As a freelance social media manager, your days will be filled with a mix of tasks that require both creativity and technical skills. Balancing these tasks can be challenging, but ultimately, it is what makes the job so rewarding.

In this blog, we will take you through a typical day in the life of a freelance social media manager.

1. Scheduling

Start your day by grabbing a cup of coffee (caffeine is essential for social media managers 😉) and scheduling your client's content. 

Our scheduler of choice is Agorapulse which offers more than just scheduling and can also help with analytics and reporting, social listening and engagement.

Top Tip: Make your content creation easier with our favourite Canva templates by Your Social Team.

2. Competitor Research

Staying one step ahead of the competition is crucial, so you’ll dedicate time to competitor research. 

Identify the top competitors for each of your clients and analyze their social media strategies. You’ll undoubtedly pay attention to the content they share, engagement levels, and posting frequency, but the most interesting part of a competitor's social media content is the comments, where we often find our best content ideas!

3. Social Listening and Proactive Engagement

If you’re not familiar with social listening, it involves monitoring conversations about your client's brand, industry, or competitors. 

Setting up alerts for relevant keywords and phrases can help you to stay informed about what people are saying and engage with people who mention your client by answering questions and addressing concerns.

By being proactive, you can build brand loyalty and increase customer satisfaction.

4. Crisis Management

As a social media manager, you’ll probably face situations that require quick and decisive action. Hopefully, these won’t happen on a daily basis, but it’s important to be prepared.

Develop a crisis management plan for each client, outlining potential risks and the appropriate response. Then, monitor social media for potential crises and act swiftly to mitigate any negative impact on your client's brand.

5. Client Reports

Keep your clients informed of your progress with regular reports. Use analytics tools to track key metrics like engagement, reach, and follower growth. 

Present this information in a clear, easy-to-understand format, highlighting successes and areas for improvement.

Schedule monthly meetings with clients to discuss these reports and plan future strategies.

6. Client Calls

Communication is key to maintaining strong relationships with your clients. 

Set aside time for regular client calls to discuss ongoing projects, address concerns, and brainstorm new ideas. 

Keep these calls focused and efficient, and be prepared to offer solutions to any challenges that arise.

7. Discovery Calls

To grow your freelance business, you need to consistently generate new leads. 

Once you’ve pre-qualified those leads, you’ll schedule discovery calls with businesses who fit the specific requirements to work with you.

Be prepared to answer questions about your experience and approach to social media management but remember this is not an interview. You’ll be asking more questions than they are so you can find out everything you need to put a proposal together.

8. Submitting Proposals 

After a successful discovery call, you’ll create a tailored proposal outlining your recommended strategy and services. 

Remember to highlight your unique selling points, case studies, and testimonials. 

Present the proposal in a visually appealing format that reflects your professionalism. You could use the proposal template in The Social Media Managers Toolkit, which has an incredibly high rate of success, with many social media managers telling us they’ve never had a no from it!

9. Scrolling Mindlessly Through Instagram 

Of course, no day would be complete without a little “research” on Instagram. 

You know, keeping up with the latest trends, finding inspiration for your next post, and maybe even checking out what your friends had for lunch. It's all part of the job, right? 

Just remember not to get too carried away! 

Top Tip: To avoid losing too much time mindlessly scrolling, set a timer before opening any social media platform during working hours.

10. Hanging Out in the Inner Hub Membership

Lastly, don't forget to check in with your fellow freelance social media managers in the Inner Hub® Membership. 

The community is a valuable resource for networking, exchanging tips and advice and staying updated on industry trends. Make time to participate in discussions, attend monthly training, and share your expertise with others.

Conclusion

Remember, the key to success in this field is striking a balance between work and play, staying informed about industry trends, and maintaining strong relationships with your clients. 

Embrace the challenges and rewards that come with being a freelance social media manager, and enjoy the journey as you grow your career in this exciting field.