September 10, 2024

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Social Media Manager

So, you’re on the hunt for a social media manager, huh? Smart move! But, before you dive headfirst into the wild world of hashtags and engagement rates, it’s crucial to know you’re hiring someone who gets your brand. With so many self-proclaimed “social media experts” floating around, asking the right questions will help you sift through the noise and find the perfect fit for your business.

Here’s your go-to guide of questions to ask a social media manager, ensuring you’re hiring someone who can level up your online presence, whilst also operating as an extension of your team:

1. What’s Your Experience in My Industry?

Not all industries are created equal, and social media strategies that work for a fashion brand won’t necessarily work for a medical practice. Get specific. Does your social media manager have experience in your niche? Ask for examples of campaigns they’ve run for businesses similar to yours. If they understand your industry, they’ll be able to craft content that resonates with your audience.

2. How Do You Measure Success?

If they start rattling off vanity metrics like follower count, it’s a red flag. Your social media manager should be focused on more than just numbers—they should care about engagement, conversions, and overall growth. Ask how they track ROI, what key performance indicators (KPIs) they use, and how they’ll align these metrics with your business goals.

3. How Do You Develop a Social Media Strategy?

A great social media presence starts with a solid strategy. Ask how they’ll build one tailored to your brand. Do they conduct an audit of your current profiles? How do they research your target audience, competitors, and industry trends? Understanding their process will give you confidence that their approach is data-driven and designed to achieve your specific goals, whether it’s boosting engagement, increasing followers, or driving conversions. A well-thought-out strategy is the backbone of social media success.

4. How Do You Stay on Top of Trends?

Social media trends move at the speed of light, so your manager needs to keep up. Are they plugged into TikTok’s latest viral challenge, or have they been sleeping on Instagram’s algorithm changes? You want someone who stays ahead of the curve, not just following it. Ask them how they stay informed and how they plan to keep your brand relevant.

5. How Will You Engage With My Audience?

Social media isn’t just about posting pretty pictures—it’s about building relationships. How does your potential social media manager plan to interact with your audience? Will they respond to comments and DMs? Are they up for creating community engagement strategies to boost brand loyalty? The way they engage can make or break your online presence.

6. What Tools Do You Use?

From scheduling tools like Gain App or Hootsuite to analytics platforms like Google Analytics or Sprout Social, knowing what’s in their toolkit can give you insight into how organised and efficient they’ll be. A good social media manager will have the right tools to optimise your campaigns and maximise results.

7. Can You Provide Case Studies or Client Testimonials?

You wouldn’t hire someone without checking their references, right? Ask for case studies or client testimonials to back up their claims. Seeing real-world examples – like these–  of their work and the results they’ve achieved will give you peace of mind that they can deliver on their promises. 

8. How Do You Handle Crisis Management?

Social media can be unpredictable, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. A solid social media manager should have a plan for handling PR nightmares, negative comments, or account hacks. Ask them how they’ve handled crises in the past and what steps they’ll take to protect your brand.

9. How Will You Communicate With Me?

Clear communication is everything in a successful working relationship. Ask how often you’ll meet, what their reporting looks like, and how you’ll be kept in the loop on campaign performance. A good social media manager should be transparent, providing regular updates and feedback to keep things moving smoothly.

10. What’s Your Fee Structure?

Last but not least, let’s talk money. You need to know how they charge—monthly retainer, per project, or hourly? And what exactly does that fee cover? Make sure you’re crystal clear on the costs involved, so there are no surprises down the track.

Hiring the right social media manager can be a game-changer for your brand. By asking the right questions, you’ll ensure you find someone who not only fits your business but will also help take your social media game to the next level. Remember, it’s not just about the buzzwords and  jazzy profiles—it’s about strategy, results, and how they’ll help your brand grow in the long term.

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