Today, we're answering a work-at-home question from a reader:
Dear Work at Home Woman,
I came across your site when searching for mommy-friendly jobs and just love your content. I am a new mommy to a 2-month-old, and I’m having a hard time prepping to go back to my 9-5 job with an hour and a half commute each way.
I work as an Interactive Marketing Manager with the main focus on social media, but the position does not allow me to work-from-home. I was wondering if you might have any tips or resources you could share regarding good jobs or companies that meet this criterion.
I have set a goal to try and find something before my maternity leave ends. I could use all the luck (and advice) I can get!
Thank you so much for your time, Rebecca
Dear Rebecca,
I totally understand your position. When I had my daughter, I knew that I wouldn't be able to return to the traditional workforce. Lucky for you, there are lots of remote positions for social media managers, you just need to know where to look.
Here's Where You Can Find Work-at-Home Social Media Jobs
Submit a Telecommuting Proposal:
Until you've asked, don't exclude this option. You may be able to take your current job home by writing and submitting a telecommuting proposal. Start by checking your company's telecommuting policy, do your research, and write up a flex time or work-at-home plan. Make sure your proposal includes all of the benefits to the company – including the cost to recruit and hire a new employee to replace you if you decide to quit.
Need help writing your telecommuting proposal? Here are a couple of resources to get you started with your telecommuting proposal:
- How to Write and Pitch a Telecommuting Proposal to Your Boss
- How to Convert Your Office Job to a Telecommuting Position
Companies That Regularly Hire Social Media Managers:
As technology continues to evolve, there are more and more legit companies that offer work-at-home social media jobs on a regular basis.
Here are some to get you started.
- $99 Social – Social Media Content Specialist
- Appen – Social Media Evaluator
- DVMelite – Marketing Account Manager
- BELAY– Virtual Social Media Assistant
- Lionbridge – Social Media Evaluators
- ModSquad – Mod (Digital Engagement Pro)
- Valnet – Freelance Social Media Coordinator
- Vox Media – Social Media Producer
I know, this list isn't very long, but there REALLY are a lot of social media jobs available. Most companies that need social media managers only have one or two positions to fill. Generally, these positions are posted on their own website, and the company will utilize an online job board. So if you're not finding what you're searching for in this list — check out the avenues below for more social media jobs.
Use Freelance Marketplaces:
If you'd be interested in trying your hand at freelancing, there are a lot of freelance marketplaces where you can bid on jobs or post your freelance social media services.
Use Job Boards to Find Jobs:
When you're searching for social media jobs, besides including the keywords work from home, remote, and telecommuting in your search you'll also want to target these variations of the term social media manager:
Social Media Strategist, Social Media Coordinator, Social Media Contractor, Digital Coordinator, Social Media Specialist, Marketing Coordinator, and Marketing Associate.
Indeed is one of my favorite job boards to use when searching for work at home jobs and here’s why. Indeed is an aggregated job board, which means their platforms pulls job listings from all the other major job board sites. This means you save tons of time because you don’t have to search each job site individually. While the jobs are not screened, Indeed requires that all listings contain a company name, location, job title, and complete job description. Job seekers are also able to view the entire job description, and there’s never a fee to apply. But a word of caution — you need to do your due diligence and research each company before applying so that you know that they're legit.
Since you need to find a job fast, I highly suggest using FlexJobs. FlexJobs is a paid job board — but it will save you a ton of time! First, they have an amazing search feature which allows you to search for positions by job category, telecommuting level, experience level, and job type — so you can find exactly what you're looking for. Second, FlexJobs hand-screens every job opportunity before posting so you know every single job on their website is legit! And if you’re dissatisfied with the service you can request a full refund. It’s also worth noting that they have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Integrate Social Media into Your Job Search:
While you should always integrate networking into your job search, you should also utilize the major social media sites as power tools in your search. For example, on LinkedIn, you can not only search for jobs, but you can also target companies that you’d like to work for. Create a catchy profile heading, along with updating your summary, and it’s likely you’ll receive job offers from head-hunters.
