What Can a Social Media Marketing Manager Do for You?
When you’re busy running a company, it’s difficult to also keep up with the demands of social media. Instead, outsourcing your social media marketing may be the smart move.
Algorithms change constantly, platforms evolve, and audiences expect timely responses and new content. Without consistent effort, your online presence can quickly fall behind. Hiring a consultant or agency to manage your social media can help ensure your marketing stays active and effective.
Unfortunately, many small business owners aren’t exactly sure what to expect from a social media marketing manager. While services vary from provider to provider, there are several basic services that should be part of a professional social media management plan.
Social Media Audit and Cleanup
Before launching any strategy, a social media manager should conduct a thorough audit of your current online presence. Many businesses have accounts that were created years ago, sometimes by former employees, agencies, or even well-meaning customers.
A proper audit should identify duplicate profiles, outdated accounts, incomplete listings, and any unofficial pages representing your brand. Part of this process includes updating profiles with accurate branding, correcting outdated information, and removing or reporting accounts that could confuse customers. It may also include reviewing existing comments, messages, and reviews so nothing important goes unanswered.
Platform Strategy and Account Setup
Not every social media platform is right for every business. Today’s social media landscape includes established networks like Facebook and Instagram, professional platforms like LinkedIn, and fast-growing short-form video networks such as TikTok.
A good social media manager will help determine which platforms make the most sense for your audience and industry. Instead of trying to be everywhere, focusing on the platforms where your customers are most likely to engage is the best strategy.
If accounts already exist, your manager should take control of them and optimize the profiles. If new accounts are needed, they should handle the setup, branding, and configuration. Many agencies structure their pricing based on the number of platforms they manage, so you can decide to focus on two or three key networks as your time and budget allow.
Content Planning and Posting
Consistent posting is still one of the most important aspects of social media success, but the approach has evolved. Rather than posting randomly every day, most modern social media strategies rely on a content calendar.
Your social media manager should plan posts in advance, ensuring a balanced mix of content such as:
- Educational or helpful tips
- Behind-the-scenes looks at your business
- Promotions or announcements
- Photos or short videos
- Customer testimonials or reviews
Posting frequency varies depending on the platform and the type of business, but the goal is to remain active and visible without overwhelming your audience.
Community Management and Customer Interaction
Social media today is just as much about conversation as it is about broadcasting information. Many customers now treat social media as a customer service channel.
A social media manager may monitor your accounts for comments, direct messages, and reviews, responding to questions and acknowledging feedback. Work out ahead of time what types of responses you want them to handle and when issues should be directed back to your team.
Performance Tracking and Reporting
One major advantage of modern social media marketing is the amount of data available. Professional managers will monitor analytics to track what content performs best, which platforms generate engagement, and whether campaigns are making a difference to your bottom line.
You should get regular reports summarizing metrics such as reach, engagement, follower growth, and conversions. This data helps refine the strategy over time rather than just posting things and hoping for results.
Additional Services
Many social media consultants offer services beyond basic account management. Depending on your needs, these may include:
- Running paid ad campaigns
- Creating short-form video content
- Managing influencer collaborations
- Writing blog posts or email newsletters
- Developing broader digital marketing strategies
Some of these services may be included in a package, while others are usually offered as add-ons.
The Bottom Line
Social media marketing has become far more sophisticated than simply posting occasional updates. A knowledgeable professional can help ensure your business maintains a polished, active presence and connects with the right audience.
If you decide to outsource your social media marketing, make sure you understand what services are included and what results you should expect. When the basics are handled properly—and the strategy is aligned with your business goals—social media can become a valuable tool for building relationships, strengthening your brand, and attracting new customers.
Yes, of course Sprocket Websites offers social media marketing services! Our team has a number of happy clients and would love to add you to that list. Contact us today for a better way to use social media marketing for your business.
Photo by Christopher Welsch Leveroni
This article is an update to “What to Expect from a Social Media Marketing Consultant” dated 3/27/2017.
Kate Gingold
I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.
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I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.
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