Where today’s
sought-after
digital talent
meets tomorrow’s
world-class business
At Social Market, we’re creating an exclusive marketplace of freelance talent and digital services, delivered with exactly the level of self-management or hands-on strategic oversight you need.
We’re on a mission to ensure your forward-thinking organization is armed with the skilled marketing professionals you need to scale, sell and solidify your place as a profoundly successful organization of tomorrow, today.
Finally – a seamless way to align the modern marketing workforce with the rapidly-evolving organizations who need them.
More than 80% of business owners know they need to improve their online presence, but they don't know where to begin.
You're aware of the platforms and people in your industry 'doing social' really well, and it's high time you got in the game, invested in the 'gram, and reaped some serious reach and return yourself.
Your website is dusty, difficult to navigate, far from mobile-friendly and simply not doing you or your offering any favours. A responsive new site is a top priority, but who to hire and how?
Your team is reduced, your resources stretched and your budget's been slashed, but your pivot plans are big. It's time to get smart about enlisting the right support, for the right project and price.
You've learned the lay of the land and you know what you can handle in-house, but you need support on a specific piece of your marketing mix to get you off the ground, or on the regular going forward.
(and that damn digital guru, maven or unicorn hasn't YET MANIFESTED.)
Sound familiar?
Today's businesses face countless challenges when trying to make the right hire, from candidate qualifications and workplace dynamics to an uncertain budget or project scope. Social Market's unique solution for hiring qualified independent contractors who are well versed in both strategy and execution, passes the test every time.
Our curated marketplace combines modern marketing talent with today's most in-demand digital services, from monthly photography packages for your social feeds to Shopify website builds and Google Ad campaign management, delivered by seasoned industry insiders and sought-after pros.
Whether you're the client or contractor, the reality is the same. When you offload the pieces of your work you're not as skilled, passionate or effective at – be it writing blog posts for your business or hunting for work as a freelancer – you free yourself up to focus on what matters. Like growing your revenue, excelling at your craft and loving your work.
While you may find yourself falling into a long-term relationship with a Social Marketer or two, no long-term commitment and no hidden fees mean you're free to come and go as you please, and immediately scale your team up or down in a breeze.
Stress no more...
Web Design
Design, build and launch with e-commerce capabilities, in less than a month. Our talented website specialists are versed in everything from Shopify to Squarespace, Wordpress, Wix, and a few in between.
Copy Development
From blogs to e-newsletters, SEO to social, website and beyond, our seasoned writers have your wordy needs covered, with one-off engagements, quarterly packages or ongoing monthly support.
Creative Assets
Graphic design, photography, video, editing, captioning and repurposing – meet our killer line-up of creative professionals ready to bring your brand to life.
Social Media Management
Speaking of social, get your platforms in ship-shape with a savvy social expert who knows the landscape, and how to leverage your place in it. From content publishing to community management, we've got exactly what you're looking for.
Paid Reach
From promoted Instagram content to robust Google Ad campaigns, our experienced paid search and digital ads specialists know how to take your reach to an entirely new level, and generate exceptional leads, conversions and growth as a result.
Among them, words, software and cell phones.
Precisely the kind of womanly weaponry that has allowed ourselves and countless peers to transition from books and beta to full stack digital junkies.
Social Market is years in the making, and decades overdue.
We sincerely hope it helps solve some of your most pressing business challenges, takes a bit of weight off your multi-tasking shoulders, and brings you the digital services and unicorn-esque providers you've been pining for.
From the day we met on the pool deck 20-something years ago, give or take a decade, we've been mistaken for sisters.
The overly-enthusiastic kind who wear matching leather pants and stay well past when the lights come on.
While we couldn't be more different (Jenn writes cookbooks in her dreams, Kelly hasn't made dinner since anyone can remember), we also share more than a few fixations good and gritty.
From the day we met on a pool deck 20-something years ago, give or take a decade, we've been mistaken for sisters. The overly-enthusiastic kind who wear matching leather pants and stay well past when the lights come on.
