Most people overcomplicate getting started as a social media manager. Here's the exact playbook I'd follow if I had to start over with no experience, no portfolio, and no connections.

Day 1-2: Pick your niche

Don't try to serve "everyone." Pick one type of local business — dentists, gyms, restaurants, real estate agents. One niche = one pitch = one skill set to master.

Day 3-4: Build a 60-second portfolio

Find 3 businesses in your niche with weak social media. Redesign their last 3 posts using Canva (free). Screenshot the before/after. That's your portfolio. Took you 2 hours.

Day 5-6: Send 20 DMs

Go to Instagram. Find businesses in your niche with 500-5K followers and inconsistent posting. Send a short, specific DM: "Hey [name], I noticed your last post was 3 weeks ago. I put together a quick mockup of what your feed could look like — mind if I send it over?"

Day 7: Follow up + close

Half won't reply. That's fine. Follow up once. The ones who respond are warm leads. Offer a free 1-week trial managing their account. After the trial, pitch $500/month.

This is literally how most successful SMMs start. No degree needed. No certification. Just hustle and a wifi connection.

I teach the full 34-lesson version of this inside Shirzan Managers — from finding clients to scaling to $5K/month. If you're serious about starting, come check it out.