How to Choose the Right Social Media Manager for Your Small Business
Finding the right social media manager can feel overwhelming.
With so many freelancers and agencies offering similar services, it’s easy to wonder who you can trust, and how to know if they’re the right fit for your brand.
This guide breaks down exactly what to look for in a social media manager, how to compare your options, and what red flags to avoid, so you can invest confidently in someone who helps your business grow.
1. Understand What You Actually Need
Before hiring anyone, get clear on what you need help with.
Do you need:
Full social media management?
One-off strategy or training?
Content creation (Reels, TikToks, photos)?
Paid ads or campaigns?
Knowing your priorities will help you find someone with the right skills.
For example, if you want to improve your content visuals, look for someone who creates video and photo content, not just captions.
2. Check Their Experience and Niche
Experience matters, but relevant experience matters most.
Ask if they’ve worked with similar businesses, industries, or audiences.
If you’re a café or local retail brand, you’ll want someone who understands lifestyle marketing and local reach.
If you’re a service-based business, you’ll need someone who can communicate value and build trust through content.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for examples of their work or anonymised case studies.
3. Review Their Content Style
Every social media manager has a unique style.
Some focus on highly aesthetic, curated content. Others excel at fast-moving trends or community engagement.
Look through their own social media channels or past client examples.
Do their visuals, tone, and ideas align with what you want for your brand?
You’re not just hiring someone to post, you’re hiring someone to communicate your story visually and verbally.
4. Ask About Strategy, Not Just Posting
A great social media manager won’t jump straight into posting.
They’ll start with questions:
Who is your audience?
What are your goals?
What’s your tone of voice?
What’s already working, or not working?
If someone skips this discovery stage, you risk getting lots of content with no direction.
Look for someone who offers a strategy-first approach, where every post serves a clear purpose.
5. Compare Communication Styles
How they communicate is just as important as what they deliver.
Ask yourself:
Are they responsive and proactive?
Do they explain things clearly, without jargon?
Do they feel approachable and collaborative?
You’ll be working closely with your social media manager, so make sure the partnership feels easy and supportive, not stressful.
6. Understand Pricing and Deliverables
Social media management pricing can vary widely, but clarity is non-negotiable.
Always ask:
What’s included in the package (e.g., strategy, captions, Reels, reports)?
How many posts per week or per month?
Are ad budgets or stock imagery included?
What’s the contract length and cancellation policy?
At Grace Digital, I create custom packages so clients only pay for what they actually need, whether that’s a one-off strategy session or full social media management.
7. Look for Transparency and Reporting
A professional social media manager should always provide insight into performance.
That doesn’t just mean screenshots of likes, it means actionable metrics like:
Reach and impressions
Engagement rates
Follower growth
Website clicks or conversions
Monthly reports help you understand what’s working, and what can be improved.
8. Watch Out for Red Flags
Some warning signs to keep an eye on:
Promises of “guaranteed followers” or viral results
No mention of strategy or audience research
Refusal to provide examples or analytics
Lack of clarity about content ownership
Overly cheap pricing with no defined scope
A trustworthy social media manager values transparency, and focuses on long-term growth, not quick fixes.
9. Test with a Trial Project or Short Contract
If you’re unsure, start small.
Many freelancers (including me) offer one-month or one-project trials to see how you work together.
It’s a great way to test collaboration, communication, and results, before committing long-term.
FAQs
1. Should I hire a freelancer or an agency for social media?
If you’re a small business, a freelancer is often the most cost-effective option. You’ll get personalised support and direct communication. Agencies can be great for larger budgets or multi-platform campaigns.
2. How do I know if my social media manager is doing a good job?
You should see clear progress in engagement, content quality, and consistency within the first 6–8 weeks, backed by reports and insights, not just vanity metrics.
3. Can you help me find the right package for my business?
Yes, I offer free discovery calls to understand your goals and recommend a social or digital package that fits your needs and budget.