What is Social Media Management? – How to hire a Social Media Manager?

TL;DR

Social media management involves managing a brand’s presence on social media platforms to engage with the target audience. Tasks include creating posts, responding to comments, analyzing analytics, engaging with customers and influencers, and identifying trends. The social media manager establishes the brand’s online voice, builds customer relationships, and measures social media impact. Find a social media manager through networking, online search, portfolio review, interviews, and references. Key responsibilities include content creation, community management, analytics and reporting, strategy development, and paid social media advertising.

 

Social media management is a critical aspect of digital marketing, as it helps businesses build and maintain a strong online presence, connect with their audience, and ultimately achieve their marketing and business goals. The Social media manager is the person who is responsible for managing social media accounts.

This can include tasks such as:

• Developing and scheduling posts for multiple social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn
• Responding to comments and messages from followers
• Monitoring and tracking analytics to understand the performance of the brand’s social media presence
• Engaging with influencers, customers, and industry leaders to build relationships and increase brand awareness
• Identifying and responding to emerging trends and conversations relevant to the brand.

What things get included in Social Media Management?

There are several things and types of social media management, including:

1. Content creation and curation

 This involves developing and publishing content on social media platforms, such as written posts, images, videos, and other multimedia. This type of social media management is focused on creating engaging and relevant content that resonates with the target audience.

2. Community management

This involves building and maintaining relationships with the brand’s online community, including responding to comments and messages, monitoring mentions and hashtags, and engaging with followers in real time. This type of social media management is focused on fostering a strong sense of community and engagement with the brand’s social media presence.

3. Analytics and reporting

This involves tracking and analyzing the performance of the brand’s social media presence, using tools like Google Analytics and social media management software. This type of social media management is focused on measuring the impact of social media efforts, identifying areas for improvement, and making informed decisions based on data-driven insights.

4. Strategy development

 This involves setting overall goals and objectives for the brand’s social media presence and developing a comprehensive strategy for achieving these goals. This type of social media management is focused on ensuring the brand’s social media efforts are aligned with its overall business objectives.

5. Paid social media advertising

This involves using paid advertising on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, to reach a wider audience and drive specific actions, such as website visits, sales, and leads. This type of social media management is focused on maximizing the return on investment from social media advertising.

These types of social media management are not mutually exclusive and many organizations will use a combination of these approaches to effectively manage their social media presence. The specific approach that an organization takes will depend on its goals, target audience, resources, and budget.

Who is in charge of Social Media?

The social media manager is a key role in any organization’s online presence, responsible for overseeing the company’s social media accounts. This person is in charge of creating, curating, and publishing content, engaging with followers, analyzing performance, and developing overall social media strategy. The social media manager plays a crucial role in establishing the brand’s online voice, building relationships with customers and stakeholders, and measuring the impact of social media efforts. An effective social media manager should have a strong understanding of the latest trends and best practices in Social media management, as well as experience in content creation, community management, and data analysis.

How to find a perfect fit social media manager?

Here are some steps you can follow to find a social media manager:

1. Determine your needs

Before you start looking for a social media manager, it’s important to understand what you need from them. What social media platforms do you want to focus on? What content you are going to share? What are your goals for your social media presence? Having a clear idea of what you need will help you find the right person for the job.

2. Network

Ask friends, family, and business associates if they know someone skilled in social media management. You can also use LinkedIn to search for professionals with relevant experience and skills. Search online: Use job search websites, such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and Upwork, to find social media managers. You can also use LinkedIn’s job search feature to find social media experts who are actively looking for work.

3. Search for the agency

When you looking for professional social media management services, you should always look into a reputed social media management agency as they have a team of minds to brainstorm on your project and get you the best results.

4. Search online

Use job search websites, such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and Upwork, to find social media managers. You can also use LinkedIn’s job search feature to find social media experts who are actively looking for work.

5. Look at portfolios

When you find someone who seems like a good fit, ask to see their portfolio of work. Then, you will have a better idea of their style and what they can do for you.

6. Schedule an interview

Once you’ve narrowed down your list, schedule an interview with each candidate. Ask about their experience, their approach to social media management, and how they measure success.

7. Check references

Before you make a final decision, be sure to check references from previous clients or employers. This will give you a better understanding of their work history and abilities.

8. Make a decision

After you’ve completed the interview process, make a decision based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and personality. The right social media community manager should be able to understand your needs and work with you to achieve your goals.

What does a Social Media Manager do?

Developing and implementing a company’s social media strategy is the responsibility of the social media content manager. The following are some of the key tasks and responsibilities of a social media manager:

1. Content creation

Developing and curating engaging, relevant, and informative content to be posted on various social media platforms.