While we couldn't be more different (Jenn writes recipes in her sleep, Kelly hasn't made dinner since anyone can remember), we also share more than a few fixations good and gritty.
Among them, words, software and cell phones. Precisely the kind of womanly weaponry that has allowed ourselves and countless peers to transition from books and beta to full stack digital junkies.
We are diehards of the written word, particularly when it's spelled out in pixels. Our experience runs through media, marketing, communications and PR, from agency to non-profit, tech startup to evil empire. We do our damnedest to keep up with modern marketing's constant evolution, before boiling it down to a simmer of delight and delivering it straight to your door.
Social Market is years in the making, and decades overdue. We sincerely hope it helps solve some of your most pressing business challenges, takes the weight off your multi-tasking shoulders, and connects you with the digital services and dynamo providers you've been searching for.
We've worked in, for and around hundreds of start-ups, scale-ups and success stories big and small, and we know exactly what it's like to stab in the dark without a stick.
Whether you're a low budget marketing team of one or a corporate cruise ship with too many chiefs and no left turn, we've worked closely with our crew of hand-picked, highly sought-after digital contractors to build exactly the modern marketing products and programs you're looking for.
Fill your calendar with the kind of clients and work that set your soul on fire
enjoy recurring work, consistent revenue and rewarding relationships
do more of what you love (your craft), and less of what you don't (pitching, booking, invoicing..)
determine your ideal service offering, and earn 100% of your fees. YES, 100%.
post your services in the marketplace, watch your bookings roll in
For close to a decade, we've welcomed more than 20,000 students through our Social School doors, many of them business owners or corporate marketers looking to better understand the digital landscape, and then hire accordingly. This is where you come in.
In addition to a continuous connection to clientele, Social Market agents receive unlimited access to our members community, hosted on a powerful private network and jammed with tools, templates, and tactical conversation with like-minded digital pros.
Your success means the world to us. And while we love to promote your mad skills and match you with rewarding, well-paying work, we're equally inspired by your freelancing success and are excited to welcome you into the un-agency you've been waiting for.
A's to your Q's
We believe so strongly in the pool of digital professionals we've handpicked for our digital marketplace,
and we stand behind them with the most heartfelt guarantee we can give.
Meaning, if you're not completely satisfied with the work you hired for and the project result, we'll work to make it right.
We believe so strongly in the pool of digital professionals we've handpicked for our digital marketplace, and we stand behind them with the most heartfelt guarantee we can give.
Meaning, if you're not completely satisfied with the work you hired for and the project result, we'll work to make it right.
1. HOW DO I KNOW YOUR CONTRACTORS ARE ALL THAT AND A BAG OF CHIPS?
A pool of trusted talent at your fingertips.
Our pool of independent digital contractors have all verifiably demonstrated recent work that showcases their abilities and strengths. Further, we only onboard contractors with experience managing and completing paid projects. They must have online portfolios available for review within their Social Market profile, and service offerings that we know to be timely, tactical and highly relevant to today's talent and digital solution-seeking businesses.
2. ARE YOUR CONTRACTORS LOCAL?
We match local talent with local businesses whenever possible.
We understand the importance for many brands and businesses to keep their investment close to home, which is why we aim to attract the talent you need locally. In the event that you cannot find the service provider you require locally, we may point you to another geography.
3. HOW ARE YOU DIFFERENT FROM OTHER AGENCIES?
Simple. We value our clients and contractors equally.
Years in the agency business left us wanting a better way for sought-after digital talent to connect with great businesses. Our contractors retain 100% of their fees, giving them a greater sense of ownership, commitment, and success. Social Market clients, on the other hand, are given a fast, simple and affordable way to access the services and launch the projects their business requires.
4. DO I OWN THE FINAL WORK?
You paid for it - you own it.
Having experienced this firsthand, we understand the scorn of paying for a product and then being told you don’t own the rights. At Social Market, you own the rights and IP of everything you pay for, including photography and design work.
5. WHY SOCIAL MARKET?
Sought-after digital talent. Seamless process. Unparalleled agility.
