Becoming a Social Media Manager: How to Start a Side Gig in Marketing

12 May 2025

So, you've been scrolling through Instagram, tweeting witty responses, and maybe even making TikToks that get a few hundred likes. Ever thought about turning that time online into a money-making side hustle?

Becoming a social media manager is one of the best ways to earn extra cash while doing something fun and creative. Businesses, brands, and influencers are always looking for someone to handle their social media – and that someone could be you.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to start your side gig as a social media manager, even if you have zero experience. Ready? Let’s dive in!

🎯 What Does a Social Media Manager Do?

A social media manager (SMM) is essentially the voice and brain behind a brand’s online presence. Your job is to manage, grow, and engage with an audience on various platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Here’s what a typical day as an SMM looks like:

✔️ Creating Content – Designing graphics, writing captions, filming videos, and scheduling posts.
✔️ Engaging with Followers – Replying to comments, answering DMs, and fostering community engagement.
✔️ Tracking Analytics – Measuring growth, engagement, and campaign success with tools like Meta Business Suite or Google Analytics.
✔️ Running Ad Campaigns – Managing Facebook Ads or Instagram promotions to increase brand visibility.
✔️ Keeping Up with Trends – Social media moves at lightning speed. You have to stay ahead of trends, memes, and algorithm changes.

Sounds exciting, right? Now, let’s talk about how you can actually get started.

🛠 Step 1: Assess Your Current Skills

Great news—you don't need a degree in marketing to start! But you do need some basic skills, such as:

- Strong writing and communication abilities
- Basic design skills (Canva is your best friend!)
- An understanding of how different platforms work
- Time management (trust me, you'll need this)

If you're already comfortable posting on your own social accounts, you're off to a good start. Not quite there yet? No worries! You can learn on the job.

📝 Step 2: Choose Your Niche

Want to stand out? Specialize in a specific niche. You don’t have to be a jack-of-all-trades; instead, focus on industries you enjoy. Some great niches include:

- E-commerce Brands – Online stores need social media managers to drive sales.
- Coaches & Consultants – Life coaches, business mentors, and fitness trainers thrive on social media.
- Restaurants & Cafés – Food pics? Yes, please! These businesses benefit from local social media presence.
- Real Estate Agents – Real estate professionals need help showcasing properties and attracting buyers.
- Personal Brands & Influencers – Many influencers outsource their social media work to professionals.

Choosing a niche helps you market yourself better and build expertise quickly.

🎨 Step 3: Create a Portfolio (Even Without Experience)

Wait—how do you get experience without having previous clients? Simple: create your own portfolio.

Here’s how:

1. Manage Your Own Social Media – Start treating your Instagram like a client’s account. Post consistently, use trending hashtags, and track analytics.
2. Offer Free or Discounted Services – Manage a friend’s business page for free in exchange for a testimonial.
3. Create Sample Work – Design mock social media posts for a fictional brand. Show your skills even if you don’t have clients yet.

Your portfolio doesn’t have to be massive—just enough to prove you know what you're doing.

📢 Step 4: Market Yourself

Now, let’s talk about getting clients. The best way to land your first client is to promote yourself like crazy.

Where to Find Clients:

✅ Freelance Platforms – Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer are goldmines for beginners.
✅ Facebook Groups – Join niche-specific business groups and offer your services.
✅ Networking – Talk to local businesses, friends, and family. You’d be surprised who needs help.
✅ LinkedIn – Position yourself as a social media expert and connect with potential clients.
✅ Instagram & TikTok – Show off your skills by posting tips, tricks, and case studies.

A simple "Hey, I’m a social media manager and I help brands grow online" bio on your platforms can attract attention.

💰 Step 5: Set Your Rates

Now for the fun part—getting paid!

As a beginner, you might start with hourly rates between $15-$50 or monthly packages ranging from $300-$1,500. Your pricing depends on your experience, the scope of work, and client budget.

Some pricing models to consider:

- Hourly Rate – Great for short-term gigs or one-off projects.
- Monthly Retainer – Clients pay a fixed amount every month for ongoing management.
- Per-Project Pricing – Best for social media audits, content creation, or ad campaigns.

Pro tip: Start low, gain testimonials, then increase your rates as you grow.

⏳ Step 6: Use the Right Tools

Being a social media manager means juggling multiple accounts without losing your sanity. Here are some lifesaving tools:

- Canva – For easy graphic design and post templates.
- Hootsuite or Buffer – Schedule posts across multiple platforms.
- Google Analytics – Track website traffic from social media.
- Meta Business Suite – Manage Facebook and Instagram in one place.
- Trello or Notion – Stay organized with content calendars and to-do lists.

The right tools can help you save time & work smarter, not harder.

📈 Step 7: Level Up & Scale

Once you land a few clients, it's time to scale your side hustle.

🔹 Expand Your Services – Offer additional services like email marketing, branding, or social media ads.
🔹 Create Packages – Bundle services like "Content Creation + Engagement" for a better value proposition.
🔹 Build a Website – Showcase your portfolio, testimonials, and services in one place.
🔹 Outsource Work – Hire a virtual assistant or content creator to handle tasks as your business grows.

Who knows? This side gig could turn into a full-time career before you know it!

🚀 Ready to Start Your Social Media Management Side Gig?

If you love social media and have a knack for creativity, this could be the perfect side hustle for you. Businesses are constantly looking for people to help them grow online, and with the right skills, mindset, and strategy, you can turn this into a steady stream of income.

So, what’s stopping you? Start putting yourself out there, build your portfolio, and watch your side gig take off!