Social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn don’t only connect individuals together. In recent years, they’ve become a go-to place for businesses to advertise and market their products. Whenever you see an ad while scrolling through your social feed, know that a business is trying to reach you. There are over 4.2 billion active social media users around the globe. Businesses get powerful tools to get in touch with their target audience, this is why contract social media jobs are so popular.
But, there’s more to this question. In this post, we’ll tell you why pursuing a career in contract social media jobs might be a great option for you.
The Importance of Social Media for Businesses
Although people don’t come on social media to buy stuff, it’s a great place to reach people who might be interested in a particular product. Plus, since social media ads typically aren’t that expensive, the return on investment on these ads is generally pretty good.
Businesses invest in social media ads to:
- Build their brand
- Get more exposure and followers
- Attract more leads
- Generate more sales
Social media acts as a perfect place for businesses to communicate and interact with their target audience in a personalized manner.
About Social Media Contract Jobs
A social media contract job is any job where a business hires a social media marketer to execute social media marketing strategies on behalf of the business. As the name suggests, the job is typically based on a contract, allowing the company to hire the resource for a specific period of time. For instance, a one-year contract would mean you’ll work with the company or business for one year. From there on, it’s up to the brand if they want to hire you again.
Generally, contract social media jobs include:
- Content creation and scheduling
- Creating a content strategy and calendar
- Designing post graphics
- Managing ads
- Analyze the performance
- Report the results
The Benefits of Contract Social Media Jobs (For Brands)
Cost-Effectiveness
Contract social media jobs are typically more cost-effective than full-time hires. Businesses only have to pay for the work hours. Plus, the overhead costs of salaries, training, and benefits are eliminated.
Reduced Training Time
Because a contract social media job involves hiring an experienced resource, brands don’t have to invest in training. This allows them to start working on projects right after the hiring process.
Short-Term Commitments
Since it’s a contract-based job, both parties don’t have to commit long-term and can discontinue the contract after the prescribed period.
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The Benefits of Contract Social Media Jobs (For Applicants)
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
One of the most attractive benefits of a contract social media job is the flexibility in time and location. Depending on the contract, you can work remotely and at a time that suits your schedule. This flexibility enables you to achieve a better work-life balance. Plus, if you’re working remotely, you’ll also cut your travel costs and won’t have to deal with office politics.
Higher Income Potential
A contract social media job can be more rewarding than full-time employment. This is because brands prefer to hire an expert who already has enough experience in the industry, allowing the applicant to demand higher pay.
Growth Potential
A contract-based social media job typically doesn’t prevent you from working with other brands. This means you can gain more experience and build your portfolio faster. Plus, because you’re not working with a team, you’ll have to make your own decisions, which can help your personal growth.
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How to Get a Contract Social Media Job
Develop Relevant Skills
Start by creating your social media presence on the most relevant platforms. For instance, if you want to offer Facebook page management services, create a page. Learn about the platform rules, algorithms, and anything that can help grow a page. Explore different online resources to stay up to date with the technology and position yourself as an expert in one thing.
Create an Impressive Portfolio
Once you have a good grip on a particular skill, start building your portfolio. Consider offering your service at a lower rate in the beginning, just to get your foot in the door. Explore different social media and freelance platforms to build your portfolio.
Leverage Online Job Platforms
Online job platforms like Social Media Jobs and Indeed are ideal places to hunt contract social media jobs. So, once you have a sellable skill and some experience in it, start pitching your services on relevant job listings.
Challenges in Contract Social Media Jobs
While contract social media jobs are super attractive, they come with their challenges. For one, as a social media marketer, you need to stay informed about the latest updates in algorithms and rules. In addition, finding new clients and retaining the existing ones are challenges every service provider faces in this competitive gig economy. Also, since you work on a contract basis, converting it into a sustainable, long-term business can be a challenge. Once your contract ends, you have to find new opportunities. Plus, you don’t get the additional benefits a full-time employee gets for long-term cooperation and loyalty.
FAQs
How do social media contracts work?
A social media contract is a written contract between two parties, the brand or employer and the employee. The contract includes the terms and conditions for the partnership.
How do I get a job in social media advertising?
Start by taking a social media advertising course or certification. Implement what you learn for your own products or work with a brand at a lower rate for the sake of getting experience.
What does a social media specialist do?
A social media specialist develops and executes social media marketing strategies for brands and businesses. Their responsibilities include content creation, analyzing data, running paid ads, and more.
Conclusion: Contract Social Media Jobs
Contract-based social media jobs offer a range of benefits to brands as well as applicants. Brands get to work with an industry expert without the overhead costs of a typical full-time hiring. Plus, it can also mean that a brand only has to pay against the set KPIs rather than the 9 – 5 slot.
From a job seeker’s perspective, you get to work on a variety of projects and with a range of companies. This can help you develop your skills and build your portfolio faster. You can also work on your own set time and schedule, which allows you to create a good work-life balance.
However, with benefits come challenges. Probably the biggest challenge is to get your foot in the door and win your first social media job. To overcome this challenge, start by picking a skill, getting good at it, building your portfolio, and hunting good opportunities on relevant platforms.
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