Alternative Job Market for the Social Media Generation
Thanks to the internet and the rapid growth of social media platforms, the present generation of job seekers have witnessed the birth of another job category in the ever expanding job market. The emergence of “social media jobs”as one option in the choice of careers has been gaining tremendous popularity specially among the internet savvy and the social networking populace. The rise of SEO (Search Engine Optimization), social network marketing, and online shopping were the key instigators to this revolutionary phenomenon which has redefined the face of commerce forever. Some avenues have even gone as far as giving people the alternative choice of earning income while logging in to their favourite social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, And StumbleUpon. Big companies are spending much of their advertising budgets on payments to users who are willing to help strengthen their business’s online presence and reputation by merely submitting persuasive reviews in forums and promoting business brand in Facebook or twitter status updates.
In a more formal job structure, social media careers have also invaded the marketing arm of every company opening the doors to the inclusion of jobs such as Email Marketing Manager, SEO Executive, Digital Account Manager, PR writer, SEO Manager, Webmaster, and Social Media Director, all geared at conquering the complex battlefield of internet marketing which has been complicated by unbreakable algorithms unleashed by highly secretive search engines such as Google and yahoo. Their mission is to drive targeted converting traffic to the business website and ensure high ranking in every SERP (Search Engine Results Page). The salary of these new breed of professionals ranges from A� 19,000.00 to as high as A� 60,000.00 per annum depending on experience and skill.
On another related note, “social media jobs” also have its self-employment option. One can choose to play the game on his or her own by being an “Affiliate Marketing Partner” of any brand or company which best suits his or her own lifestyle, preferences, and interests. As affiliates, they do not need to have products of their own. Their job is to promote products and in every purchase using their identity embedded “links”, they earn a commission from the merchant in accordance with the agreed terms of affiliate partnership. Success in this option depends heavily on the strategies one is willing to employ. To some, Facebook has proven to be an efficient promotional venue. Unknown to many, most of the products, images, brands, and offers being circulated and shared are most likely affiliate linked and the more likes and shares mean wider audience hence a greater possibility for sales. This is an example of “Facebook monetization” or “social network monetization” in internet marketing parlance.
With the continuing threat of recession and the rising rate of unemployment, these could be viable alternatives to traditional professional jobs as an income generating engagement along with service outsourcing and other online ventures but, like any other jobs, these would also require hard work, dedication, honesty, good strategy, and continued skills enhancement.