2. Community management

Monitoring and responding to comments, messages, and reviews from followers and fans, as well as engaging with the target audience to build relationships and increase brand awareness. 

3. Social Listening

Tracking and analyzing social media mentions and trends related to the company or brand, and using this information to inform future content and strategy decisions.

4. Platform management

Scheduling and publishing content on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and others.

5. Campaign planning and execution

Developing and executing targeted social media campaigns to support specific marketing and communication goals.

6. Metrics and reporting

Using analytics tools to track social media performance and measure the success of campaigns and overall strategy, and present regular reports to management.

7. Staying up-to-date with social media trends and best practices

Keeping informed about the latest developments and changes in the social media landscape and continuously improving social media strategies to stay ahead of the competition.

Overall, the goal of a social media manager is to build and maintain a strong social media reputation management of the company or organization, increase brand awareness and engagement with the target audience, and support overall marketing and communication goals.

What things should consider before hiring a social media manager?

1. Skills and experience

Make sure the candidate has a solid understanding of the social media platforms you want to use, as well as experience in developing and executing social media strategies. Look for someone with a strong portfolio of work and a proven track record of success.

2. Communication and collaboration

A good social media manager should be able to effectively communicate with your team, understand your goals, and work collaboratively with you to achieve them. Make sure the candidate has strong communication skills and is a good fit for your company culture.

3. Goals and metrics

Your social media manager should be able to help you set clear goals for your social media presence, as well as track and analyze metrics to measure success. Make sure the candidate is familiar with the tools and metrics you need to track your results.

4. Adaptability

The social media landscape is constantly changing, so it’s important to find someone who is adaptable and can stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments.

5. Cost

Social media management can be a significant investment, so make sure you have a clear understanding of the cost involved and how it fits into your overall budget.

6. Availability

If you need someone to manage your social media presence full-time, make sure the candidate is available to work the hours you need. If you only need part-time support, make sure the candidate is available to work the hours you require.

7. References

Finally, be sure to check references from previous clients or employers to get a better understanding of the candidate’s work history and abilities.

How much do you need to spend on Social Media Management?

 On average, the cost of Social media management can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars per month to thousands of dollars per month. Some businesses may opt for a one-time setup fee followed by a monthly retainer, while others may choose a project-based pricing model. The best way to determine the exact cost of Social media management is to discuss the specific needs and goals of the business with a professional or a company. Here I am giving you the average cost for Social media management in different scenarios.

Ad campaign

Successful ad campaigns typically involve a deep understanding of the target audience, a clear and compelling message, and effective execution across all marketing channels. To measure the success of an ad campaign, key performance indicators (KPIs) such as impressions, click-through rates, and conversion rates are often tracked and analyzed. If you want to run your social media ad campaign then you have to invest an average of $5,000 per month (source).

Platform management

Effective platform management is a critical component of social media management, as it enables businesses and organizations to build and maintain a strong social media presence, engage with their target audience, and achieve their marketing and business objectives across all social media platforms. Social media agencies can charge from $100-$4000 monthly (source) for taking care of your social media accounts. Whether it can be done with the help of tools or whatsoever.

Agency cost

Social media management agencies provide a wide range of services, including content creation, community management, social media advertising, analytics, Facebook management, Instagram management, reporting, strategy development, etc. They work with their clients to develop social media goals and objectives, create a content plan, and execute social media campaigns that align with the client’s overall marketing strategy. If you plan to outsource your social media management work to an agency then you have to pay nearly $500-$1500 monthly (source) to manage social media accounts.

So these all are the average cost for Social media management services but the actual market cost may be different from this. Every agency or company charge according to their other plans with different services.

Methods to succeed the social media management campaigns

There are several different methods for social media management. Several methods can be used:

1. In-house management

With in-house management, a company assigns employees to manage their social media accounts. This method provides complete control over social media management but requires a team with expertise in social media marketing and management.

2. Outsourcing to a social media agency

A company can outsource social media management to a specialized agency. This method can be cost-effective and provides access to a team of social media experts, but requires the company to communicate effectively with the agency to ensure that goals and objectives are aligned. 

3. Automated social media management

Automated social media management involves using software or tools to schedule, publish, and analyze social media posts. This method can save time and reduce manual effort but requires careful monitoring to ensure that automated content is still relevant and engaging. Some reputed Social media management tools are Buffer, Hootsuite, Meetedgar, Social pilot, etc.

4. Collaborative social media management

Collaborative social media management involves involving multiple team members, departments, or even external parties to contribute and manage social media content. This method can provide a variety of perspectives and skill sets but requires careful coordination to ensure consistency and quality of content

Ultimately, the most effective method for social media management depends on the company’s resources, goals, and objectives. It may be useful to combine different methods to create a tailored approach that fits the company’s needs.