Taking On Pro Bono Projects as a Social Media Manager

Wait, are we actually working for free?

If you've ever been in a client dry spell (who hasn't!), pro bono work has likely crossed your mind. But before you take on anything for free, we have to go over some ground rules.

We recently had a potential client ask if we do "trial projects" before signing. We asked what they had in mind, and this is what they sent...

UM...🚩🚩🚩🚩

This was a great example of how pro bono work can get out of hand. Now, why are we sharing this with you? It's important to think about your boundaries for pro bono work before diving into them.

First and foremost, know that you don't have to do pro bono work! You absolutely do not have to even consider it. You are your own boss, and you make this decision for your social media management business. For us, we play it by ear and treat it on case case-by-case basis. Here are our boundaries and tips!

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Pro Bono work we wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole:⁠

1. A jam-packed content calendar⁠

2. Multi-channel strategies⁠

3. ⁠Basically anything that reads like a scope of work doc for a full retainer client ⁠

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Pro Bono Work We Consider...

Here are a few examples of pro bono work we love:

1. A dream client you'd love to build a relationship with⁠

2. A small, well-defined project with clear boundaries⁠

3. A strategic portfolio piece that fills a gap in your offerings⁠

4. Brands you believe in (Think non-profits!)

5. Brands that would be great referral partners

Examples of Pro Bono Projects

We believe that pro bono projects should be something that's both a good introduction to your work, is beneficial to the client, and is not something that will take up too much of your time. Here are some examples:

1. Share a Canva template refresh for their Instagram stories⁠

2. 3–5 sample posts for a nonprofit you care about⁠

3. 30-minute social audit with 3 key takeaways⁠

4. Quick 15-minute coffee chat to talk about content ideas together

Tips for Working Pro Bono

1. Know when to say "No." Your boundaries and limits are important.

2. Know when you're being tested vs. taken advantage of!

3. Your case studies are enough! Again, you don't NEED to do pro bono work if it's not calling you

4. Sign a contract, even though it's free. That way, they know this is a professional relationship, and not just a favor. It also allows you to stay within scope!

At the end of the day, your time and talent aren't free, even when you're not charging for them for it!

Pro bono work can open doors if it’s intentional, strategic, and aligned with you. But if it feels like free labor disguised as a “test run”? Hard pass. You’re a professional, not a content vending machine!

Set your boundaries. Protect your time. And remember that “No” is a complete sentence.

Don’t go through your social media management journey alone! Join our mentorship and coaching program for social media managers.