Would you let someone you don’t know go through your garbage?
That’s the question my lecturer posed to a class of young adults just trying to get through one of their final courses before finishing their degrees. In my case, I was completing an AAS in Business Administration and had no idea what I wanted to pursue for my Bachelor’s. But that question got me. Some students didn’t care. It’s just garbage, right? I thought of scavengers and then I thought about that saying, ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’. But somehow, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my garbage was still mine and I wasn’t sure whether I’d want someone searching through it. For what exactly? The lecturer then went on into a whole spiel of cookies, how data is sold and how this data influences the ads that pop up when we’re mindlessly scrolling, and I was hooked.
If you haven’t guessed by now, the course was Marketing 101 - and by the end of that class, I knew that I wanted to pursue and haven’t looked back since. This led me to becoming a Social Media Manager, which I’ve been doing for the last four years. As a Social Media Manager, I’ve navigated through countless algorithm changes, platform updates, and industry trends. Here are five key lessons I've learned along the way:
1. Social Media is a Dynamic Career Path
It's no secret that social media is a constantly changing field. What worked yesterday might not work today. New platforms emerge, existing ones evolve, and audience preferences shift. I literally took one week off and when I returned, there was a new platform, Threads. This means that staying stagnant is not an option. A successful Social Media Manager is someone who is adaptable, curious, and always eager to learn.
2. Constant Learning and Upskilling is Essential
Whether it's through online courses, industry conferences, or simply following influencers, investing in your professional development is essential.
To thrive in this dynamic environment, continuous learning is paramount. From mastering new platforms to understanding complex analytics tools, there's always something new to grasp. Someone once told me that you should learn the platforms from the platform’s perspective so things like LinkedIn Learning or Meta Blueprint is where I spend a lot of time.
It's crucial to stay updated on the latest trends, algorithms, and best practices.
3. Freelancing is Not for the Weak
While freelancing offers flexibility and autonomy, it's far from easy. Managing your own time, finances, and relationships can be challenging. It requires exceptional discipline, self-accountability, time management skills, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. You'll need to wear multiple hats, from Strategist to Personal Accountant, and be prepared to handle unexpected challenges.
4. Working from Anywhere is a Flex
The ability to work from anywhere is a perk that I particularly enjoy. Working in this field has allowed me to pursue my passion of travelling and create my own definition of a work-life balance. It keeps me on my toes with time management, efficiency and maintaining productivity – especially when I travel.
5. When in Doubt, Refer Back to the Strategy
In the midst of day-to-day tasks, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. That's why having a well-defined social media strategy is crucial. It serves as a roadmap, guiding your decisions and ensuring that your actions align with your overall goals. Whenever you're unsure about a post, a campaign, or a new platform, refer back to your strategy to stay on track.
Why Choose AC Marketing Caribbean
AC Marketing Caribbean offers a wide range of content marketing services to help you create content for your business in the Caribbean. Here are just a few reasons why AC Marketing Caribbean is the best choice for content marketing:
- Our content marketing specialists can help create content for your business that is best suited to the Caribbean consumer.
- Our sales funnel strategies are designed to lead your audience effortlessly along the buyer’s journey.
- You need eye-catching and engaging content that converts clicks into cash.
If you need to create content for your business, but don’t know where to start, AC Marketing Caribbean has the start and finish line fully mapped out. We’re committed to helping you achieve your company growth objectives in the Caribbean! Attract a bigger audience, increase your conversion rates, and make content marketing your biggest business superpower today.
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