Do I need a social media manager?
What is a social media manager?
How do I find a good social media manager?
These are a few of the big questions that may well be running through your head as you are preparing your next marketing campaign.
Many people thought “social media” was just going to be a fad. In fact, my friend and colleague, Ingrid Cliff from Heart Harmony Communications, and I ran some social media workshops for small business owners back in 2007. At that time, one of the common responses we received was, “That seems very interesting. But I don’t think it will take off.”
However it has turned into an integral part of most marketing plans. If you are one of the business owners wondering if you need to hire a social media manager or how to hire one, you first need to know what a social media manager is and how they can benefit you.
Not every business needs a social media manager. If you find that you are missing out on potential business because you are spending too much time trying to learn or engage on social media, then it is time to hire a social media manager. Whether you are a large company or a small business working out of your garage, then a social media manager could benefit you.
The thing that you, as a business owner, need to know is that social media managers are not there to simply post and reply to your customers and potential customers. They are not there to do what you could most likely do on your own. They are there to take you and your business to a whole new level.
A great social media manager will know how to:
You want your social media manager to help in all aspects of your social media marketing plan. In addition to the list above, you want them to be creative and self-motivated. You may have specific posts you want to go out, but they are there to help by knowing your brand and creating their own posts for your business.
If you have decided that you need a social media manager, then your next step is to find one that is a good fit for you and your company. Hiring that kid who grew up in the social media age may sound very promising, but it may not be your best option. They may know how to use social media, but are they able to effectively use it as a part of a marketing plan?
You may well find that someone over the age of 40 is better qualified so do not let age play a factor in your decision. Instead, look at their mindset, integrity, and marketing capabilities. You will quickly be able to decide who is a good fit for your business and qualified as an expert on managing social media by asking a series of seven questions.
So, if you know it’s time to hire someone to manage your social media accounts, look for potential candidates and ask them the 7 questions above. The answers they give you will help you to know if they are suitable for your role.
Donna-Marie is an award-winning Entrepreneur, Author and Content Marketing Specialist. Through her business, Jacaranda Business Support Services, she has been helping other small businesses to grow since 1998, with a knack for teaching systems that allow business owners to increase profits while working less.