Digital Nomad Job #8: Become An Instagram Strategist

Ip/dropcap]nstagram is one of those platforms people love to hate. But there is no denying how powerful it can be for building a business online. Behind those perfectly curated feeds and viral Reels is often someone like Sofia — an Instagram Strategist making it all happen.

Sofia works with wedding and travel businesses to help them grow their presence online and turn their followers into paying clients. Like many digital nomads, she didn’t set out on this path from the start. She studied psychology in university before quickly realizing the traditional 9-5 life wasn’t for her.

After landing a virtual assistant role, she discovered a love for social media. It allowed her to combine creativity with strategy, and she eventually carved out her own space as an Instagram Strategist working online from anywhere.

In this interview, Sofia shares how she got started, what her day-to-day life looks like, and her best advice for anyone looking to follow a similar path.

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Meet Sofia Pizarra

How She Got Started As A Digital Nomad:

After earning a degree in Psychology, Sofia knew the traditional path wasn’t for her. Her first step into the digital world came with a job at a local digital agency, where she began as an SEO writer and got her first taste of social media work. After eight months, she ventured out on her own — first as a general virtual assistant, then transitioning into a role she loved: Instagram Strategy.

“I realized I really love doing Instagram,” Sofia says. “I can apply my creativity through captions, photos, and graphics, while also enjoying the technical side like hashtags and engagement.”

Digital Nomad Job #8:

Interview With Instagram Strategiest, Sofia Pizarra

Summary of what your job entails

There’s no doubt: Instagram is one of the social media platforms that businesses should leverage these days. This is especially true if the industry relies on visual representations of experiencing the services (such as wedding and travel industry).

As an Instagram Strategist, I help businesses show up intentionally on Instagram so they can attract their dream clients and turn followers into customers. My job is all about creating customized strategies — from content planning and engagement tactics to hashtag research and Reels ideas — so brands can show up consistently and confidently online. I also offer done-for-you services for businesses who don’t have the time to implement everything themselves, making it easier for them to focus on what they do best while still growing their presence on social media.

What’s a typical day like for you while working and traveling?

Because I sleep late, I also wake up late. 🤣 I start my day with bible reading, morning pages, and meditation. While working, I take some breaks by enjoying a DIY milk tea. Sometimes, I walk in the neighborhood just to breathe some fresh air.

Since my schedule is not fixed, I can work whenever at anytime I want. I usually work short hours from Mondays to Saturdays. During Sundays, I take a break from any work.

Best thing you love about your job + the lifestyle

I love having the ability to help my clients whenever and wherever I am. I also love having the ability to help them maximize their Instagram for business growth and sales.

And oh, have I mentioned that my clients are so sweet???

Least thing you like about your job + the lifestyle

Due to regular IG algorithm updates, it can be a challenge to keep the IG accounts growing. Therefore, the learning part is a never ending process.

Here’s how it looks: the strategies that you executed last month may no longer apply to the algorithm changes this month. If you love to challenge yourself to learn every single day, this wouldn’t be a problem to you, though. 🙂

The other issue is this: a lot of clients think that they need a big following count to be successful in their business. If you’ll encounter this, you should assure them that it’s not about the vanity metrics. You should explain that with effective strategies, they can still be successful in Instagram and generate sales from it even with less than a thousand of followers.

How much do you earn?

This depends on a lot of factors like expertise level, niche, location, packages, and many more. I searched in Google and the industry average is $52,000 per year.

What qualifications did you need to get in order to do this career?

You don’t need a formal college degree!! To be honest, none of my clients asked me about it. What they care about is your proven work results. They want to be assured that you can get the job done.

Advice to those who are looking to pursue this field?

There are tons of resources in YouTube, Google, and online courses. Always set aside a time to learn about the field in a bite-size manner. Use your own Instagram to practice the strategies that you learned from online resources and use this as your initial portfolio.

Best tips on how to be successful?