On Twitter, you can search for jobs by using common hashtags like #job, #career, #recruiting, #hiring, #socialmedia or #work.
Related Content: Five Ways to Use Twitter for Your Job Search
Even sites like Pinterest can be used in your job search. Pinterest is similar to Google in that it's a search engine, but of the visual nature. Just type your keywords into the search bar and see what pops up.
On Facebook, join some blogging or business groups. There are constantly small business owners and bloggers who are looking for help that post their queries in these groups looking for recommendations. The Facebook group, Permission to Hustle is a good place to start. Also, don't forget to target local business and blogging groups too.
Launch Your Own Social Media Manager Business:
Of course, if you’re unable to find the job of your dreams, you can always create your own. In fact, you can easily set up your own social media consulting or management business for less than $500. And since you already work in the marketing industry, chances are pretty likely that you already have your own social media accounts that can easily be converted for your business.
Ready to start your social media business?
Like any other business, you will need to educate yourself on the best business practices, file all of the appropriate paperwork, and get your legal and financial ducks in a row. Once you set up the preliminary business framework, you can start working on the fun parts of your business.
1. Choose a niche.
As you know, there are many different social media platforms and while some social media managers are generalists and offer services for all the platforms, it’s easier and more lucrative to choose a specialty. Figuring out what niche you want to focus on can be a challenge, but if you mind-map your passions, interests, experience, and knowledge you can narrow it down relatively easy.
In fact, check out how Kristin Larsen niched her social media business as a Pinterest VA.
2. Build a blog.
As someone who works online, you need to have a blog. Having an online presence will help you attract more clients, it gives you a place to showcase your work, list your services and testimonials, and it makes you look more professional. Don’t worry, setting up a website is easy and affordable. This post has step-by-step instructions that will have you up and running in no time — and it’s affordable!
3. Market your business.
There are tons of ways to promote your social media business; the thing you need to remember is consistency is key. Choose two to three methods that you think you’ll enjoy doing and spend time each day working on those methods.
Now that you’ve got your website in place and you’re actively marketing your business, it’s time to connect with potential clients. Some experts believe you should follow up with five to ten new prospects a day until you have a constant flow of clients in your pipeline.
4. Invest in your social media business.
As your cash flow builds, you’ll want to reinvest some of it into professional development. Luckily, they are events, conferences, webinars, teleconferences, online courses, books, membership sites, mastermind groups, and coaching sessions – there is something to fit every budget and every niche. By investing in yourself and your business, you gain the knowledge, information, and skills to make your freelance business a success.
Conclusion.
Finding at work-at-home social media job may seem like an impossible task, but once you start exploring all of your options, you’ll find more and more opportunities that make sense for your life.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Have you found a social media job that can be done from home? Drop us a note; we'd love to hear about it. If you enjoyed this post — please share it on your favorite social media site.
You’ll Also Love These Posts:
Studies have shown if you like this blog post — you will also love the following articles.
- Marketing Jobs That Can Be Done From Home
- How To Turn Your Love of Social Media into a Thriving Online Business
- Remote Facebook Jobs and Money Making Opportunities
Originally published January 23, 2013. Content Updated April 16, 2019.
Holly Reisem Hanna is the publisher and founder of The Work at Home Woman, which has been helping individuals find remote careers and businesses that feed their souls since 2009. Through her unconventional career path of holding over 30 jobs and obtaining two college degrees, she’s been able to figure out how to find a career path that you’re truly passionate about. Holly’s had the pleasure of sharing her expertise on sites like CNN, MSN Money, Huffington Post, Woman’s Day Magazine, as well as being recognized by Forbes as one of the “Top 100 Websites for Your Career.” Holly resides in Austin, Texas, with her husband and daughter and enjoys reading, traveling, and yoga.
This page includes affiliate links. Please be aware we only promote advertising from companies that we feel we can legitimately recommend to our readers. Please see our disclosure policy for further information.