Kiss inflated fees, gated processes and unnecessary hand-holding and roadblocks goodbye. At Social Market you find the service and the contractor you need, the cost is completely transparent, and you get started. Today.
6. WHAT IF I WANT TO HIRE MY CONTRACTOR FULL-TIME?
You’ve found your match - great news! Hire away. No clauses. No buy-outs.
We want to connect good people. It’s that simple. We know that in the process some of our talented contractors may find their forever match, at which point we wish you happy digital marketing ever after!
7. WHY DO I PAY 100% OF THE COST UPFRONT?
Marketplaces keep costs and talent at the forefront.
While you do immediately pay for the service offerings you purchase in the marketplace, Social Market holds your payment in escrow until the job is done. Once both parties have indicated that the work is successfully complete, the funds will transfer to the contractor. This protects both parties and ensures jobs are successfully completed as promised.
8. WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM NOT COMPLETELY SATISFIED WITH THE WORK?
Sometimes it’s just not a great fit.
If there is a dispute regarding the quality or completion of the service offering (i.e. marketplace listing) purchased, Social Market will conduct a review of services rendered and determine a resolution and final distribution of funds.
9. WHAT PAYMENT TYPES DO YOU ACCEPT?
Flexibility at every step.
Major credit cards, PayPal and Stripe are all accepted.
1. HOW ARE YOU DIFFERENT FROM OTHER AGENCIES?
We aren’t even an agency - we are a marketplace designed to treat contractors (and their clients) better.
Simple. We value our clients and contractors. Years in the agency business left us wanting to create a place for talent to connect with great clients. Our contractors retain all of their fees, giving them a greater sense of ownership and commitment. For our clients we deliver a faster, more affordable way to connect with the local talent that is eager to produce.
2. WHY SOCIAL MARKET?
The real question is, why not?!
Local talent. Seamless process. Agile launch to your project. And a company that values the relationship between contractor and client.
3. WHAT IF THERE ARE CERTAIN CLIENTS OR INDUSTRIES THAT I DON’T WANT TO WORK FOR?
Don’t want to work for Aunt Karen’s best friend’s cat parlour?
We get it - fit is an important part of client work which is why you need to accept every client before money is exchanged or a job starts. You can refuse any job without the need to provide a reason.
4. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CLIENT IS NOT COMPLETELY SATISFIED WITH THE WORK?
Sometimes it’s just not a good fit.
If there is a dispute regarding the quality or completion of the marketing product purchased, Social Market will conduct a review of services renderer and determine a resolution and final distribution of funds.
6. HOW DO I CREATE A STELLAR BIO?
Whatever keeps your clients coming back is surely your strength.
This is your space to shine. Be sure to keep the focus on your strengths and link to a portfolio or website that shows evidence of your mad digital marketing skills.
7. WHAT IF MY CLIENT WANTS TO HIRE ME FULL-TIME?
You’ve found your match - great news and congratulations!
All you need to do is finish off your agreed upon contract with the client and you are free to sign a new exclusive contract with them outside of Social Market. Should you ever want to come back, or if you're able to continue offering freelance work on the side of your new gig, our door – and your Social Market profile – is always open.
8. HOW DO I GET PAID?
No more invoicing or chasing the money.
While the client is immediately charged upon purchase of a listing in the marketplace (following approval from the contractor that they are indeed willing and able to take on the client), Social Market holds the funds in escrow until both parties indicate that the job has been successfully completed. Once indicated, the funds are transferred immediately into your account.
5. ARE YOUR CLIENTS LOCAL?
We match local talent with local businesses.
We understand the importance of working with local businesses which is why we do everything possible to pair local businesses with local contractors. In some instances, we may allow business from other geographies to shop outside the locale.
9. WHAT PAYMENT SYSTEMS ARE USED?
The brass 'tax' made easy.
Once you join the Social Market, you will be able to set-up PayPal or Stripe to receive payments. Don’t have one of those? No worries, they are easy to set-up and will ensure you get paid once the job is complete. Follow the how-to instructions here.
