8-Week Programme · Sep 2026 Intake
Social Media Management VA Build brands. Grow audiences.
Learn to create content strategies, design branded posts, schedule across platforms, track analytics, and manage communities. The skills top brands and coaches are hiring for right now.
16 Modules
Portfolio-led
Canva · Buffer · Meta Ads
R6 700
8
Weeks of structured
learning
learning
16
Modules with
practical tasks
practical tasks
16
Portfolio
deliverables
deliverables
Sep
Next intake
2026
2026
What you will be able to do
Skills that get you hired
Every module is built around real social media work. By Week 8 you will have a full portfolio and the ability to step into a paid role immediately.
Build content strategies
Create content pillars, 30-day posting schedules, and platform-specific plans aligned to business goals.
Master multiple platforms
Understand Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn algorithms and create content formats suited to each platform.
Design branded visuals
Create posts, reel covers, and stories using Canva AI that maintain a consistent visual identity for clients.
Write converting copy
Write engaging captions using AIDA and PAS frameworks with strong hooks and platform-specific CTAs.
Track and report analytics
Read platform insights, track follower growth and engagement rates, and build monthly performance reports.
Package your services
Build tiered service packages, set competitive rates, and pitch to clients with a polished service menu.
Full Curriculum
8 weeks · 16 modules
Every module includes a Handbook, Practical task, and a Portfolio deliverable you keep. Click a week to explore the modules.
M1 · Week 1
The Role of a Social Media VA
- Understand the platform ecosystem
- Define the content and growth role
- Identify client expectations and deliverables
M2 · Week 1
Platform Mastery: Instagram, TikTok & LinkedIn
- Understand each platform's algorithm
- Identify content formats per platform
- Benchmark competitor pages
M3 · Week 2
Content Strategy & Planning
- Build content pillars for a brand
- Create 30-day posting schedules
- Align content to business goals
M4 · Week 2
Copywriting for Social Media
- Write engaging captions with hooks
- Use AIDA and PAS formulas
- Craft platform-specific CTAs
M5 · Week 3
Visual Content Creation
- Design posts, reel covers, and stories
- Apply basic branding principles
- Create a consistent visual identity
M6 · Week 3
Scheduling & Content Automation
- Schedule content across platforms
- Build repeatable workflows
- Create SOPs for content delivery
M7 · Week 4
Analytics & Growth Tracking
- Read and interpret platform insights
- Track follower growth and engagement
- Write monthly performance reports
M8 · Week 4
Engagement Strategy & Community Management
- Respond to comments and DMs professionally
- Run engagement campaigns
- Handle negative feedback gracefully
M9 · Week 5
Hashtag Research & SEO for Social
- Research niche-specific hashtags
- Optimise bios and captions for discoverability
- Understand social SEO basics
M10 · Week 5
Paid Social Basics (Boosted Posts)
- Understand boosted posts vs ads
- Set up a basic Meta boost
- Read basic ad metrics
M11 · Week 6
Influencer & Collaboration Management
- Identify suitable collaborators
- Draft outreach messages
- Coordinate content partnerships
M12 · Week 6
Client Reporting & Communication
- Build monthly social media reports
- Present results to clients clearly
- Manage client expectations professionally
M13 · Week 7
Multi-Client Management
- Manage 2+ client accounts simultaneously
- Build a content batching system
- Use project management tools effectively
M14 · Week 7
Niche Specialisation: Picking Your Lane
- Identify high-value social media niches
- Position yourself as a specialist
- Build a niche portfolio piece
M15 · Week 8
Service Packaging & Pricing
- Build tiered service packages
- Set rates with confidence
- Write a client-ready service menu
M16 · Capstone
Capstone: Full Portfolio & Client Pitch
- Assemble your complete portfolio
- Write a client proposal
- Prepare for client interviews
AI-Enhanced Learning
Tools you will learn on this course
You will not just hear about these tools. You will use them in practicals and include them in your portfolio.
Tool Disclaimer: VA Academy trains on the skills and workflows behind the tools, not on one specific platform. Curricula reference tools like Canva, Buffer, and Meta Ads Manager as examples of leading tools in each category. Depending on your cohort and client requirements, you may work with equivalent platforms. The skills you build are fully transferable across tools.
