Are you interested in offering freelance social media management services? Today our guest is Latasha James, an online educator and content creator who has encouraged thousands of people to start and scale online businesses. Join us as we discuss how to build a thriving freelance business as a social media manager. Whether you’re currently offering these services or considering adding them to your business, you’ll be encouraged to hear the reasons why this niche continues to be in high demand!   Podcast Outline: [0:00] Introduction to Latasha James and the topic of building a thriving freelance business as a Social Media Manager - Latasha explains how she got started in freelancing and how things evolved to where she is today. [3:07] What Latasha learned from her corporate experience and other jobs - how every experience is a part of your story. [4:12] How Latasha knew when to pivot from a full-time corporate job to a full-time freelance business - the important factors that influenced her decision and advice for others making similar decisions.   Why Social Media Management Continues to Be an In-Demand Niche for Freelancers and VAs  [6:37] #1 It’s constantly changing - how it’s hard for business owners to keep up with different platforms, algorithm changes, and best practices. [7:02] #2 All businesses can benefit from social media marketing - how post-2020 was a great awakening for business owners. [8:13] How social media has changed over the last couple years and the implications for service providers today - the growing importance of video.   How to Get Started as a Social Media Manager in 2022 [9:44] #1 Educate yourself - how to learn about the industry. [9:57] #2 Build a portfolio - examples of different ways you can do this. [11:00] How to stand out from a branding standpoint - the importance of specializing in a particular niche and platform. [14:02] The importance of listening to customer feedback - how their input can help you niche down too. [15:11] Final tips for people who are getting excited about being a Social Media Manager - how “data is how you make decisions.” [16:03] Reasons why an analytics skill set is important for Social Media Managers [16:59] How to learn more about Latasha James [17:40] How to level up your skills at Freelance University   Resources and Tools Discussed in this Episode Freelance University  Facebook Fridays    Learn more about Latasha James Website  James+Park  Online Business Launch Lab   Connect with Latasha Instagram: @thelatashajames  Twitter: @thelatashajames  TikTok:@thelatashajames YouTube LinkedIn  Facebook: @thelatashajames   Resources and tools: YouTube  LinkedIn  Zoom  Instagram TikTok Twitter  Facebook  Facebook Ads