So, you’re interested in enlisting some help with your social media and maybe even your Facebook advertising campaigns.
“But what does a Social Media Manager even do? Just post pretty pictures? Why should I have to pay more than the minimum wage just for THAT?”
Very good questions. You see, the area of social media – within the wider digital marketing umbrella – is a lot more complex than many people think.
In fact, the whole idea of companies hiring a dedicated Social Media Manager is still pretty new (let alone a dedicated Facebook Ads Manager!). 5 years ago it was pretty rare, as the responsibility of social media was just another task given to someone in the marketing team.
Now, with the rapid rise of numerous social media platforms, online advertising and the outpouring of content onto the internet, more and more companies are understanding the need for a specialist. But what do they do exactly?
Let me break it down for you.
While Social Media Managers can offer varying packages, the following is a list of the main services and responsibilities that come with being a Social Media Manager. Keep these in mind when you’re looking to engage a Social Media Manager for your business or your next project!
And bear in mind – this list is not exhaustive:
- Social media marketing / content strategy
- Target market research
- Competitor research
- Posting to platforms and scheduling upcoming posts on a scheduler/management software, like Hootsuite
- Content calendar planning – deciding on themes for the week, planning what posts will go out, getting these posts approved by clients
- Keeping up to date with the current campaigns, events, initiatives and news within the client’s business
- Optimization of each social media platform (e.g. making sure the profile and cover photos are up to date, making sure the about/bio sections are filled out)
- Content management – organizing the client’s content (imagery, video, blogs, etc.)
- Content production – creation of graphics, branded images, blogs
- Graphic design; use of Photoshop, InDesign, Canva, Wordswag or other design software
- Visual design of the social media platforms – e.g. the Instagram “grid”
- Sometimes even photography or video filming/editing (if the Social Media Manager offers this)
- Create “Stories” for each relevant platform (did you know that LinkedIn will soon be utilizing stories too?)
- Content curation – requesting imagery, blogs and other content from the client
- Sourcing relevant industry content, research on what’s happening in the client’s industry
- Managing influencers and collating influencer content
- Collating “user-generated” or customer/fan content
- Community management and customer service – replying to comments/messages
- Engagement; engaging with other users/accounts and implementing growth strategies
- Influencer research and outreach
- Copywriting
- Branding
- Hashtag research and strategy
- Facebook Advertising campaigns – strategizing, planning, optimising, creating, reporting, funnel strategy, pixel tracking, custom audiences and conversions creation
- Reputation management
- Social listening; gauging brand sentiment on social media
- Invoicing / accounts
- Database updating – organising client imagery, content, resources, documents
- Analysis and reporting – then reporting this back to clients
- Client management – calls, meetings, updates… any and all communication with said clients
- Frequent training/upgrading to learn new platform features and changes!
As you can see, when you hire a Social Media Manager, you are hiring their expertise, knowledge, experience, strategic + creative thinking… and then their time on top of that.
Phew! Feeling overwhelmed? I don’t blame you. If you’re interested in talking more about how I can help with social media management, feel free to contact me.