ChatGPT
AI Copywriting
Meta Business Suite
Platform Management
Canva AI
Design & Visuals
Buffer AI
Content Scheduling
Later AI
Scheduling & SEO
Jasper AI
Caption Writing
Metricool AI
Analytics
Flick AI
Hashtag Research
TikTok Creative Center
Trend Research
Notion AI
SOPs & Planning
Trello AI
Project Management
Grammarly GO
Copy Editing
Your Portfolio
What you will walk away with
Every module produces a real deliverable. By Week 8 you have a complete portfolio to show clients, not just a certificate.
Social Media Audit Report
Full analysis of 2 business pages with recommendations
Platform Strategy Notes
Algorithm and format guide for Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn
Content Calendar
30-day posting schedule built in Notion or Google Sheets
Caption Bank
10 ready-to-use captions across 3 brand types
Mini Brand Kit + 5 Posts
Branded visual identity with 5 designed posts in Canva
Workflow SOP Document
Repeatable scheduling and content delivery system
Analytics Report
Monthly performance report designed as PDF or Slides
Community Management SOP
Response guide for comments, DMs and negative feedback
Hashtag + Bio Optimisation Doc
Hashtag banks and bio rewrites for 2 niches
Boost Strategy One-Pager
Meta boosted post walkthrough with objective selection
Collaboration Brief Template
Influencer outreach messages and partnership brief
Service Menu & Pitch Deck
Tiered service packages and capstone portfolio, client-ready
Career Opportunities
Roles you can step into
Social media VAs are in demand across coaching, e-commerce, hospitality, and professional services. These are estimated earnings based on remote market rates.
Social Media VA
Entry LevelManage content creation, scheduling, and engagement for small businesses, coaches, or personal brands.
R6 000 – R12 000 / mo$330 – $660 / mo
Per client retainer. Most VAs start with 1–2 clients.
Social Media Manager
Mid LevelOversee full social strategy, content production, and reporting for brands with active multi-platform presence.
R12 000 – R22 000 / mo$660 – $1 200 / mo
Often includes a performance or growth bonus.
Content Creator VA
Remote FreelanceProduce short-form video scripts, reels, and designed posts for multiple clients across niches.
R8 000 – R18 000 / mo$440 – $990 / mo
Per-deliverable or retainer. Volume increases earnings.
Community Manager
Remote FreelanceHandle DMs, comments, engagement campaigns, and online reputation for growing brands.
R5 000 – R10 000 / mo$275 – $550 / mo
Often paired with content services for higher retainers.
Social Media Strategist
SeniorDevelop platform strategy, oversee content teams, manage paid campaigns, and report to marketing directors.
R20 000 – R40 000 / mo$1 100 – $2 200 / mo
Typically reached after 18–24 months of experience.
Niche Social Media Specialist
SpecialistServe a specific niche (e-commerce, coaching, real estate) with deep expertise in that industry's audience.
R10 000 – R20 000 / mo$550 – $1 100 / mo
Specialists command higher rates than generalists.
Earnings are estimates based on remote market data and vary by client, experience, and negotiation. USD figures use an approximate exchange rate and will fluctuate. VA Academy does not guarantee specific income outcomes.
Investment
Course fees and payment options
A R1 500 registration deposit secures your seat and is deducted from your total course fee. Choose the payment plan that works for you.
Show prices in:
3 Payments
R2 400
per month x 3 payments
Total: R6 700
Total: R6 700
Deposit of R1 500 due on registration, deducted from total. Two remaining payments over the course.
Best Value
Pay Upfront
R6 030
once-off payment
Save 10% (R670)
Includes the R1 500 registration deposit. Full amount locks in your seat and your discount.
Deposit Only
R1 500
to secure your seat now
Balance of R5 200 due before Week 1 starts. Deposit is non-refundable but fully deducted from your total.
Registration deposit: The R1 500 deposit is deducted from your total course fee. It is not an additional charge. If paying upfront, the deposit is included in your single payment. All fees are quoted in South African Rand. USD figures are approximate conversions for reference only and may differ slightly at the time of payment.