Posting in a public space on the internet can leave one vulnerable, especially since we’ve all learned that everything you post on the internet becomes available to everyone, forever.
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Fortunately, online moderators exist.
They’re the ones who keep forums and other online communities safe for everyone who participates in them. They reply to comments and emails, address complaints, penalize violators of established community rules, and generally do everything possible to keep discussions flowing.
In today’s article, learn what an online moderator does, how much they earn, and where to apply for legitimate online moderator jobs.
What does an online moderator job entail?
An online moderator oversees one or several social media platforms, forums, blogs, or other online communities where members are likely to go and interact with the posted material through likes, comments, emails, surveys, etc. By overseeing these platforms, the moderator may perform the following tasks:
- Respond to comments: Members who post comments deserve a response or a thank you. The moderator is in charge of replying to thoughtful comments, reposting them as needed, or even rewarding members with a gift or an offer.
- Answer emails: There may be confusion about a brand promotion or a question regarding its terms. Customer emails regarding products, prices, quantities, etc. are answered by the moderator, and usually by following a script provided by the company or business owner.
- Address complaints: Some members may have issues with the product or service, shipping, selection, etc. These complaints can quickly go viral if not addressed respectfully and quickly. Moderators take the conversation offline and resolve the problem.
- De-escalate ‘flame’ situations: An insensitive ad or comment by another member can create a hostile environment that causes other members discomfort or anger. A keen moderator takes heed of and defuses the situation by removing the cause.
- Engage in search engine marketing: Seasoned moderators integrate current events with matching social media content that improves site SEO and resulting search rank.
- Conduct metrics analysis: Seasoned moderators use software tools to measure and report on the popularity, views, conversions, etc. of a given post or offer. They also report on trending topics in forums, chats, etc.
Some online moderators work at the company’s physical location, but that’s usually only the case if they were hired to complete a range of duties that happen to include online moderation. Most contract/freelance online moderators work remotely and set their own hours.
How much does an online moderator earn?
The average pay for most online moderator jobs is $15 per hour and can go up to as much as $30 per hour depending on your skills and experience.
The key to getting more money is in knowing how social conversations can be used for marketing and sales (i.e., the bottom line). To this end, some of the below-listed recruitment companies provide paid on-the-job training, and some even have entire “universities” dedicated to this effort.
Otherwise, you should take advantage of free ecommerce and online marketing classes offered through sites like Udemy and Study.com.
10 Companies That Offer Online Moderator Jobs
1. Crisp Thinking
Crisp Thinking was founded in 2005 and offers online harm detection services via social media community moderation to individuals and companies who are on social media.
Social media moderators with this U.K.-based company earn £10 per hour, which is the rough equivalent of $14 per hour. Currently, there are no vacancies for social media moderators on the company’s website.
They currently have a waiting list for Risk Analyst Contractors who identify risks in online content.
You can also contact them through their contact form to express your interest in applying for a position.
2. The Social Element
The Social Element, once known as Emoderation, is a global social media management company delivering high-quality, multilingual social media management, customer care, social listening, insight, and consultancy.
They have been around since 2002, and their clients include companies in industries such as Consumer Packaged Goods, Automotive, Financial Services, and Alcohol.
The Social Element periodically offers Social Media Community Manager positions, which pay around $15 to $16 per hour to start. They require experience in community management or social customer care. If you speak multiple languages, you can potentially earn more.
Currently, there are no vacancies, but you can still put in your application for an online moderator job and they’ll contact people in the pool when a vacancy comes up.
3. ICUC Moderation Services
ICUC is a top social media management agency that has been around for 16 years. They provide community management, content moderation, social content and moderation, social listening services, and other customer insight services.
They periodically hire community moderators and social media content specialists, and they prefer applicants who can speak more than one language.
The starting salary of online moderators is $11 per hour. Several moderation jobs are currently posted on the site, and interested candidates can apply online.
4. Khoros
Khoros is the result of the merging of Spredfast and Lithium to create a powerful customer engagement platform to offer customer care, community engagement, and social media management solutions.
They periodically open full-time and part-time remote Social Media Coordinator positions. If you live in Austin, TX and you’re willing to work in an office, you can apply for an on-site position as well.
The salary starts at $21 per hour, and 1 to 3 years of experience in social media management or community engagement is required.
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5. ModSquad
Founded in 2007, this global company maintains a moderator force of over 10,000 and works with many well-known brands. It used to go by the name of Metaverse Mod Squad but then shortened its name to ModSquad.
They’re looking for more Mods who are experts in digital engagement; that is, moderating forums, chatting with customers, managing communities, and buzzing in social media.
Not only will you get to work with the hottest brands but you’ll also get to keep your day job if you wanted to; the hours are pretty flexible.
According to GlassDoor, ModSquad moderators make at least $9 per hour. To apply, you’ll be asked to simply fill out a form and attach your resume.
6. BabyCenter
BabyCenter is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. They post available community manager positions from time to time.
7. LiveWorld
This digital and social media marketing agency is often on the lookout for part-time, remote employees to represent their clients as online moderators. Pay is by the hour.
Currently, there are vacancies for Social Media Agents who triage and respond to customers’ queries and concerns on social media, as well as take action on social media posts (e.g., approving, rejecting, flagging, and escalating posts and comments).
To apply as an online moderator, you do need to be a US resident. Applicants with experience in social media moderation and the ability to speak more than one language are highly preferred but these aren’t required.
8. Quiip
Aussies living either in Australia or abroad are needed to fill Social Media and Online Community Manager roles at this social media monitoring company. International applicants are only entertained if they demonstrate the right skills and a deep understanding of Australian culture.
You will need to submit a resume and cover letter, and a short video is highly recommended if you wish to stand out from the crowd of wannabe ‘Quiipees.’
9. Yelp
You’re probably familiar with this site and used it once or twice. They offer many Community Ambassador positions to individuals who live in select cities. Occasional attendance at local events is a requirement for these jobs.
10. Scratch Foundation
Scratch is a free programming language designed for kids ages 8 to 16 that allows them to create stories, animation, and games and share them with the world.
Scratch Foundation funds this project and makes sure this is free to use by everyone. It also hosts an online community of Scratch users and programmers that allow them to share their work, get feedback, and learn from each other.
They continually have openings for Community Moderators to help keep the Scratch community a safe, trusted, and friendly environment for millions of children.
Applicants must be 18 years old and above and authorized to work in the US. Starting pay is $15 per hour.
Does An Online Moderator Job Feel Right For You?
If you like being on social media and feel you can diplomatically deal with heated online situations, then an online moderator job may be right for you. As you gain experience with specific brands and industries, you might even make online moderation a career with a particular client or company and work as a full-time remote employee.
Other Social Media Jobs
If you like working with social media but an online moderator job just doesn’t feel right, read these articles on our site and look over social media jobs you can do:
5 Social Media Jobs You Can Do From Home in 2020
Master Ad Campaigns and Become a Rockstar Social Media Manager
Have you tried being an online moderator? Have you started applying to online moderator jobs? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
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