When I tell people I’m a freelance social media manager and a food photographer, they usually pause for a second. The assumption is basically: “So… you take pictures of food and scroll Instagram for a living?”
Yes, but not quite at the same time.
A social media manager gives brands a voice online by planning content, posting it, chatting with followers, staying up to date on trends, and keeping the brand visible and relevant.
Most business owners want to be visible online, but they don’t have the time or strategy to do so. That’s where a social media manager steps in.
Day-to-day tasks where a social media manager can help out with can include:
- planning + scheduling posts
- writing captions
- creating simple graphics
- answering DMs and comments
- engaging with followers
- brainstorming ideas and so much more
My Journey to Becoming a Freelance Social Media Manager
I started in the food world. I loved creating recipes, styling them, and photographing them. I decided to hone in on my skills and turned food photography into a career. Eventually, brands started noticing. That turned into paid content creation, recipe development, and regular client work.
But I kept seeing the same pattern:
They had the photos.
They had the videos.
They just didn’t know how to use them online.
That’s when it clicked… I could offer more! I decided to level up and learn social media marketing to upsell my services.
Combining food photography, videography, and social media management allowed me to niche down, raise my rates, and stand out from other food content creators. And above all, it gave me the freedom not only to work from home, but also from anywhere in the world if I wanted to go on holiday.
The Skills You Actually Need as a Freelance Social Media Manager
Anyone can become a freelance social media manager with the right training and guidance. That said, there are a few skills that definitely help you grow faster and feel more confident from the start.
Strategic Thinking: This is what separates a social media manager from someone who just posts for fun. Strategy means understanding a brand’s goals, planning content that supports those goals, and knowing why something works.
Analytic Thinking: You don’t need to be a math person, but you do need to understand what the numbers mean so you can adjust content, improve performance, and make smart decisions.
Copywriting: You don’t have to be a professional copywriter. You need to understand tone of voice and write clearly, with correct spelling and grammar.
Professionalism: Being organised, professional, and clear in your communication goes a long way. This is how you build long-term relationships (and keep them).
How Easy Is It to Get Clients as a Freelance Social Media Manager?
This is the question I get the most.
If you’re already freelancing (whether it’s photography, design, or blogging), the easiest place to start is by offering a simple upsell. I pitched one of my photography clients, and because the trust was already there, it was an easy yes.
I also wanted to work with food bloggers, so I posted in a few Facebook groups offering one month free in exchange for experience. The response was huge, honestly, way more than I expected.
You might not get paid for that first round, but the hands-on experience is priceless and will boost your confidence. Your next (paying) client will be much smoother now that you know exactly what to do.
What's The Best Online Course to Learn Social Media Management
When I first decided to take social media seriously, I signed up for an “official” course through a higher education program. And honestly? It was… outdated. Very textbook. Very 2015.
I finished it and still didn’t know how to work as a social media manager or how to build a work-from-home career.
That’s exactly why I started looking for a practical online social media manager course. The one that finally worked for me was The Social Shells — you can check it out here: The Social Shells
My Review on The Social Shells Program
Honestly, this course surprised me in the best way. I’d already spent money on two other programs before this one, so I was very skeptical about investing again. The last thing I wanted was another course full of fluff or outdated advice.
But from the very first lesson, I knew I’d made the right decision. I jumped straight into the Advanced course, which not only covers all the main platforms (including Pinterest!), but also teaches Meta Ads – something most “top social media management courses” barely touch.
What I Loved About The Social Shells
Short, clear, easy-to-follow lessons: Every lesson gets straight to the point. No fluff. No filler.
Templates that make life easier: Portfolio templates, onboarding guides, client documents… everything you need to look professional from day one. (This is something I get complimented on often from clients.)
The Social Shells community: I’ve been part of it for a few years now. It’s supportive, friendly, and genuinely one of the best parts. The co-working sessions are great for breaking the ice and connecting with people on the same path.
Monthly group calls with Nadine: She keeps us updated on algorithm and platform changes. And the occasional pep-talk when we need it. There’s room to ask and have questions answered by Nadine on these calls. She also jumps in on the community board to answer any questions there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Freelance Social Media Manager
Is it hard to become a freelance social media manager?
It’s not hard, but it does require learning strategies, understanding platforms, and gaining hands-on experience. With proper training and practice, it’s very achievable.
Do you need qualifications to become a social media manager?
No formal degree is required. Clients care about results and skills more than certificates.
How long does it take to get your first client?
It depends on your outreach and confidence, but many beginners land their first client within a few months of actively pitching and practicing.
How much can a freelance social media manager earn?
It depends on your skills and experience, but a realistic starting point is around $800 per platform per month. As you gain confidence and learn how to package your services strategically, those numbers can increase significantly.
Is The Social Shells Course Worth It?
For me, this is hands down one of the top social media management courses that I’d recommend, especially if you want to work as a freelance social media manager.
Is The Social Shells good for beginners?
Yes. It’s structured specifically for people who want to start freelancing and need clear, step-by-step guidance.
If you’ve been considering social media management as a way to work from home and set your own schedule, this course is what you’re looking for. It removes the guesswork and gives you a structure to follow, which I really appreciate. Not only does it set you up to become a social media manager, but it also sets you up as a freelancer.
And if you’d like to learn more about my experience or have any questions about working as a social media manager, feel free to email me or reach out on my socials. Happy to answer them for you!