As college students head back to school, many will also be on the lookout for part-time employment. However we tend to favor online ideas and fully believe that an online job or business is the way to go.

image (via Flickr)

With that in mind, this article covers web based job ideas and specifically social media job ideas that any college student can do. You can always launch a start up like StudyMode.com, an online education portal or you can try something like the ideas below – which do not require any technical knowledge.

3 Ways College Students Can Make Money Online

1. Social Media Assistant -

As a social media assistant your job is to help busy small business owners with their social media presence. This could be someone based on the web (like me) or someone with a physical location such as a doctor, lawyer, plumber, mechanic, accountant, massage therapist, counselor, realtor, etc. Potentially what you would be doing is managing their Twitter profile, Facebook fan page, Google + stream or Pinterest account. Of course, the business owner would need to give you access and make you an admin so that then you could update and monitor the account or accounts on their behalf. As for the job duties involved? Your main responsibilities would include responding to follower comments, complaints and questions plus updating the pages and monitoring them. If you’re wondering what to charge? You could set an hourly rate, a flat weekly rate and any such similar combination but just make sure you don’t over (or under) price yourself. At first, concentrate on hooking your first few clients, you can determine your rates later.

2. Social Media Web Designer -

You would of course need to have web design skills for this idea, but instead of focusing your time and effort on designing websites, you would cater exclusively on social media web design. This consists of Facebook cover designs, Facebook profile images or banners, Twitter backgrounds, YouTube channel backgrounds and Google Plus timeline covers. There is really good demand for this service so price yourself right, then begin your search for clients and get cracking on your awesome design work. For clever ideas on how to find clients, contact Missy. One more thing, it’s important that you set up a portfolio, so that you can show others not only what you have done – but what you can do. This really is key in the web design business, so make sure you have one.

3. Social Media Freelance Writer/Blogger -

Similar to number two above, except this one refers to freelance writing. Specifically writing in the social media space whether on your own site or that of others. In other words, you could be a social media blogger/freelance writer for hire. How fun would it be to discuss Facebook and Twitter all day – then get paid to do it.

The key here with all three of my suggestions is to know how and where you’re going to market yourself as without clients – no matter how awesome you are – you’re not going to make money. Are you going to place a classified ad in your local school paper? Maybe you have a following somewhere online, like a blog or YouTube channel? Or why not market yourself on the Problogger job board? Which by the way, is my #1 recommendation to get the word out about your new service. An ad on the job board is only $50 for 30 days – and you stand to get good exposure for your service as the job board targets a savvy web based demographic.

KEY TAKEAWAY:
As you can see social media was the focus of this article and for good reason. The field is set to make a HUGE impact next year (2013) and as such – demand for employment is going to be in high demand. Get your feet wet now and reap the rewards tomorrow.