Starting a career in social media can feel like a big puzzle, especially if you’re starting from scratch or trying to transition over from another career.

Most jobs require some experience in order to apply, which presents a classic catch-22: you need a job to get experience, but you also need experience to get a job!

It’s a problem that’s as old as time, but here’s the good news: getting into social media marketing with no experience is actually really easy, and we’re going to give you the blueprint to do it.

Start with your social media portfolio

Think of a social media portfolio like your very own showcase, a collection where you can show off all the cool stuff you’ve done on social media. It’s like having a personal photo album, but instead of pictures from your holiday, it’s filled with your best work – posts, campaigns, videos, anything that shows how awesome you are at social media.

Having a portfolio is key because it’s the first thing companies look at when deciding if they want to hire you. Even if you’re just starting and feel like you don’t have much to put in there, don’t worry. Every big journey starts with a small step, and your portfolio will grow as you learn and try new things.

So, before you working on your projects, think about how each thing you do for social media can be a part of your portfolio. It’s not just about doing tasks; it’s about creating something you’re proud to share with the world (and the hiring manager at your next job interview!).

There are hundreds of tools out there for building portfolios, but we recommend Canva, one of the leading (and free) online design tools. You can quickly create documents, presentations, posts, videos and more, and is a handy place to store screenshots and analysis of your social media work.

Now, let’s look at how you can start building up that experience to fill your portfolio with amazing work!

Ways to start in social media marketing with no experience

With some practice and learning, you can get into the world of social media marketing. It’s all about trying things out, learning as you go, and not being afraid to start small.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a fantastic starting point for anyone eager to dip their toes into the world of social media. Keep an eye out for local organizations, small businesses, or community events in need of a digital boost.

By offering your help, you not only provide valuable support to those who need it but also gain practical experience in managing real social media accounts. This hands-on experience is invaluable; it allows you to experiment with different strategies, understand what engages an audience, and see the direct impact of your work.

Plus, it’s incredibly rewarding to know your efforts are helping a cause or business grow online. As you assist others in elevating their social media presence, you’re also laying the foundation for your own career, making volunteering a win-win scenario for everyone involved.

Mock campaigns

Mock campaigns are a great way to jump into social media without any experience. By creating your own campaigns for brands or causes you love, you get a real feel for how marketing works on platforms like Instagram or TikTok.

How to Do It

  1. Pick Something You Care About: Choose a brand or cause that excites you. This passion will shine through in your work.
  2. Set Goals: Decide what you want your campaign to do. Do you want more people to know about the brand, or do you want to get folks to act (like signing up or joining an event)?
  3. Create Awesome Content: Plan what you’ll post. Think about using eye-catching images, writing engaging captions, and picking hashtags that get your campaign seen by more people.
  4. Pretend to Launch It: Imagine you’re putting your campaign live. Think about when you’d post and how you’d talk to people who comment or share.
  5. Look Back and Learn: After you’ve “run” your campaign, think about what worked and what didn’t. This step is super important because it’s how you get better.

Doing mock campaigns lets you show off what you can do, even if you’ve never had a social media marketing job before. It’s all about being creative and learning by doing. Plus, when it’s time to apply for content creator jobs, you’ll have cool projects to show to potential employers, proving you’ve got what it takes to do a great job in social media without any experience.

Use your own social media

Your social media profiles are like your personal playgrounds for experimenting with different types of content and strategies. Think of them as your private labs where you can test out ideas, see what works, and what doesn’t, all while having a blast.

Here’s how you can use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to sharpen your skills and make your mark.

Instagram is perfect for playing with visual content. You can try out different photo styles, filters, and captions to see what engages your audience the most. Experiment with Instagram Stories, using polls, questions, or countdowns to interact with your followers. Don’t forget about Reels; it’s great for sharing longer video content or quick, engaging clips that can show off your creativity and sense of trend.

  • Challenge Yourself: Start a 30-day content challenge on Instagram, posting something new and different each day. Track which posts get the most likes, comments, and shares to understand what your audience loves.
  • Hashtag Experiments: Play around with hashtags to reach different communities. Compare posts with various hashtags to see which ones increase your visibility and engagement.

TikTok thrives on creativity and trends. This platform is your go-to for experimenting with video content that could go viral. Use TikTok to practice creating engaging, short videos that speak to current trends or even start your own. Pay attention to the use of music, transitions, and how directly addressing your audience can impact your engagement.

  • Jump on Trends: Get involved with trending challenges or sounds and put your unique spin on them. It’s a great way to get noticed and see what content resonates with a broader audience.
  • Engage Through Duets and Replies: Use TikTok’s Duet and video reply features to engage with other users’ content. It’s not only a fun way to interact but also a method to see how collaboration and interaction drive engagement.

As you mix up your posts and dive into different platforms’ features, keep an eye on your analytics.

Both Instagram and TikTok offer insights that can tell you a lot about who your audience is, when they’re most active, and what content they engage with the most. Use this data to refine your strategies and develop a content style that’s uniquely yours.

Remember, the goal of using your social media as a lab is not just about getting likes or follows. It’s about understanding what makes people tick online, what kind of content stands out, and how to communicate in a way that resonates. These are crucial skills for any social media manager, from junior roles to more senior Social Media Strategist jobs where you’ll be expected to bring fresh ideas and understand what attracts and engages an audience.

So, go ahead and start experimenting on your social media. Each post, story, reel, or TikTok video is a learning opportunity that brings you one step closer to becoming a social media whiz, ready to take on the professional world with a portfolio full of engaging, creative content.

Learning with online courses

Believe it or not, you can find tons of free courses online that can get you started in social media marketing with no experience.

Big names like Google and HubSpot offer a number of beginner courses, and finishing them not only teaches you a bunch but also looks super impressive on your resume. It’s a sign that you’re serious about learning and growing in the field.

If you’re willing to invest a little in your career development, you can also enroll in premium courses from platforms like Domestika, a creative education platform.

Staying updated with the latest trends is another smart move. Reading blogs, tuning into podcasts, and following the big names in social media can give you insights and tips that keep you ahead of the game.

Networking: Making friends in the field

Meeting people already thriving in the field you’re aiming for can be incredibly beneficial, especially when you’re diving into social media with no experience.

Imagine it as forming friendships with individuals who have navigated the path you’re on and can offer valuable insights and guidance.

Online platforms like LinkedIn are perfect for connecting with these professionals, while local meetups provide a chance for face-to-face interactions.

Networking is more than just a means to land a job; it’s about exchanging knowledge, experiences, and supporting each other’s growth in the social media landscape. This community engagement can be a powerful tool, offering perspectives and opportunities that might not be apparent from the outset.

Who knows? Engaging with the right person could very well set you on the path to a rewarding Social Media Assistant job or open doors to similar opportunities, all starting from a position of social media without any experience!

Next steps

Ready to kickstart your journey in social media? Whether you’re dreaming about your first job or aiming to become the next big content creator, now’s the time to take action. And there’s no better place to start than Social Rover, where you can find hundreds of entry-level social media jobs.

From beginner positions to more advanced roles, we’ve got everything. It’s the perfect spot to find your dream job in social media.

Remember, everyone starts somewhere. By following these steps—getting hands-on social media experience, learning through courses, and connecting with others—you’ll be on your way to a great career in social media.

So go ahead, take that first step. Your social media career awaits!