Lidia says
November 25, 2017 at 7:20 pmI would really love to make money from home
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
November 26, 2017 at 12:33 pmHi Lidia,
These articles will give you a great place to start your WAH job search:
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/best-work-from-home-jobs/
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/right-job/
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/work-home-jobs-location/
Mahesh Kumar says
October 25, 2016 at 11:05 pmI have come across this blog while checking out your social media page and it seems interesting to me. Although you have mentioned really great ways to search a work from home job, I also want to include LinkedIn, as it is one of the most important social media channels that is popular these days. An optimized LinkedIn profile can help moms to search and get found by recruiters according to their requirements.
Cori Ramos says
October 25, 2016 at 1:47 pmHi Holly,
Thanks for putting these resources together for us. If I had the time I would try this out myself. :)
You already know I’m passing this along hun. Have a great day and rest of the week!
Cori
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
October 25, 2016 at 2:58 pmGlad you enjoyed the article, Cori. Thanks for spreading the word — appreciate it. Hope our paths cross soon!
Angela says
October 23, 2016 at 4:09 amThere are so many opportunities out there to work from home, and not just for moms. For dads too. But, there are also too many that think it is an easy option. It is not. Trying to juggle looking after kids, and disciplining yourself to get on and put in an 8 hour day is far from easy. It’s more like having two jobs
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
October 24, 2016 at 7:36 amSo true, Angela. A lot of people think working from home is lounging around in PJs and leisurely lunch dates. You have to be very focused and dedicated to make it work. Thanks for stopping by!
Laura Doughty says
January 25, 2013 at 3:37 pmWorking from is the best decision I ever made. I am a mom of 2 kids, age 8 and 4. Nothing more rewarding than providing for your family, while still feeling you are a part of one. Check out what my company has to offer !
Holly Hanna says
January 29, 2013 at 5:56 pmI agree working at home is the best of both worlds!
Sian Phillips says
January 23, 2013 at 5:13 pmGreat response to what I’m sure is a common problem Holly. I also see #jobfairy on Twitter if that is any help. I’m not a Mum but when I was faced with it I set myself up working from home. Writing a blog started me off as I was able to advertise my services on that and via Social Media then. Within a couple of months work started coming in and a year later I was full up – and still am. Good luck Rebecca with whatever you decide to do
Holly Hanna says
January 24, 2013 at 1:31 pmThanks for the suggestion Sian! I hadn’t heard of the #jobfairy before.
Miz says
January 23, 2013 at 5:44 pmHi! I am really happy to have found your blog. I am relatively new here, but I was delighted to have seen so many entrepreneurs here, and women, too. Many of the work from home opportunities, lots of times start out as just trying to save money. It was what happened to me. And it ended up as a fantastic chance for saving money on my electric bills and helping other do the same. Really engaging. And eco-friendly too!
Holly Hanna says
January 24, 2013 at 1:31 pmWelcome Miz – Glad you’re here!
Angela says
January 23, 2013 at 12:32 amDefinitely launching your own business is the way to go. You have total freedom and control over what you do. It will take some time to start up, though seeing as though you are already in the industry you will have lots of contacts, get them on board your new business and away you go. Your babies come first, until you have a baby, you don’t realise that bond you have, you don’t realise how strong those motherly instincts are! You may start off thinking, you can go back to work full time, though when those beautiful little babies come into your life you realise that you just can’t bare to leave them! Good luck! You will definitely be glad you made the decision.
Holly Hanna says
January 24, 2013 at 1:30 pmStarting your own business can be scary, but there are so many benefits to making the leap! I’ve never been happier in my career life, now that I’m able to be my own boss! Thanks for stopping by!
Kareem Davis says
May 29, 2017 at 2:42 amHi Holly I’m looking for plan Tea Parties for Little Girls article can you send it to me. Thanks in advance
Kareem Davis
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
May 29, 2017 at 9:08 amHi Kareem, Take a look at https://www.princessteapartybusiness.com
Kareem Davis says
June 15, 2017 at 11:46 pmThanks Holly!