SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
In addition to that , with free applications such as Canva , you can practice developing different simple design layouts that will go handin-hand with the content you create making you a desirable candidate for businesses . With the right equipment , you can also start shooting short Tiktok and YouTube videos and edit using video software . Being a consultant doesn ’ t mean you have to work alone . For advanced designs , do consider working closely with a part-time designer paid per project and for videos , consider working with a freelance videographer .
Find your first clients
One best approach to widen your clientele base is to do an amazing job for the few clients you might get at the beginning to the point that they share your work and contacts with others . You can also gather client testimonials , a powerful marketing tool in this digital world , and build connections by attending key events and networking in Sacco meetings , chamas , church events , forums , expos and exhibitions , follow and engage with brands you wish to work with , join online groups and forums , build a powerful LinkedIn Profile , etc . One tactic you can consider is reaching out to local businesses within your area , share your business cards and your brochures or offer services at a discounted rate . Additionally , you
can tell and educate your family and friends about your business constantly so that they can support you as well .
Demonstrate your value
As you pitch your services to clients , do ensure that you conduct research on the business including also reviewing their online presence then proceed to develop a proposal that highlights the potential gaps and how you aim to bridge those gaps . You will also need to tie the social media marketing objectives with the overall business objectives for the executives to fully understand the importance of hiring you . If a client is only focused on an objective such as audience growth on Instagram , it will be an opportune time to suggest holistic social media services for maximum results and showcase your ability to handle everything .
One key point to note is that social media marketing involves more than just posting captions , photos , and videos : it involves strategic planning on how a brand can take advantage of social media , execution of various approaches / tactics , analyzing key metrics etc to help clients achieve their designed outcomes . Explain everything that clients might not have thought about in the initial kick-off meeting to win them over . It ’ s as simple as that . Overdeliver for
all your clients and make them feel as if they are your only client .
Get the right tools
As a social media consultant , you need access to various applications such as Canva and platforms such as Sprout Social and Hootsuite for better management of social media and video conferencing platforms such as Zoom for virtual meetings . To help you run the business smoothly , you will need software for customer management , proposal development , contracting accounting and invoicing , office applications etc .
Flexibility , ability to work with new diverse clients , space for creativity , taking lead on projects …, the benefits of becoming a social media consultant are endless . But it takes a lot of effort and determination .
With these key tips , you can embark on your journey to becoming a successful social media marketing consultant . You will learn and grow along the way and also have unforgettable experiences that will propel you to greater heights . ■
Grace Akinyi Oduor is a marketing and communications consultant . You can commune with her on this or related issues via email at :
GOduor111 @ gmail . com .
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