My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.

Work

Help me find a new career...maybe social media-related?

14 replies

OrangeSunset · 04/12/2015 14:43

So, here's the thing.
I'm currently a SAHM, but I am certainly more than ready to get back to work. However DH job is pretty demanding and so I need to be on hand for drop-offs/pick-ups/emergencies/holidays etc. Local childcare options are pretty poor so ideally I'd like to work school hours. I'd also like to protect some child-free time during the week for household errands and exercise so we can enjoy fun weekends.

I used to work as a contractor in the corporate world but tbh am pretty certain that I don't want to go back to that (although the rates are enticing) as I didn't enjoy it and it's pretty soul-less.

I've been thinking a little lately about setting up as a social media manager. I'm a pretty avid user of social media, and am a bit of a geek at heart so would love to learn a new skill (or several). I have absolutely no experience of marketing or PR or similar.

So, is Social Media Management a bit of a buzz-word at present or is it role with decent demand and career progression? I'm in the South West and can think of many local small business that could be in need of social media consultancy and support.

If I want to retrain in this area, where do I start? I presume it's significantly more skilled than knowing how to send a tweet. What technical skills would I need to acquire? I'm pretty organised and am certainly used to managing my own time and spinning many plates! Having been a contractor I'm comfortable with the idea of running my own business/freelancing although before I did go via recruitment agents (shudder) and just work for one client at a time.

Does anyone do this role and have some words of wisdom? I've used google to search for relevant courses but most seem to be degree-length. Are there any short courses that are good for those without previous media experience? Or am I barking up the wrong tree. Thank you Grin

OP posts:
Report
mrsvilliers · 04/12/2015 15:58

Hi Orangesunset I'm also interested in this area. I'm currently doing it through an agency and have been approached by other agencies to do work for them, bit imo agency work is very badly paid (£10-£11 per hour) I'm thinking of setting up by myself but I'm also trying to work out if I can get a better hourly rate before I do!

In terms of training I think you could do a lot yourself, if you're from the corporate world you will presumably be ok with client relations, then it's just strategy writing and following that (obviously there is a lot that will go into strategy writing and the subsequent work!) It's about correctly identifing the right channel and voice for your clients and then posting and interacting appropriately. It is not rocket science but it does involve a long term, thought out plan. Another problem I am finding is that some clients understand this and some don't. My one client who did has seen his audience increase dramatically but two who didn't are sitting pretty where they were before. One in fact gave up ( he did think it was literally about writing a tweet and consequently got nowhere.) And let's not talk about the accountancy firm using pinterest Confused

Sorry if this is rambly. I have some good advice in my email, I will see if I can find it.

Report
mrsvilliers · 04/12/2015 16:02

Ok here you go, advice from Head of Social Media at big advertising agency, am currently feeling inspired myself!

As mentioned, the best way to expand social media marketing knowledge is to follow the right social media blogs and newsletters. The problem with books is that they can get out of date quite fast… but there’s probably a few good ones about, but like I say you can get most info you need online.

Here’s a list of sites and resources you/your friend might find useful:

www.socialmediaexaminer.com/
www.socialmediatoday.com/
mashable.com/category/social-media/
www.garyvaynerchuk.com/ - also has written some books which I’ve heard are very good (I’ve just bought one called ‘Crush it’ which I plan to read

Also, the networks themselves have a lot of info, particularly the Twitter blog:
blog.twitter.com/
newsroom.fb.com/
blog.facebook.com/

3rd party social tools keep blogs which can be quite good, such as:
www.crimsonhexagon.com/blog
www.socialbakers.com/blog/
www.sprinklr.com/social-scale-blog/

Agency's social media blogs are also good, here’s some good ones:
1000heads.com/
wearesocial.net/
oursocialtimes.com/

Email list that is good for social news: makehoney.com/ - signup here: makehoney.us2.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=8dcf5f0ad808284cbe007d82c&id=8a51534947

Report
silvvi · 08/12/2015 10:16

There are also studies and diplomas you can make to work in social media and PR!
scs.georgetown.edu/programs/395/social-media-management/ there are also online courses!

Report
venusandmars · 10/12/2015 11:59

I think that the most important thing with providing social media services is that YOU have to be really well networked to keep up with whatever is new. Courses, training, books are all going to be out of date very quickly (well obviously the underlying principles still stand). Sometimes the most interesting networks are not those aimed at social media, but ones where small business entrepreneurs are talking about their own businesses, and you get some ideas of what they're doing that you can then research those topics more.

On a personal basis I wouldn't use a social media adviser who wasn't active in social media themselves - How can I trust you to tell me about building up a twitter community if your don't have one? How could you advise me on the merits of vlogging or using periscope if you've never tried them?

Report
greatbigwho · 10/12/2015 12:12

At the most basic level you need to be able to report on results, calculate ROI and analyse reach, engagement etc and create campaigns based on your clients needs - and figure out what those needs are!

Report
OrangeSunset · 22/12/2015 20:11

Greatbigwho, thank you.

You mention reporting on results, ROI etc. Those are the elements where I expect you'd need to undertake specific training with the relevant tools. Can you recommend any?

Venus I completely agree re. building your own networks. I'm pretty good with the online platforms, and enjoy the reach and connectivity that affords individuals. Hence why I'm drawn to this as a possible career choice.

OP posts:
Report
Rojak · 02/01/2016 10:57

I did something similar last year with Digital Mums - social media training for mums who want a flexible career.

I found it useful as you get paired with a client as part of the training so it's quite hands on.

Might be worth looking at of you feel you need something more structured and hands on.

Report
Redbus66 · 04/02/2017 11:57

Hi rojak I'm thinking of doing the Digital Mums course. Was it worthwhile - are you working now?

Report
SapphireStrange · 07/02/2017 12:53

Place-marking as this is an area I'm thinking about trying to get into.

Report
Deelouise77 · 13/03/2017 22:12

I am also following this thread as am considering this option too. I'm weighing up whether to do the digital mums course or another considerably cheaper one I've found so wondered whether anyone has any input on this? Smile

Report
NooNooMummy · 14/03/2017 10:36

Two words: Digital Mums
(I've heard nothing but good things about them from people who've trained with them)

Report
GrumpyOldBag · 18/03/2017 13:53

I have worked with a "Digital Mums" graduate and was impressed with her.

Report
AnisQiz · 04/04/2017 20:06

Hi Orangesunset. Facebook are investing encouraging women to learn how to use facebook. shemeansbusiness.fb.com/uk/

I know three ladies who've set up their own social media managing businesses. They're doing quite well. One focuses on serving a niche audience of authors and coaches. The focusing has helped her enormously. ANother one focused on becoming really good at one platform, eg: Snapchat. So she's the go-to person on that. Focusing makes it easier for people to get why they're different.

None of them did degrees. Also developing copywriting skills, will help. You can learn a lot from //www.copyblogger.com Xx

Report
LouLouLove · 07/05/2017 20:27

try these guys, digitalmums.com/

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.