learn along the way, and you will reap the rewards in due time.
Find a mentor and a support group that you can turn to for assistance. There are many more experienced social media managers who would be happy to provide guidance to aspiring social media managers. It is highly recommended that you seek guidance from a mentor and reach out to individuals with similar interests so that you may have a support group as well.
