Whether you’re looking for a social media manager for your company, your small business, or your own platform, finding one that works for you is NO small task. In fact, it can be so daunting that many entrepreneurs put it off until they are drowning in online to-dos – creating extra work and stress for them instead of alleviating it.
Trust me – I know how difficult it can be to find a social media manager you trust to create engaging, converting content for your platform. After all, a social media manager isn’t just an automated post scheduler – they’re responsible for coming up with post ideas, creating graphics, drafting captions, and engaging with your audience. All of these things can have a MAJOR impact on your business or brand, which is why it is so crucial to find someone who knows what they’re doing.
Today, I’m compiling the top three things you should look for in a social media manager in order to ensure that the person you’re trusting with your platform can provide great value in return.
- They have experience. Sure, everyone starts somewhere. But beware of the freelance “social media manager” who knows their way around their personal Instagram and Twitter, but has no idea how to create content for a business like yours. Social media for business takes strategic planning, so it’s not wise to hire someone just because they’re young or “good” at their own personal Instagram. A social media manager should be able to show examples of their work and past clients, provide sample content ideas, and exude the energy that says “I CAN HELP YOU GROW YOUR BUSINESS!”.
- They understand your business. Nothing is more awkward than working for (or with) someone who doesn’t speak your brand’s language. While some things can definitely be learned over time in a productive relationship, hiring a social media manager who has a solid understanding of businesses like yours and can encompass your values right off the bat will save you SO much time, money, and energy in the long run. A social media manager whose posts sound or look confused, distant, or out-of-touch with your niche will be easily recognized by your audience and can do major damage to your brand.
3. They have stellar communication and organization skills. Warning: a social media manager who has poor communication and/or organization skills is bound to give you a headache before giving you any value. As a social media manager myself, I pride myself on having both excellent communication and organization skills because both are CRUCIAL to my job. I communicate with brands’ audiences and their owners daily on a variety of platforms and am responsible for managing several accounts for several different businesses at any given time. (If my calendar wasn’t planned out by the hour, NOTHING would ever be posted on time.) Make sure the person you’re hiring is an expert in communication and project management before handing them the reigns to your accounts.
It can be hard to feel confident that you’ve found the right fit for a social media manager just by browsing their website. A bonus tip? Talk to a potential social media manager before you hire them! I LIVE BY this rule and offer free 30-minute consultations so potential clients can feel confident booking with me BEFORE they sign any contract.
If you’re interested in working with me, check out my blog or services page to learn more. I’ll see you there!
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