Being your own boss makes it harder to divide your work life and personal life so try your best to stick to a work schedule.

Did you face any criticism getting started?

I’m from the Philippines and the idea of being a digital nomad is still taboo compared to pursuing the traditional corporate careers. I remember when I resigned and first accepted my own clients. There I was working from home and some of our neighbors thought that I have no job because I stay at home. 🤣 Anyway, I don’t really care about it because this lifestyle taught me that I shouldn’t really think about what other people are saying about me.

Digital Nomad Job #8

Additional Goodies

What’s your favorite quote?

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”
– Isaiah 43:2

 

Your best travel tip or budget travel tip

For introverts like me, avoid touristy areas and stick to hidden gems instead. Aside from maintaining your peace, less touristy spots are more affordable!

Digital Nomad Job #8:

Extra Resources

Interested in becoming a Social Media Manager or Instagram Strategist yourself? Here are a few resources to help you get started below.

Certification or Licensure

There’s no “official” certification or licensure that you need. But what you do need to do is prove you can get results. The best way is to take the time to learn from experts and then build a portfolio. Here’s a few courses you can take to get started:

• Freelance Social Media Manager Course by Latasha James — A popular course that covers everything from finding clients to managing content calendars.
• Skillshare: Social Media Marketing Classes — Affordable classes on Instagram strategy, content creation, and marketing.
• Hubspot Academy: Social Media Marketing Certification — A free course for learning the basics of social media marketing. There’s also a level 2.
• The Social Workshop by Julia Broome: Content & Social Media Course — A celebrity social media expert who created her own course to teach her skills and knowledge. She’s an expert in her field.
• Instagram Marketing: Complete Guide To Instagram Growth — A course by Udemy to learn how to attract hyper-targeted instagram followers and expand your brand.

Companies to apply with:

There are tons of places to look for freelance writing gigs. Especially when you’re just getting started. These platforms are beginner-friendly and have new listings daily.

• Upwork — A freelance platform where many social media managers get started.
• Fiverr — A great
• Remote OK — A remote job board with marketing and social media roles.
• FB Groups — Utilize these to find clients, there’s so many you can join. I’ll link one to get started.

Podcasts:

Looking for inspiration or advice while you build your online business? These podcasts are packed with real stories, tips, and lessons from people doing the thing.

• Social Media Marketing Podcast — Hosted by Social Media Examiner. Weekly episodes diving into social media trends, strategies, and marketing tools. This is my favorite podcast for work. 
• The Freelance Friday Podcast — Hosted by Latasha James. Perfect for beginner freelancers or social media managers navigating client work, pricing, and marketing.
• Online Marketing Made Easy — Hosted by Amy Porterfield. Straightforward tips for building an online business, social media strategy, and growing an audience. Another one of my favorite podcasts. She is actually “retiring” this show and starting a new one: The Amy Porterfield Show. However she has 750 past episodes which are all gold gems.

Closing Out Sofia’s Interview

Sofia’s story is such a good example of figuring it out as you go. She didn’t have it all mapped out from the start, but by following her curiosity and staying open to new skills, she built a career that gives her freedom and flexibility.

For anyone creative who loves both the visual and strategic side of social media, working as an Instagram Strategist could be the perfect path. There are so many businesses out there looking for people who can help them show up online in an intentional and authentic way.

Digital Nomad Job #8:

Summed Up As An Instagram Strategist

If you love being creative and enjoy the strategy side of social media, becoming an Instagram Strategist might be the perfect digital nomad job for you.

There is a growing demand for people who understand content creation, social media management, and online strategy. Especially in industries like travel and weddings.

With a laptop, creativity, and a willingness to keep learning, this is a digital nomad job that can offer both flexibility and purpose.

If you’re interested in keeping up with Sofia, you can check out her instagram here .

Stay tuned for more digital nomad job interviews as I release them, which you can catch here on my blog.

xx, christine

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