10. HOW MANY LISTINGS CAN I ADD TO THE MARKETPLACE?
Endless earning potential.
As many as you like. So long as the service listing aligns with the category you're placing it in, and is a service package that you are offering exclusively to Social Market, you can build as many listings as you see fit!
11. WHY DO MY SOCIAL MARKET OFFERINGS NEED TO BE EXCLUSIVE?
Your unique services make the marketplace awesome.
Social Market is a one-of-a-kind marketplace where we put our contractors first. We own the hustle of bringing in clients and managing payments so that you can focus on your creative work. In return, we ask that you offer us something uniquely original for us to market. You are welcome to offer other services outside of the marketplace, but what you offer here needs to be exclusive.
13. DOES THIS MEAN I CAN'T OFFER 'PACKAGES' OUTSIDE OF SOCIAL MARKET?
Packages here, custom work there.
You are very welcome to create other service packages to offer your personal or agency clientele. However, because we're ensuring you receive 100% of the fees you decide your Social Market listing(s) to be worth, and investing heavily on driving traffic and qualified prospects to your listings, it is our hope that you see more value in placing service packages on Social Market, and keeping your custom work options limited to your own website or digital agency. If your agency or personal offering becomes more weighted to marketplace-type listings than custom work, it may not make sense for us to continue hosting or marketing you as a member of Social Market, out of fairness to our other freelancers.
12. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY 'SERVICE LISTING' AND HOW DO I MAKE IT EXCLUSIVE TO SOCIAL MARKET?
Service packages that can be pre-bought in a single click.
A fundamental difference between a transaction completed in a marketplace environment versus an agreement made with a traditional digital agency or independent contractor is the ease of purchase for the client. When buying something on Social Market, the client is investing in a pre-packaged service offering, and paying for in advance, rather than a custom job, paid for once the work is done. As with any online product purchase you would make, a marketplace 'product' must provide a crystal clear understanding of what is being bought, when it will arrive, and the deliverable(s) one can expect. In other words, while you might offer custom work in your regular freelance or agency services, the work you offer on Social Market needs to be packaged-up, easy to buy and – ideally – seamless for you to deliver, replicate and scale.
15. HOW CAN I GET MORE CLIENTS?
We bend the stream, you catch the fish.
It is our job to bring prospective clients to the marketplace, and once they are there, it is your turn to delight. Your contractor profile and services listings are your opportunities to dazzle your prospects. Get creative and be sure to share your best work in your portfolio. We encourage you to be professional and descriptive, and our Resource Hub contains plenty of examples and ideas as to how you can do so.
14. HOW DO I GET STARTED?
Joining Social Market is easy.
Simply fill out our application found here. We will get back to you within 48 hours on the status of your application. Once approved, you will receive an invite to the Resource Hub – a comprehensive online toolkit of tips, downloads and demo videos to help you get up and running on the marketplace as soon as possible. From there, clients will reach out to you directly, and you're off and running!
17. DO YOU OFFER TOOLS OR TIPS TO HELP ME FIND SUCCESS AS A MODERN DIGITAL FREELANCER?
Agency Insiders – a freelancer community like none other.
Running your own gig can be complex, which is why we send out regular insights and interviews to help your crush this contracting thing. We also host a live coffee every other week where we house questions on client management, the in's and out's of Sharetribe, our marketplace platform, and explore the most timely trends and tools in the marketing, creative and digital realm.
16. ARE THERE OTHER WAYS I CAN PARTNER WITH SOCIAL SCHOOL TO EARN INCOME?
Promote Social School, get paid for your referrals.
The best way to boost your earnings with passive income that aligns with your skillset and often acts as a perfect complement to your Social Market service offerings, is to recommend Social School's renowned training programs and toolkits to your clients and contacts. Any purchases stemming from your custom affiliate link will result in 25% one-time and recurring commission headed your way. Your earning potential is infinite, and this side hustle as simple as a one-click signup. Learn more and register as an official Social School Affiliate Partner at socialschool.io/affiliates.
and at the top of your game.
Keeping you in the loop
Keeping you in the loop and at the top of your game.