How I Built My Freelance Career with No Money or Experience – And You Can Too!
Do you want to be a social media manager? Here, I walk you through tools to use, building skills, creating your portfolio, and landing your first clients.
11/5/20243 min read
If you’re at home with extra time, a student needing some cash, or someone with qualifications but no job, this might be for you. Here’s your starter guide on becoming a social media manager with no experience and no portfolio.
What to Expect and How to Start Your Freelance Journey
Essential Tools
Before we dive in, let’s get the basics out of the way. You’ll need:
A laptop
Mouse (optional)
Table, chair, notebook, and pen
WiFi and, if possible, an external hard drive
With that set, let’s move on to what really matters.
Getting Started
Starting social media management isn’t only about tools; it’s about knowledge. Here’s what I wish I’d known from the start.
Learning the Basics for Free
If you don’t have a degree or background in marketing, don’t worry. I didn’t either! Start with free courses on Alison, Google Digital Garage, and YouTube. Search for terms like:"How to be a social media manager"
"How to start a freelance social media management business"
"Tools for social media managers"
"Designing in Canva"
Watch everything you can! YouTube is packed with free resources, and I spent hours learning this way.
Understanding the Market in Tanzania
Selling your services in Tanzania requires more than just skill. You need to understand the mindset. Most people want affordable, fast solutions without lengthy explanations or strategies. Here’s what works:Keep Presentations Short: Aim for a quick, visual pitch.
Face-to-Face Meetings: A simple two-page visual with points is better than a lengthy document.
Pricing: Make it reasonable and explainable, showing real value for what they’re paying.
Client Interaction
Confidence is key. Don’t come off as needy or desperate. Dress well, let clients do most of the talking, and take notes. This shows professionalism and that you’re listening.
Building Your Portfolio
Having a portfolio is crucial to prove that you know what you’re doing. Here’s how to get started:
Work for Free (Temporarily)
Offer to manage someone’s account for 1-2 months in exchange for a testimonial or referrals. Alternatively, you could ask for a small internet stipend during this time.Grow Your Own Account
If working for free isn’t an option, create and grow your own social media account as an example of your skills.Borrow Strategically
With permission, you might use templates or analytics from a mentor’s portfolio as a guideline.Buy a Portfolio (Last Resort)
If needed, you could pay a social media manager for a sample portfolio (ensuring it’s unique to you and no longer used by them).
Personally, I started with free work. It was tough, but it gave me a chance to learn about different industries and gain experience handling clients before charging.
Landing Your First Client
Now that you have a portfolio and the skills, it’s time to get your first client. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
Upsell Your Services
Learn what upselling means in business terms and apply it when presenting your services.Skip the Packages
Custom solutions can be more attractive for your first few clients.Continuous Learning
Stay updated on social media trends, and watch YouTube videos regularly.Be Active on Social Media
Consistently post on your own social media profiles to show off your skills.Cold Call or DM
Don’t be afraid to reach out directly to potential clients.Exceptional Service
Treat your portfolio clients like VIPs. Over-deliver on quality, as this will lead to word-of-mouth referrals.Share Your Services
Design your service posts in Canva and share them across all social networks, WhatsApp groups, and statuses.Onboarding and Contract
Make your onboarding process simple and easy to understand, and always have a contract ready.
Final Thoughts
Working from home is flexible but requires discipline and commitment. Building your social media management career isn’t always easy; you might work for free in the beginning, but once you get that first client, everything else falls into place.
Treat your first few clients with exceptional service; they’ll be the key to opening more doors for you.
If you’re interested in more tips and guides, check out my blog for more on freelancing and work-from-home jobs. I post:
Instagram: Monday
TikTok and Instagram: Monday-Friday
YouTube: Every Friday
I also offer free consultations if you want a Zoom call to discuss anything. Email me with inquiries or to work together.
Next Blog: ''Want to Earn as a Middleman? Here’s What No One Tells You About Starting Out!''
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