Hire Social Media Manager: Small Business Guide

Today, let's talk about a force that's revolutionizing the way businesses connect, engage, and thrive – social media.

As Gary Vaynerchuk aptly says, 'Your story's not gonna create itself.' This rings truer than ever in the digital age, where social media isn't just a place for casual networking but a powerful tool for businesses, big and small.

Welcome to our guide on hiring a social media manager for your small business – your gateway to navigating the dynamic landscape of tweets, likes, shares, and stories. In a world where clicks often speak louder than words, having a solid social media presence isn't an option; it's a necessity. This is where the role of a social media manager steps in, crafting compelling narratives to shape your brand's story.

In this compact guide, we're discussing the importance of social media in modern business and the ever-growing significance of hiring a social media manager.

What does a social media manager do?

A social media manager is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing strategies for your social media accounts like Instagram, X, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Snapchat.

They typically: 

Create Content for Your Brand's Social Media Accounts

The primary responsibility of a social media manager is to create platform-specific content—for example, short-form videos for TikTok & Instagram and text-based content for LinkedIn and X. 

Maintain Social Media Content Calendar

They strategically create a content calendar that includes the planning post in advance, content type, targeted platform, and weekly performance metrics like engagement, follower count, CTR, comments, hashtags used, etc.

Conduct A Social Media Audit  

Tracking the performance of your social channels, content, and strategy from week to month is the responsibility of a social media manager. This analytics allows you to make informed decisions. Some common organic and paid metrics are likes, comments, shares, retweets, reactions, follower growth, reach, post or video views, conversion rate, ROI, etc.

Engagement Strategies and Community Building

Social media managers create content that resonates with the audience. They respond to comments, spark discussions, and also host polls, Q&A sessions to build genuine community interactions.

Stay Up to Date with Trends and Platforms Updates

Social media managers have to stay up to date to make informed decisions, adapt to changes, and remain competitive.

When should you hire a Social Media Manager?

Did you know that 63% of small business owners admitted that social media marketing was helpful for their businesses? Here’s how you know if you need a SMM -

Business Growth and Expansion

As your business gains traction and scales, so does the need for a professional social media touch. When your customer base expands, and your brand is exposed to new eyes every day, a social media manager can ensure your online presence grows in parallel.

When Social Media Demands Exceed In-House Capabilities

There comes a point when managing your social media becomes more than just a side task. If juggling between hashtags and handling customer inquiries feels overwhelming, that's a clear signal that a dedicated manager could be the missing piece in your puzzle.

Navigating Complex Social Media Algorithms

Unless you were born yesterday, you’ve probably heard of this daunting term ‘algorithm’, that everyone who wants to grow their social media wants to crack. The algorithm decides which content becomes viral, and when you’re running a small business, reaching new audiences organically can be a game-changer. When getting your content seen requires more than luck – it needs strategy, expertise, and perhaps a bit of algorithmic insight – it's time to bring in a pro.

Launching New Products or Campaigns

Launching a new product is an important milestone in any company. Marketing plays a vital role in determining the success of your product. A manager can help plan and execute the perfect show, ensuring your message reaches the right audience at the right time.

What should you look for when interviewing for a Social Media Manager?

Source: Someecards

About 35% of small businesses plan to increase marketing spending this year, and if you are serious about growth, you should too. When interviewing potential social media managers, remember that you're not just hiring an individual – you're entrusting someone with the online representation of your brand. Here are some pointers for when hiring your social media manager.

Proficiency in Social Media Platforms and Tools

A craftsman is nothing without his tools and the same goes for your social media manager. A standout social media manager should be comfortable navigating various platforms – from Facebook and Instagram to Twitter, Threads, TikTok, and beyond. Their familiarity with scheduling tools, analytics dashboards, and emerging trends showcases their ability to steer your online presence effectively.

Creativity and Content Strategy Expertise

In a world of repetitive and monotonous doom-scrolling, creativity is a breath of fresh for audiences. The digital world thrives on creativity, and your social media manager should be armed with it. Look for candidates who can craft compelling content, understand your brand's voice, and devise a strategy that sparks engagement. Their ability to tell your brand story through captivating visuals and words is a game-changer.

Analytical and Data-Driven Mindset

Sure, social media management is definitely about creativity. But, beyond the art lies the science. A top-notch social media manager isn't just about crafting posts; they're about decoding analytics. Look for candidates who can interpret data, tweak strategies based on insights, and continually refine your social media strategy when needed.

Communication and Engagement Skills

Social media is a two-way street, and clients love it when a brand has a strong community online; it makes you seem more trustworthy instantly. Effective communication is crucial for engaging with your audience, responding to queries, and fostering community. Find candidates who understand your brand's tone and create meaningful interactions online.

How to hire a Social Media Manager?

If you’re wondering how to find a social media manager, here are some of the best hiring options -

Virtual Assistant Agencies

Virtual Assistant Agencies specialize in providing a range of skilled professionals, including social media managers. These agencies maintain a pool of candidates with expertise in social media strategies and management. They often handle the vetting process, presenting clients with candidates who meet their requirements. Virtual Assistant Agencies offer a streamlined approach to hiring, focusing on matching businesses with experienced social media managers.

Job Boards and Professional Networking Platforms

Job boards and professional networking platforms like LinkedIn allow businesses to post job listings and search for potential social media managers. While these platforms provide a broad range of candidates, they might lack the specialized focus that Virtual Assistant Agencies provide.

