Q: What is the best way to get started as a freelancer? Would you say that doing social media as an employee for a company, maybe even a startup, would be the first step?
A: Working for an agency or a startup can be your first step, but it doesn’t have to be. The beginning of my experience began when I started my food blog and was working with brands on an influencer level. (Read more here). But I know that not everyone starts that way. After having my blog for years and realizing I enjoyed digital marketing, I started learning everything I could through the internet, books, and podcasts. Eventually I started looking for a short-term contract position (side hustle) to make some extra money. My first side hustle was with OCHO Candy, a project I found through an agency here in Boston. After working with them for a year, I started taking on similar side hustles while working full-time. In short, you can either begin at a startup or marketing agency, or start looking for part-time/contract positions. And don’t forget, projects don’t have to be local! My first two social media projects were both food brands based out of California, and currently more than 50% of my work is outside of Massachusetts.Q: I like the benefits that come from working for someone else and the security that comes with it. But as someone who is also a bit free-spirited, I like the flexibility and the greater earning potential that can come from owning your own business. Would you say the benefits/cons of one definitely outweigh the other?
A: One huge thing you have to keep in mind is that there is no cap on income when you work for yourself. Sure, getting a paycheck twice a month from a company is secure, but it is always set. And for someone who’s been laid off twice (that recession was crazy), you can’t guarantee anything just because you have a full-time job. In addition, there can be limits on how much you grow within a company and the salary that you’ll earn. Working for yourself, you can make as little or as much as you want, depending on the effort you put into it. I 100% think working for myself has been worth it. Keep in mind, that with the flexibility and freedom of self-employment comes the need to be super focused, diligent, and extremely motivated.Q: Work/life balance? I’m not one of those people willing to consistently spend 80 hours a week, with no sleep, no real off time or vacations, just to make a little more money. I’m fine doing it for a time while getting the business going, but I know people who seem to be absolutely married to their work and I don’t want that. Would you say that not always being glued to a laptop, and actually being able to step completely away from time to time is achievable with owning your own social media marketing business? 
A: Plain and simple, you will need to work hard, no matter what stage you’re in. Growing requires effort, grit, and tenacity. You will be married to your work if you want your business to succeed. In fact, I’m a firm believer that if you’re not obsessed with your business, you’re not in the right one. But that doesn’t mean you’ll work 80 hours and get no sleep. It can take time to figure out the balance of how many projects you need to take on to make enough money, but also not too many to be overwhelmed and sacrifice what’s important to you. Work/life balance is 100% achievable and will take time to figure out. It’s a wild ride in the beginning, but so so worth it.

Q: Digital marketing certificates: Are they worth it? 
A: Possibly. It’s hard for me to say because the only courses I took were a couple Hubspot certifications. And those will not teach you what you need to know, they are merely supplements. While I have learned almost everything on my own (the internet is a gold mine!), certificates certainly can help. As far as college courses, they may be a good bet! I didn’t take a single marketing class in college, so don’t let not having a marketing background discourage you.

A: This totally depends on your experience, your skills, and what you charge. I’m also in my 30s and had I started right out of college, I’m sure the money would look a bit different. Just like any job, more experience not only helps you get your foot in the door, but it gives you the background to excel and be able to charge more. Your skills and the services you offer are a huge factor in earning the income you want. For example, the rates as a photographer, a videographer, a copywriter, etc are very different. It also depends on the industries you’re in and the clients you take on. Examples: A single-unit restaurant will not have the same budget as a multi-unit business with a dedicated marketing budget. And work as a photographer or social media marketer will have very different rates than an SEO specialist, a web designer, and so on. My advice here: learn as much as you can so you can have a variety of services to offer.

As always, if you have questions of your own, feel free to drop them in the comments below or shoot me an email. Perhaps we’ll have a Part III!