Scrolling through Instagram or TikTok, you’ve probably seen those dreamy “day in the life” reels showcasing a social media manager schedule. While these videos highlight the glamour of working remotely—tropical cafes, laptops by the beach, and jet-setting adventures—they often skip the structure and strategy behind the scenes.
As a full-time social media manager and digital nomad, I’ve learned that a clear schedule is key to managing client work, building my own brand, and living my dream lifestyle. In this blog, I’m giving you an inside look at how I structure my week and sharing tips to help you create a schedule that works for you.
Why Your Schedule Should Reflect Your Lifestyle
No two social media managers have the same schedule, and that’s the beauty of this career. Your ideal workflow will depend on factors like:
How many clients you manage
The services you offer
Your years of experience
Your preferred lifestyle
When I started working in Bali in 2020, I had no structure. I juggled tasks aimlessly, felt busy but unproductive, and struggled to enjoy the freedom I’d worked so hard to achieve. Over time, I discovered that structure and flexibility aren’t mutually exclusive—they’re essential partners in creating a sustainable schedule.
How I Structure My Social Media Manager Schedule
To stay productive and avoid burnout, I theme my days. This approach helps me focus on specific tasks while allowing room for flexibility.
Monday: CEO Day
Mondays are dedicated to working on my business. This is my time to focus on tasks like:
Creating content for my own brand
Reviewing analytics
Planning new strategies
Researching trends and staying updated on the industry
Tackling admin tasks
By reserving Mondays for my business, I ease into the workweek and avoid the stress of client calls right after the weekend. It’s a refreshing way to start the week on my terms.
Tip: Choose one day a week to focus on your own brand. This keeps your business growing alongside your clients’.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: Client-Focused Days
These midweek days are all about client work. Here’s what a typical day looks like:
Morning Updates: I check industry blogs and resources like Hootsuite or Later to stay current on social media trends and relay relevant updates to clients.
Admin Hour: I respond to emails, DMs, and inquiries.
Content Creation: I build bi-weekly content calendars, create graphics, and write captions for my clients. If video content is needed, I request clips or schedule filming.
Engagement: I handle community engagement and post stories or updates on behalf of clients.
Client Calls: I leave time slots open for strategy sessions, check-ins, or discovery calls.
Pro Tip: Batch similar tasks to avoid the mental fatigue of switching between unrelated activities.
Friday: Wrap-Up and Flex Day
Fridays are for tying up loose ends:
Finalizing client content or edits
Addressing any pending client questions
Preparing for the next week
By keeping my Fridays light, I leave room to adjust for unexpected tasks or to start my weekend early if I’m traveling.
Tools That Simplify My Schedule
Here are two tools that make managing my week easier:
Dubsado This CRM tool simplifies client management. I use it to send contracts, proposals, and invoices, and to create scheduling links for client calls. Dubsado makes it easy to streamline workflows and block off time for specific tasks.
Notion Notion is my favorite tool for staying organized. I use it to create a custom workspace that includes sections for tasks, marketing, clients, and even personal to-dos. Notion allows me to build templates for recurring tasks, track progress on client projects, and even manage my content calendar. Whether it’s keeping tabs on invoices or jotting down creative ideas, Notion is the central hub for my business.
The Power of Time Blocking
One strategy that’s been a game-changer for me is time blocking. On Sundays, I map out my week, setting aside specific time slots for:
CrossFit classes and morning routines
Client content creation
Personal tasks, like grocery shopping or catching up on reading
Time blocking helps me stay focused and ensures I prioritize both work and personal activities.
Build Your Ideal Social Media Manager Schedule
Your schedule should reflect the life you want to live. Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, a minimalist or a multitasker, design a workflow that fits your energy and goals.
For me, that means prioritizing fitness, taking time for my own brand, and leaving room for spontaneity—like sunset beach walks or long weekends exploring. The flexibility to adapt is one of the best perks of being your own boss.
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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.
