Social Media Manager Q&A: Best and Worst Parts About the Job? Instagram Story Apps?

TL;DR

Insights into freelance social media management and tools.

Transcript

hey guys what's up welcome back to another freelance social media manager Q&A I'm excited that you're here I asked you guys to ask me questions on Instagram and you guys came through as always so let's happen first question I got says when did you start using social media thought this was a really interesting question I don't think anyone's really ... Read More

Key Insights

• The flexibility of freelancing allows social media managers to choose their work hours and clients, offering a diverse and global clientele.
• Project management tools like Asana are essential for coordinating with designers, content writers, and clients in a cohesive workspace.
• Common misconceptions about freelancing include the belief that one can work anytime; however, client meetings and deadlines still dictate schedules.
• Confidence in freelancing grows with experience and a willingness to research and learn, balancing between taking risks and avoiding over-promising.
• Networking and having a support system, such as coaches or mastermind groups, can provide guidance and problem-solving assistance.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, certain industries like food delivery and online content creation have thrived, offering opportunities for freelancers.
• Tools such as Unfold, Canva, and Final Cut Pro are popular for creating unique and non-templated Instagram story content.
• Approaching non-local clients effectively involves content marketing, building relationships on platforms like LinkedIn, and leveraging freelance job boards.

Questions & Answers

Q: When did you start using social media?

The speaker began using social media during middle school, starting with platforms like LiveJournal, Xanga, and MySpace. Professionally, they started freelancing around the age of 19 or 20, marking the beginning of their career in social media management.

Q: What tools do you use to manage projects with designers and writers?

The speaker uses Asana as a project management tool to coordinate between team members such as designers, content writers, and social media managers. Asana helps in managing tasks, communicating with team members, and even involving clients in projects for seamless collaboration.

Q: What are the best and worst parts of being a freelance social media manager?

The best part is the flexibility in choosing work hours and clients, allowing for a diverse and global clientele. The worst part is the pressure to constantly prove the value of social media and marketing efforts, which can be stressful without a corporate support system.

Q: How do you manage false expectations about freelancing?

While freelancing offers flexibility, it also requires meeting client obligations and deadlines. False expectations include the belief that one can work anytime without adhering to client meetings. Freelancers must balance flexibility with responsibilities to succeed.

Q: How do you feel confident about doing a good job for your first client?

Confidence comes from a mix of experience and the ability to research and learn. It's important to balance taking risks with avoiding over-promising. Building confidence involves gaining experience with various clients and having faith in one's ability to figure things out.

Q: How do you get clients during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The speaker suggests targeting thriving industries like food delivery and online content creation. Freelancers should consider diversifying service offerings, using job boards, and leveraging content marketing to attract clients. Adapting to new industries can help maintain business during challenging times.

Q: What apps do you recommend for creating Instagram story content?

The speaker recommends using apps like Unfold, Canva, and Final Cut Pro for creating Instagram story content. These tools provide templates and customization options, allowing for unique and non-templated designs that stand out on social media platforms.

Q: How do you approach non-local clients and land them?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of content marketing and building relationships on platforms like LinkedIn. Instead of cold-pitching, they suggest connecting with decision-makers and engaging with them. Freelancers can also use job boards like Upwork to find non-local clients actively seeking services.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Freelancing as a social media manager offers flexibility in work hours and client selection, but also comes with pressures such as proving the value of marketing efforts. Using tools like Asana for project management and Slack for communication helps in managing team collaborations.

• Common misconceptions include the idea of complete freedom in work schedules; while flexible, client obligations and deadlines still exist. Confidence in freelancing is built through experience, research, and having a supportive community or mentor.

• During the pandemic, industries like food delivery and online content creation have provided opportunities for freelancers. Utilizing job boards, content marketing, and relationship-building on LinkedIn can help in acquiring non-local clients, while tools like Unfold and Canva aid in creating Instagram content.