What You Get When You Hire a Social Media Manager
Having worked in social media for over 14 years, I’ve done a bit of everything. That’ not to say I’m a jack of all trades - the landscape used to be so different, no one knew what to expect. So the social media intern also updated the company website. The “social media gal” developed relationships that lead to partnerships with creators. The boundaries of what a social media manager does were very hazy - and they still are. This is not a job that you could study for just a decade ago. And while things have evolved and basically everyone is on social media now, there’s still an aura of mystery surrounding this field. So let me break it down for you, and share some of the benefits of hiring a social media manager:
If you’re planning to outsource social media marketing for your business, I highly recommend agreeing on the scope of work before you commit. Make sure you’re on the same page with your social media manager - additional services will likely be taxed extra, so it’s best to know from the start what’s included in your package.
Strategic Planning + Research
You’ve certainly done your research when you started your business. A social media manager will likely look at things from a different perspective, backed by their years of experience in the field. Some important things to research are your brand’s target audience, your competitors, and your analytics. These are the base of a social media strategy, but there are many other factors at play. From preferred platforms to available resources, there are variables that a good social media manager will be able to clarify for you.
Content Creation + Copywriting Expertise
A good social media manager will be able to create creating engaging and relevant content that resonates with your target audience. They’ll even be able to recommend which social media trends to try. However, this is a highly collaborative process.
Do share a rich media library with them or involve them in the organization of an upcoming video/photoshoot. Some social media managers include product photography or UCG-style videos in their rates. But that’s not everyone.
While a SMM can give prompts and recommendations for content creation, can write in your brand’s voice and engage with your followers, they can’t be you. There are certain things only you know about your biz - especially if your business is tightly connected with your personal brand. I found that good collaboration often translate into good content, and good content is more engaging.
Audience Insights + Engagement
Understanding your audience is key to fostering community. You might not know what the best platform to promote your custom-illustrated-nostalgia-stickers is, but your social media manager will (it’s Pinterest). You might not know the best way to market to Gen Z, but your SMM will (they don’t want you to try so hard). They will also be able to decipher your Instagram analytics and come up with solutions to improve your strategy on the platform. They know what calls-to-action to use for every business goal, and that people need to see an offer seven times before making a purchase. If you’re shy about pushing your product on socials so as not to annoy your followers, know that a social media manager won’t be 😉
Latest Trends
While you were busy building your business, Instagram was busy updating their algorithm. X dropped new features. Facebook groups got big again. Brat summer and demure fall came and went. Who has the time to keep up with all that? A social media manager, that’s who. Let’s just say these are some of the perks of being constantly online. Understanding the latest trends, a social media manager knows what to use and what to skip. Plus their experience also make them knowledgeable of the best practices. So you focus on your business and let someone else focus on TikTok trends.
Free Time
Hiring a social media manager brings an expert into your business, that’s for sure. You’ll have more time to focus on other areas of your business. And there sure are a lot of areas, especially if you’re in the early stages of your biz.
What are you going to do with all that free time? 😅