Freelance Social Media Management Program

Description: The Freelance Social Media Management Program equips participants with the skills, tools, and business strategies needed to launch and grow a successful freelance social media career. Across three badge-based courses, learners will master content creation, client management, analytics, and business development – building a real portfolio and client pipeline along the way.

Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

Build and operate a freelance social media management business
Create platform-optimized content across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube
Use AI tools and automation systems to streamline content production
Analyze platform data and deliver professional strategy reports to clients
Pitch, onboard, and retain real clients with confidence
Develop proposals, pricing guides, and professional communication systems

What: A 12-week certificate program covering the foundations of freelance social media management – from content creation and AI tools to client outreach, paid ads, and business development.

When: August 29 – November 28, 2026 | Saturdays, 9AM–12PM

Instructor: Stetson Patton, founder of Socially Stetson LLC

Where: Virtual via Microsoft Teams

CE Hours: 72 CE Hours

Credential Recognition: Gardner-Webb University CE Hours

Why: Social media is no longer just a platform – it’s a culture, an economy, and a career. As businesses of every size compete for digital attention, the demand for skilled freelance social media managers has never been higher. This program meets that moment, giving participants the practical skills and business foundation to turn their social media knowledge into real income.

3 hours/week direct instruction x 4 weeks = 12 hours
3 hours/week classwork x 4 weeks = 12 hours
Must attend 3 of 4 live sessions or watch recordings
8/29-9/12

Week 1: Foundations of Freelance SMM

August 29, 2026 | 9am-12pm | MS Teams

Define freelance social media management and income
potential
Explore business models, pricing tiers, and niche
positioning
Set up core business assets (LLC basics, payment systems,
brand identity)

Week 3: Content Creation Essentials

September 12, 2026 | 9am-12pm | MS Teams

Craft reels, carousels, captions, and stories
Practice writing engaging, on-brand copy using proven
formulas
Intro to Canva, CapCut, and AI-assisted video scripting

Week 4: AI Tools & Automation Systems

September 19, 2026 | 9am-12pm | MS Teams

Demo ChatGPT, Poppy AI, Canva Magic, and keyword-
based DM flows
Set up batching and repurposing workflows
Create a 2-week content calendar with AI support

3 hours/week direct instruction x 4 weeks = 12 hours
3 hours/week classwork x 4 weeks = 12 hours
Must attend 3 of 4 live sessions or watch recordings
10/3-10/24

Week 5: Analytics, Insights & Strategy Reporting

October 3, 2026 | 9am-12pm | MS Teams

Read platform insights (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube)
Build client-facing reports that drive retention
Revise strategy based on data

Week 6: Client Onboarding and Communication Systems

October 10, 2026 | 9am-12pm | MS Teams

Use Poppy AI or custom forms to onboard a real business
Set expectations, timelines, and content approval processes
Practice professional email and DM communication, and revision
protocols

Week 7: Dream Client Research and Pitch Planning

October 17, 2026 | 9am-12pm | MS Teams

Research and select five potential clients to pitch
Build your portfolio, pitch deck, and pricing guide
Craft an offer stack and client communication templates

Week 8: Outreach, Pitches and Discovery Calls

October 24, 2026 | 9am-12pm | MS Teams

Send DMs and emails to five or more real businesses
Run mock and real discovery calls
Use an outreach tracker to log pitches and follow-ups

3 hours/week direct instruction x 4 weeks = 12 hours
3 hours/week classwork x 4 weeks = 12 hours
Must attend 3 of 4 live sessions or watch recordings
11/7-11/28

Week 9: LinkedIn Optimization and Referral Strategy

November 7, 2026 | 9am-12pm | MS Teams

Optimize LinkedIn profile for client acquisition
Join local groups and referral networks
Practice warm outreach and soft introductions

Week 10: Paid Ads 101 for Freelancers

November 14, 2026 | 9am-12pm | MS Teams

When and why to recommend paid ads
Set up a basic Meta ad inside Business Suite
Advise clients on budget and performance tracking

Week 11: Proposals, Invoicing and Boundaries

November 21, 2026 | 9am-12pm | MS Teams

Write a full proposal and scope of work
Price services based on value rather than hours
Review contracts, payment systems, and red flags

Week 12: Final Presentations and Certification

November 28, 2026 | 9am-12pm | MS Teams

Present client work: strategy, content, and insights
Submit proof of outreach to five businesses
Final audit of portfolio, pitch assets, and proposal documents

Certificate Requirements

Completion of badges 1-3
Complete outreach to five potential clients
Submit a working portfolio, strategy report, and proposal
Participate in the final live showcase with a client or mock presentation