If you already earn as a digital marketer or just have a passion for social media, this guide on how to become a freelance digital marketer is designed to outline some of the essential steps to kickstart your journey in this dynamic field.
Acquiring essential skills
To thrive as a freelance social media marketer, you will need a diverse skill set that goes beyond basic social media usage. Familiarise yourself with content creation, graphic design, and video editing tools. Develop a deep understanding of analytics to measure the effectiveness of campaigns. Strong copywriting and communication skills are paramount, as crafting compelling captions and engaging content is at the heart of social media marketing.
Project management
Every client, no matter how small, is a project. As such you’ll need the skills to organise that project into phases, understand the deliverables against set goals and timelines and have the expertise to provide regular reports to your clients.
If you have never run a project, consider taking a course that will equip you with the essential organisational and analytical skills.
Graphic design
Every social media platform is designed to host different types of content. You may find yourself snapping pictures, taking videos and consequently editing them to create content that is technically and conceptually right.
If you’re serious about being a top freelance social media marketer, you might have to consider enhancing your skills in these areas. That could mean taking a number of courses and practising a lot.
Social media courses
These days there are social media courses that encompass a lot of the above plus offer the technical abilities that are required to handle social media platforms efficiently. Often there is more to it than just posting a picture or video. Each social media platform has its own rules and guidelines as well as tools to manage analytics and campaigns. You’ll need to understand them all and keep your knowledge up to date.
Building a professional brand
Just as you'll be helping businesses build their brand on social media, it's essential to establish your professional brand. First impression counts and you’ll need to have your own house in order.
Have a top-notch profile on every social media platform and build your following. If possible, create a standout portfolio showcasing your previous work, collect testimonials from satisfied clients, and display any relevant certifications.
Networking and client acquisition
As a savvy social media marketer, you already know all about networking and how to get your content in front of the audience. All you need to do now is to use those skills to promote yourself in front of potential clients.
Setting your rates
Before you engage the first client, be clear on what you want to charge for your services. Do your research on what others charge.
Determining your pricing strategy is a critical aspect of freelancing. Research industry standards, consider your level of expertise, and evaluate the scope of services you offer. Whether you charge per hour or project, ensure your rates reflect the value you provide. As you gain experience and expand your client base, you can adjust your pricing accordingly.
Delivering exceptional results
Social media marketers often lack the ability to communicate measurable results which can lead to client dissatisfaction. Ensure you understand what your clients want to use social media for, their expectations and then shape their wish list into clear measurable goals. Only then can you deliver exceptional results which are the key to a successful freelance career.
Don’t forget insurance for marketing consultants
In your career of a freelance social media marketer, you will be saying a lot of things on your clients' behalf. Some content might be brilliant but other times what you say or post might cause upset or even brand damage.
Remember social media management has some risks which may result in accusations of copyright infringement, data breaches, or disputes over campaign performance. Safeguard your freelance business by investing in insurance for marketing consultants. This type of insurance provides protection against legal liabilities, ensuring that you can navigate unforeseen circumstances without jeopardising your career.