Social Media and Marketing Agencies

Social media and marketing agencies can offer social media management as part of their services. These agencies often have a team of experts who handle various aspects of marketing, including social media. However, businesses might need to engage in a larger package of services and may not have the flexibility to choose a dedicated social media manager.

Freelance Platforms and Remote Work Websites

Freelance platforms such as Upwork and remote work websites can connect businesses with a freelance social media manager. These platforms offer a variety of candidates with different levels of experience and expertise. However, companies must actively review candidates' profiles and assess their suitability for the role.

Referrals and Recommendations

Referrals from colleagues, friends, or other business owners can lead to potential social media manager candidates. Recommendations often come with insights into the candidate's work style and capabilities. While referrals can be beneficial, they might be limited in scope compared to the broader range of candidates available through other methods.

How a Virtual Marketing Assistant can help

From creating compelling content to fostering engagement and optimizing strategies, a Virtual Marketing Assistant (VMA) can elevate your social media game.

Social Media Content Creation and Scheduling

Virtual Marketing Assistants excel in crafting captivating content that resonates with your audience. They conceptualize and create engaging posts, ensuring consistent branding and messaging. With an acute understanding of timing, they use a social media scheduling tool to schedule posts strategically, maximizing visibility and engagement.

Engagement and Community Management

Building a loyal online community is vital, and Virtual Marketing Assistants are experts at building strong connections. They respond to comments, initiate conversations, and make your audience feel heard. By cultivating this sense of belonging, they turn followers into dedicated members of your online community.

Data Analytics and Performance Reporting

Virtual Marketing Assistants can decipher your social media numbers to see what’s working and what’s not. They analyze data to assess the impact of marketing strategies. Through comprehensive performance reports, they provide valuable insights, enabling you to fine-tune your social media approach.

Collaborative Campaign Planning

Virtual Marketing Assistants are integral team members. They collaborate seamlessly with your business and other department members to plan and execute marketing campaigns. Their input is informed by a deep understanding of market trends and audience preferences.

Wishup - Your One-Stop Solution for a Social Media Manager

Want a skilled and reliable social media manager without the hiring hassles? Introducing Wishup, a virtual assistant marketplace where we help you to Hire a Virtual Assistant for the job. Here are some of the advantages of working with us:

30 Min Onboarding

We get it – waiting around is so last season.

With Wishup, you’ll be diving into action. Our snappy 30 min onboarding means you'll be up and running before your coffee's done brewing. Social media manager hiring just got as simple as 1-2-3.

Work with the Top 0.1% of Applicants

Sure, other platforms might be okay with 'good enough,' but Wishup? We're not going to settle for anything but the best. We only bring in the cream of the crop because your tasks deserve nothing less than the very best!

Instant Replacement

We’re kind of like Tinder but for Virtual Assistants.

Matches aren't always perfect, but your social media manager has to be. With Wishup's instant replacement policy, you can switch VAs faster than swiping left on a dating app. After all, compatibility is critical, whether with your romantic dinner date or your social media scheduler.

Experts in 70+ No-code Tools and 200+ Skillsets

From conquering social media schedules to managing analytics, our VAs aren't just tech-savvy – they're tech-masters. And they're armed with more skills than your smartphone has apps. Impressive, right?

Option to Choose from Both US-based and Indian VAs

Every business is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

That’s why we have an impressive roster of Indian and US-based virtual assistants. Depending on your business, requirements, and budget, we can help you match with the assistant best suited for your company.

Legal Hassles Handled by Our Internal Team

Legal matters and paperwork can be more daunting than managing your business’s social media account. And isn’t outsourcing supposed to reduce your workload, not increase it? It's a good thing; our internal team takes care of all that fuss, leaving you free to focus on the fun parts of business. Delegate the witty hashtags and viral memes – give your time to the stuff that truly matters.

Dedicated Account Manager

Every Wishup client gets a dedicated account manager – a member of our team to oversee operations and ensure everything is going smoothly. They'll understand your needs, quirks, and coffee preferences and will solve any issues.

3-Day Risk-Free Trial

Here's the deal: We're so confident you'll love Wishup we're giving you a 3-day risk-free trial with no strings attached. Test the waters, experience the Wishup advantage, and see how your productivity soars. We bet you'll be hooked before the trial period is over.

Elevating Your Brand with Strategic Social Media Management

Social media has proven to be more than just a platform – it's a gateway to growth. Strategic social media management isn't a luxury; it's necessary for small businesses aspiring to thrive and make profits. Every aspect of content creation to engagement strategies and analytics tracking contributes to your brand's online resonance.

Small businesses that recognize the power of professional management will inevitably carve a path to brand expansion.

Ready to embark on this transformative journey? Connect with us to explore our pool of exceptional Virtual Marketing Assistants. Whether you're intrigued to learn more, schedule a free consultation, or simply drop us a line at [email protected].

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth it to hire a social media manager for a small business?

Absolutely. A social media manager brings content strategy, engagement, and analytics expertise. They enhance your brand's online presence, connect with your audience, and drive growth. Investing in a skilled manager pays off with increased engagement, brand loyalty, and business success.

How much does a freelance social media manager for hire cost?

Freelance social media manager rates vary based on experience, location, and scope of work. Entry-level managers might charge $15-$25/hr, while experienced ones can range from $30-$75/hr. Monthly retainer fees can vary from $500-$3000+. It's crucial to align rates with your budget and expected results.