Social Media Freelancer vs. Consultant: What's the Difference?

You're a social media manager ready for a change. You’ve been hearing a whole lot about freelancing and consulting, but you’re not really sure what the difference is between the two. 

It can be a bit confusing, especially when there are so many different career paths available. But no worries at all — I got you.

In this article, I’m gonna break down the main differences between social media freelancers and consultants, so you can decide which path is right for you.

What is a social media freelancer?

Social media freelancers are typically hired to carry out specific tasks, such as creating social media content, running social media campaigns, or managing social media accounts.

What is a social media consultant?

Social media consultants are typically hired to evaluate a client's social media needs and provide expert advice on how to improve their social media performance. Consultants may also develop and implement social media strategies, train staff on social media best practices, and provide other consulting services.

What are the pros of being a social media freelancer?

Flexibility

Freelancers have the freedom to choose their projects and work hours. They can take on multiple clients simultaneously, offering a variety of tasks and projects.

Skill Expansion

Freelancers often need to be versatile and acquire a range of skills to meet the demands of different projects. This can lead to a broader skill set and adaptability.

Portfolio Building

With each project, freelancers can build a diverse portfolio showcasing their skills and accomplishments. A dope portfolio becomes a powerful marketing tool for attracting new clients.

What are the cons of being a social media freelancer?

Unpredictable Income

Freelancers may face periods of inconsistent income, as projects are not guaranteed and can be seasonal. The lack of a steady paycheck can be a source of financial stress.

Administrative Responsibilities

Freelancers are usually responsible for managing their own business operations, including invoicing, taxes, and client communications. This administrative workload can be time-consuming.

Limited Scalability

The ability to take on multiple projects may reach a limit, making it challenging for freelancers to scale their business beyond a certain point without hiring additional help.

What are the pros of being a social media consultant?

High-Level Strategy

Consultants work at a strategic level, helping clients define goals and develop comprehensive social media strategies. This involvement in the broader vision of a business can be intellectually rewarding.

Expert Reputation

Successful consultants can build a reputation for expertise in their field. This can lead to a stream of high-profile clients and speaking engagements, further enhancing their professional standing.

Stable Income

Unlike freelancers, consultants often have a more stable income as they are hired for longer-term projects. This stability can be attractive for those seeking financial security.

What are the cons of being a social media consultant?

Client Dependency

Consultants may become overly dependent on a few key clients. Losing a major client can have a significant impact on income and the stability of the consultancy.

Time-Intensive Projects

Consulting projects can be extensive and time-consuming. This can lead to long work hours and potentially impact work-life balance.

Market Dependency

The success of a consultant is often tied to the overall economic conditions and the demand for consultancy services. When the economy is down, it can affect the availability of projects.

What factors should you consider before making your decision?

Your career goals

Do you want to work with a variety of businesses or do you want to specialize in a particular industry? Do you want to work on a project-by-project basis or do you want to work with businesses on a longer-term basis?

Your lifestyle

Do you want the flexibility to work from home and set your own hours? Do you prefer to work in an office environment? Do you prefer more flexibility or more stability?

Your financial situation

If you need a steady paycheck and benefits, then consulting may be a better option for you. Freelancing can be financially rewarding, but it can also be unpredictable.

Your risk tolerance

Are you comfortable taking risks? Freelancing requires more risk-taking than consulting, as you are responsible for your own business and income.

So which path is right for you?

That depends on your skills and experience, your career goals, and your desired lifestyle. If you're looking for flexibility and variety, then social media freelancing may be a good option for you. If you're looking for more stability and less hands-on action, then social media consulting may be a better choice.

There's truly no right or wrong answer. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. My advice is to take some time to really think about the kind of work you desire to do and what you value most (i.e. time, money, freedom, peace of mind, professional advancement).

Like anything else in life, both paths have their own advantages and disadvantages. It's about figuring out what's best for you. What do you really want? Dig deep down and be honest with yourself.

Here are some additional tips for making your decision:

• Talk to other social media professionals. Ask them about their experiences and how they made their decisions.
• Do your research. Learn more about the social media freelancing and consulting industries. What are the typical rates? What are the challenges and opportunities?
• Consider your personality. Are you a self-starter? Are you disciplined? Do you enjoy working independently? Do you work best when someone else is telling you exactly what you need to do?

Here are some tips for success, regardless of the path you choose:

• Be a lifelong learner. The social media industry is constantly changing, so it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and platform updates.
• Be professional and reliable. Deliver your work on time and meet your deadlines. Be responsive to your clients' needs and be willing to go the extra mile. Do what you say you're gonna do (and then some).
• Build relationships. Get to know other social media professionals and build relationships with your clients. This will help you grow your network and attract new opportunities in the future.

No matter which path you choose, I know you’re gonna do well (as long as you believe that, too). Just know that I’m rooting for you one hundred percent.

You got this.

Hey, I’m Kheyra 👋🏾 Nice to meet ya!

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