There is no one-size fits all method for getting into a career in social media. Many professionals in the industry have very diverse backgrounds. New opportunities in the field are constantly being added, and there are many different routes you can take to join the exciting world of social media marketing! Whether you are a student looking to gain experience before graduating or you’re looking for a career change, here are a few practical ways you can start building your portfolio today!
Use Your Personal Brand
The easiest way to start practicing content creation and social media management is to start posting on your own accounts. Whether it’s for your personal brand or an interest page such as a foodie account, this will give you a space to experiment and learn. The experience you gain from posting consistently and building an audience on these pages will transfer to any account you work on in the future. LinkedIn is a great platform to make connections and practice making thought-leading content. Make sure you optimize your LinkedIn profile by keeping your information updated, posting regularly, and connecting with other professionals in the fields you are interested in!
User Generated Content
UGC, or user-generated content, is a great way to practice making social media content for a wide variety of industries. While there are paid UGC opportunities available, a beginner can start off by simply creating social media content about products, places, or services that they enjoy. An example could be creating a reel highlighting the coffee shop you go to a couple times a week. Another could be making a video about a beauty product you really enjoy. Play around with different formats such as product shots, voiceovers, mini mic videos, and so on! Pro tip: always tag the brands you are shouting out when you go to post!
Volunteer Your Services
Get real-life experience by offering your services to a client for a discounted rate or even for free. Whether it’s a nonprofit you volunteer with, a club you are a part of, or a family member’s business, by offering some free services in the beginning, you can gain valuable practice. Not only will you get social media content for your portfolio, but you will also gain great experience in client relationships, communication, and organization.
No matter the social media career you want to pursue, experience and a solid portfolio are vital. It is never too early (or late) to start creating. For more social media ideas, tips, and advice, follow Brick Media!
