By Beau Peters

Special to Financial Independence Hub

Financial freedom can feel like a pipe dream when you’re in college. You hardly have enough time to complete all of your assignments, let alone work a full-time job and earn enough income to complete all of your financial goals.

That said, there are more jobs that exist online that can help you become financially independent, thanks to the digital age. As a native user of social media, you can find plenty of paid opportunities as an influencer, social media manager, or crafter of homemade goods.

A social-media side gig is great for your long-term career goals, too. You’ll always have employable skills to rely on and can point towards a portfolio of profitable, engaging social media content.

Influencer

If you’re a traditional student, you’re likely a native user of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. You may have even built a significant following of friends and strangers who also use the platforms you love. Becoming a brand ambassador or influencer can help you monetize your account and earn extra income through product profiles and branded content.

Start earning money on Instagram by switching your account to “creator mode” and connecting your account with affiliate programs. With the help of these programs, you can link to businesses and brands from across the globe  like:

• Amazon Associates
• eBay Partner Network
• CJ Affiliate by Conversant
• Rakuten Marketing

These platforms can connect you with brands that align with your values and overall aesthetic. You will need to adhere to their specific rules and guidelines, though, as ill-thought-out influencer marketing can derail a brand’s overall marketing strategy.

If you have a large enough following, you can also get paid directly via sponsored posts. Sponsored posts need to be clearly tagged to stay within Instagram’s rules, but they can be a great way to earn extra income. Improve the effectiveness of sponsored posts by utilizing strategized hashtags and interesting captions that draw users in.

Social Media Manager

The role of a Social Media Manager is to oversee posts, engagement, and branded content that goes live on a business’s social media accounts. Social media managers typically have a flair for analytics and aesthetics, as they know how to blend brand guidelines with audience trends and consumer data.

This may sound like a full-time gig, but you can balance your college work with social media management for small businesses. As a native user of social media sites, you already know the current trends and how to blend branded content with videos and images that inspire your audience. Continue Reading…