Best Side Hustles for Social Media Management

With businesses and brands increasingly relying on digital platforms to grow their presence, skilled social media managers are in high demand. Here are some of the best social media management side hustles in Canada, complete with income potential, essential tools and resources, and tips on how to get started.

Freelance Social Media Manager

As a freelance social media manager, you help businesses build their online presence by creating and managing content, scheduling posts, engaging with audiences, and analyzing performance metrics. This role allows you to work with multiple clients, providing flexibility and diverse experiences.

Income Potential:

Freelance social media managers in Canada can earn between $20 and $100 per hour, depending on their expertise and the size of the businesses they work with.

Tools and Resources:

• Canva: For creating visually appealing graphics.
• Hootsuite: To schedule and manage social media posts across platforms.
• Buffer: Another popular tool for post scheduling and analytics.
• HubSpot Social Media Certification: Free course to improve your skills.

How to Get Started:

• Sign up on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to offer your services.
• Create a portfolio showcasing your skills and past work.
• Use LinkedIn to network with potential clients.

Social Media Content Creator

Content creators specialize in producing engaging posts, videos, and graphics tailored to different social media platforms. You can focus on specific niches like lifestyle, fitness, or tech to attract targeted clients.

Income Potential:

Content creators typically earn $50 to $300 per project, depending on the complexity and platform.

Tools and Resources:

• Adobe Spark: For creating professional-quality visuals.
• InShot: A mobile-friendly video editing app.
• Later: A tool for Instagram scheduling and analytics.
• Skillshare: Offers courses on social media content creation.

How to Get Started:

• Build a strong social media presence showcasing your skills.
• Partner with brands through influencer networks like Aspire or SocialLadder.
• Pitch your services directly to small businesses in your community.

Social Media Ads Specialist

Ads specialists create and manage paid campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to help businesses reach their target audience and achieve their marketing goals.

Income Potential:

Social media ads specialists can charge $500 to $5,000 per campaign, depending on its scale and complexity.

Tools and Resources:

• Meta Ads Manager: For running Facebook and Instagram ads.
• Google Analytics: To measure ad performance.
• Semrush: For competitor analysis and keyword research.
• Coursera: Offers comprehensive courses on digital advertising.

How to Get Started:

• Enroll in courses like Facebook Blueprint to enhance your skills.
• Gain experience by managing small ad campaigns for local businesses.
• Offer your services on platforms like PeoplePerHour.

Social Media Consultant

Consultants provide strategic advice to businesses on optimizing their social media presence. This role involves analyzing performance data, recommending growth strategies, and training in-house teams.

Income Potential:

Social media consultants charge $100 to $300 per hour for their expertise.

Tools and Resources:

• Sprout Social: For analytics and reporting.
• Trello: To organize consulting projects and tasks.
• Thinkific: A platform for creating and selling online courses.
• LinkedIn Learning: Offers training on social media consulting.

How to Get Started:

• Develop a case study showcasing how you improved a brand’s social media presence.
• Build a professional website highlighting your consulting services.
• Network with potential clients through industry events and forums.

Social Media Influencer Manager

Influencer managers connect brands with influencers, negotiate contracts, and ensure successful collaboration. This is a great side hustle if you enjoy networking and coordinating partnerships.

Income Potential:

Influencer managers can earn $1,000 to $5,000 per campaign or a percentage of the campaign’s revenue.

Tools and Resources:

• Aspire: For finding and managing influencers.
• Klear: For influencer analytics.
• Brandwatch: To track campaign success.
• Influencer Marketing Hub: A resource for tips and strategies.

How to Get Started:

• Reach out to local influencers and offer your management services.
• Collaborate with marketing agencies to gain experience.
• Promote your services on platforms like Behance.

Social media management offers a wide array of side hustle opportunities tailored to different skills and interests. Whether you enjoy creating content, running ads, or providing strategic advice, there is something for everyone in this growing field. Start today by leveraging these tools and resources to launch your journey into social media success!