Are you dreaming of traveling the world while managing your social media business? In this blog post, I’m breaking down how you can travel and run your social media management business successfully. Having recently spent a month in Thailand while managing my business, I’m excited to share my top tips and insights on balancing the excitement of exploring new places with the responsibilities of running your own social media management business. Let’s dive in!
Why Being a Social Media Manager Is Perfect for Travel
Before I jump into the specifics, let me tell you why being a social media manager is perfect for travel. As a social media manager, all you need is a laptop and a strong WiFi connection. This means you can work from anywhere in the world, making it the perfect job for digital nomads!
When I left my corporate job to become a social media manager, my main motivation was the freedom to travel whenever and wherever I wanted. I was tired of being stuck in an office with limited PTO and strict schedules. If you’ve ever felt the same way, social media management could be your ticket to a life of freedom and adventure.
How I Managed My Business While Traveling in Thailand
During my month-long solo trip to Thailand, I had the chance to travel and manage my social media business while exploring beautiful places like the Phi Phi Islands. Here’s a peek into how I managed my business while traveling in Thailand and how you can do the same:
1. Get Organized With The Right Tools
To keep my business running smoothy while traveling, I rely on a few key tools:
Notion: I use Notion for managing my life and social media management business. In Notion, I can map out my to-dos, plan out content, keep track of tasks, and collaborate—all in one place. It’s perfect for visual planning and staying on top of projects.
Dubsado: Dubsado is my go-to CRM for managing client communications, proposals, and invoices. It automates many processes, making it easier to manage client inquiries and workflows.
Metricool – Metricool is what I use to analyze, schedule, and manage my social media accounts and clients. It helps streamline social media management tasks with features for in-depth analytics, content scheduling, and account management.
2. Batch Work for Efficiency
Before heading to Thailand, I batch-processed some client work so I could enjoy my trip without feeling overwhelmed. By preparing content in advance and scheduling specific workdays, I kept my business running smoothly while having time for sightseeing.
For instance, I dedicated Mondays to client content creation and used Tuesdays and Thursdays for client calls. This schedule allowed me to explore Thailand on other days while still staying productive.
3. Communicate with Your Clients
Being upfront with your clients about your travel plans is crucial. In my case, since Thailand and Bali are in similar time zones, I didn’t need to make major changes to my client interactions. However, if you’re traveling to a different time zone, let your clients know about your availability and any changes to your office hours.
I recommend creating a welcome packet for new clients that outlines your office hours, response times, and any out-of-office details. This helps set expectations and keeps your clients informed.
4. Consider Hiring a VA for Extra Support
While I don’t have a VA (Virtual Assistant) at the moment, I’m planning to hire one in the future. A VA can help manage tasks, handle client communications, and ensure everything runs smoothly while you’re away. If you’re considering a break or need extra hands, a VA can be a great solution.
5. Ensure You Have Reliable WiFi
Good WiFi is essential for working online, so I always check the WiFi speed before booking accommodation. I ask for speed test results and read reviews to ensure I have a reliable connection. Additionally, I buy an international SIM card for data, which is often cheaper than paying for an AT&T bill abroad.
Conclusion
Balancing travel with running a social media management business is not only possible but can also be incredibly rewarding. By staying organized, batching your work, communicating with your clients, and ensuring you have reliable WiFi, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Ready to become a social media manager and digital nomad? I’m thrilled to announce that The Tropical Social Accelerator is relaunching as a course plus group coaching program in August! This program is perfect for new and aspiring social media managers who want to:
Build a standout online brand
Create a marketing strategy that converts
Live the laptop lifestyle of their dreams
Join the TSA Waitlist HERE to be the first to know about the launch and receive a special discount exclusive to waitlisters!
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The Tropical Social Podcast
Your go-to podcast for social media managers, freelancers, and service providers who want to stand out online and build a brand that lasts.
Whether you're dreaming of working from anywhere, building a business that supports your lifestyle, or simply wanting your marketing to finally click, The Tropical Social Podcast is here to help you make it happen.
Through honest conversations, actionable tips, and behind-the-scenes insights, host Shannon Segall shares the tools you need to grow a personal brand, attract aligned clients, and market yourself without burning out.