The Best Remote Social Media Jobs

Social media is quickly becoming one of the primary ways that businesses communicate with their audiences. While it was a nice “extra” marketing and public relations tactic before, today it is a critical aspect of modern communication plans. This is leading to the emergence of an exciting new career path in social media communication. A career path that seems purpose-built to suit a remote work lifestyle.

It may appear that remote social media jobs only involve posting pretty pictures at regular intervals, yet there is a lot more to these jobs than that! Sophisticated, evidence-based strategies are being crafted across multiple social media platforms that combine marketing, public relations, customer service, and community-building initiatives.

The outlook for social media positions is very positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) includes social media positions with public relations specialists and projects an 11% increase in jobs over the next decade. However, they note that this growth is driven in part by the growth of social media jobs. In addition, according to a recent survey by Sprout Social, 91% of executives are planning to increase social media budgets in the next three years. This will further fuel demand for qualified social media specialists over the short term.

Everything You Need to Know About Remote Social Medial Jobs

There are a wide variety of social media roles available. As an emerging job field, the roles and responsibilities are very fluid. A few common responsibilities of social media jobs include:

Of course, good technical skills and fluency in a variety of social media platforms are necessary to secure a position. In addition, you should enjoy communicating via social media and be a good storyteller using both text and images. Due to the uncertainty regarding job roles, promotion paths, tasks, and responsibilities, a love for variety and constant change will also be helpful.

How to Become a Remote Social Media Specialist

The BLS suggests that a bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, or related field is typically required. In practice though, there are many positions available that don’t list education requirements. This is because the technology is so new and changes so rapidly that there are few schools that can keep up. The best qualification in social media right now is demonstrated experience.

There are a variety of online training courses that can provide a foundation in the skills required. When you’re deciding which courses to take, focus on those provided by accredited education institutions or leading social media brands such as Facebook or Twitter. Many people on the internet want to teach you social media skills. However, choosing a credible training provider will ensure that potential employers take your training seriously.

Having said that a bachelor’s degree is not necessary to get a job in social media, if you want to get ahead and move into management and executive positions, you will most likely need a degree at some point. Advancements in social media lead to positions with broader responsibility for organizational marketing and public relations that will call for higher levels of education.

Salary Information

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for public relations specialists was $62,810 in May 2020. Glassdoor puts the average base salary of social media positions at $45,839.

Common Remote Social Media Jobs

Due to the changing nature of social media technology and job roles, there are a wide variety of titles used. Below is a selection of common titles for remote social media jobs you may encounter in your job search:

Entry-Level Remote Social Media Jobs

Getting your first social media job can be a challenge due to competition from more experienced applicants. You can make up for this disadvantage by undertaking a paid or unpaid internship, looking for administrative positions that include a social media component, or by volunteering your services to a small business or nonprofit.

Another way to gain an advantage during the application process is to look for social media positions where you can demonstrate subject matter expertise. For example, if you love to mountain bike, seek out companies trying to connect with other bikers, such as an equipment manufacturer.

Regardless of the strategy you employ, make sure to have a social media presence on all the main platforms that reflect your personal brand. Potential employers check social media as part of the hiring process. So, impress them with your profiles!

Part-Time Remote Social Media Jobs

It is possible to secure part-time employment in the social media field. There are three areas where you are most likely to find part-time work:

Companies Hiring for Remote Social Media Jobs

Below are a few companies that frequently hire for remote social media jobs:

Hawke Media LLC

Hawke Media LLC provides outsourced marketing services, including social media strategy.

Sprout Social Inc.

Sprout Social Inc. offers a comprehensive suite of social media management services.

Ignite Visibility

Ignite Visibility helps companies build and promote their online presence.

Conclusion

Opportunities in social media are increasing daily as online platforms evolve and new ones are launched. As a new profession, roles and career paths are still evolving. However, if you have a passion for social media and are willing to forge your own path, the sky is the limit!

How did you become passionate about social media? What skills do you think are essential for remote social media jobs? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!