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Looking for perspectives on accepting a ‘social media manager’ role or not
TL;DR: A family member asked me to assist with their social media presence. I have no first-hand social media marketing experience and very little time (I work full time), but I’m the best person they have. Should I give them my time and skills?
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A family member (let’s call them L) is trying to start a new business and asked me to help manage their social media presence.
I would like to hear experiences and suggestions from professionals working in this field, as I’m toying with the idea of offering my time, for a limited period.
If I were to help them (with no compensation of course), what do I need to consider and look out for?
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L has a Facebook page from a previous life. It still contains old content and 25k followers. Their new content topic is entirely different. Previously the page was managed by an agency but now L works on it themselves and struggles with it. They treat the page like a personal blog, complete with unedited, unfiltered views.
L also has a new Instagram account, which is a clean slate.
I’ve advised L on how to write copy as I work in an adjacent field in web analytics and content. I’ve also completed some social media marketing courses, but never put the knowledge to use.
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The disadvantage of offering up my time, is that:
1. A lot of ground work is needed, including strategies that relates to their business as nothing is fully formed yet.
2. I have no idea how to transition an account (from a brand image POV).
3. L and I are two very different people, and I don’t understand their business content (it relates to spirituality and spiritual coaching).
4. I have a separate full-time job.The advantage for me would be to:
1. Provide assistance to a family member.
2. Get real-life experience in managing social media (I have aspirations to create a small business of my own but have no urgency).
3. Hopefully help build something up from the ground to be successful or have the bare bones to become a successful account.TIA.
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1 Reply
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I feel if it’s going to help out your family member then go right ahead. But don’t expect anything in return at that moment cause it will take time to harvest your RITI
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The bad news is that Facebook page is worthless considering the new content is different. That’s not why those 25K followed in the first place, so you can’t expect them to engage. The good news is that 25K followers is nothing in the grand scheme of things. You’re better of starting fresh with a new account.
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I would not accept but recommend fiver to L
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Using an old page for new content is a bad idea, because as the other commenter said, the algorithm would be all over the place.
FB page is set, or trained to follow patterns according to your past statics , when you are promoting a completely different niche, it basically provides you nothing to help but mess up with your reach.
Giving support to our loved ones is a good thing but working as a social media manager certainly needs a lot of time, effort, patience. Building (rebuilding) a FB page is merely a small part of it, there are other platforms you also need to work on with different strategies.
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Hi i am starting my career shift I am a Dentist to social media specialist and it is a very broad area. But if you will learn it. You will be on top of the world. It’s like SEO that needs the best strategy to win. If it is your passion go for it. If its not then don’t do it because it takes a lot of time to learn everything. Just my honest opinion. ????
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I’m a brand strategist in an agency as a full timer but I do take up side projects, keep a small amount as a remuneration. I understand that budgets are tight and it’s family, but it never hurts. If you lose motivation midway, you will always have this as a small source of money to have fun or just learn a new thing. And the balance of the dynamic, still remains. Not getting paid and investing your time with nothing in return will eventually bother you, it did to me. Op, sorry if it hurts your feelings but social media is cruel and it will take time. Be wise! ♥️
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If they don’t have Atleast 2k a month budget, I wouldn’t bother. + your monthly stipend you agree upon. And let them know they won’t see results for like 9-12 months.
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