Social media—love it or hate it, you can’t ignore it. It’s where conversations happen, trends start, and brands thrive (or flop). If you’re running a business in 2025, the odds are that you’ve wondered: Should I hire a social media manager?
Well, let’s not beat around the bush. Managing your online presence is a full-time job. So, whether you’re running a cozy café, managing a growing startup, or leading a corporate giant, knowing the pros and cons of hiring a social media manager can help you decide if it’s worth the investment.
What Does a Social Media Manager Do?
Before we dive into the benefits and downsides, here’s a quick rundown of what a social media manager typically handles:
- Content creation and scheduling
- Community engagement (replying to comments and DMs)
- Analytics and performance tracking
- Trend monitoring
- Influencer outreach and partnerships
- Ad campaign management
They’re the voice, eyes, and ears of your brand online.
Pros of Hiring a Social Media Manager
1. Saves Time and Energy
Running a business is already a juggling act. Social media? That’s another 5 balls in the air.
- Small Businesses: Free up your time to focus on core operations like sales or customer service.
- Medium Businesses: Owners and marketing leads can scale efforts without stretching too thin.
- Large Businesses: Delegate to professionals who can manage complex campaigns across multiple platforms.
2. Consistency is Queen (and King)
Posting once a week when you “have time” won’t cut it. A social media manager keeps your content consistent and on-brand.
- Regular posts
- Brand voice consistency
- Scheduled engagement and responses
3. Access to Expertise and Tools
They come armed with tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, Later, Canva, and analytics dashboards—and know how to use them.
- Small biz benefit from pro-level insights without paying for premium tools
- Larger teams get access to top-tier strategies like A/B testing, influencer marketing, and retargeting
4. Better Customer Engagement
Social media managers don’t just post—they talk, listen, and build relationships with your audience.
- They respond to messages fast
- They turn customer complaints into opportunities
- They create content that resonates and encourages engagement
5. Data-Driven Decisions
No more guessing. A good social media manager tracks KPIs like reach, impressions, clicks, conversions, and more, then adjusts strategy based on what’s working.
Cons of Hiring a Social Media Manager
1. Cost Can Be a Barrier
Let’s be real: Hiring a social media manager isn’t cheap.
- Small Businesses: Freelancers may charge $500–$2,000/month depending on scope.
- Medium to Large Businesses: Agencies or full-time hires can run $40,000–$80,000+/year.
You’ll need to weigh the ROI carefully.
2. You Lose a Bit of Control
Handing over your social voice to someone else means trusting them to speak your language.
- Some business owners struggle to let go
- Without clear brand guidelines, things can feel “off”
3. Not All Social Media Managers Are Created Equal
There’s no shortage of people calling themselves “social media gurus”—but not all have the chops to deliver results.
- Always vet experience and portfolio
- Watch out for red flags like follower-buying or using outdated strategies
4. They Might Not Know Your Industry Inside-Out
Unless you’re hiring someone from within your niche, it could take time for them to understand your audience, tone, and industry quirks fully.
- Requires onboarding and communication
- Risk of irrelevant or ineffective content in the beginning
Tailoring the Decision: Business Size Matters
Small Business:
Best Option: Freelancers or part-time social media managers
Why: Budget-conscious but need growth. Outsourcing lets you punch above your weight.
Watch Out For: Overpromising freelancers or ghosting after a few months.
Medium Business:
Best Option: In-house marketing hire or reliable digital marketing agency
Why: You’ve got enough momentum to justify a solid investment in brand-building.
Watch Out For: Agencies that treat you like a small fish—look for customized strategies.
Large Business:
Best Option: Full-scale in-house team + agency support for campaigns
Why: You’re managing multiple platforms, target markets, and maybe even global accounts.
Watch Out For: Team silos and inconsistent branding across departments—communication is key.
So… Should You Hire a Social Media Manager?
If your goals include growing your brand, engaging with your audience, and increasing conversions through social, a dedicated social media manager can be a game-changer. But you’ve got to consider:
- Your budget
- Your business size and goals
- Your willingness to delegate
It’s not a must for every business, but for many, it’s the missing puzzle that takes things to the next level.
FAQs: All Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: How much does it cost to hire a social media manager?
A: Freelancers range from $500 to $2,000/month. In-house managers can cost $40k–$80k annually.
Q: Should I hire a freelancer, an agency, or a full-time employee?
A: It depends on your business size, goals, and budget. Freelancers are budget-friendly, agencies are scalable and in-house means full control.
Q: Can I just manage social media myself?
A: Sure! But if you’re not seeing results or are feeling overwhelmed, hiring help can free you up to focus on what you do best.
Q: What should I look for when hiring a social media manager?
A: Look for proven experience, portfolio samples, a good understanding of analytics, and industry knowledge.
Wrapping It All Up
Hiring a social media manager is about more than just getting someone to post pretty pictures. It’s about creating real connections with your audience, building your brand, and driving tangible results.
Whether you’re a small business testing the digital waters or a large corporation ready to dominate every feed, hiring the right person or team for your unique needs is key.
Looking to make the jump? Start with a clear strategy, define your brand voice, and get ready to see your social media finally start working for you—not against you.
Helpful Links to Dive Deeper:
- HubSpot’s Guide to Social Media Marketing
- Hootsuite’s Social Media Manager Toolkit
- Upwork: Hire Freelance Social Media Managers
#SocialMediaManagement #DigitalStrategy #SocialMediaPros #SocialMediaCons
It’s always a tricky balance deciding whether to bring on a social media manager, especially for smaller businesses where budgets are tighter. One aspect I’m curious about is how businesses typically measure the ROI of hiring someone in that role. Do most use engagement metrics, lead generation, or something else entirely? From my experience working with startups, the initial challenge is often letting go of control and trusting someone else to represent your brand voice authentically. I wonder how much input companies should retain versus handing off entirely. Have you found that certain industries benefit more from a dedicated social media manager than others?
Hi Slavisa –
Small businesses have more to consider before adding a social media manager—no doubt. Tracking KPIs like reach, conversion rates, and engagement enables businesses to decide whether to hire one.
Entrusting another person to represent your business can be nerve-wrecking. However, if you have researched them and seen their results, it is best to let them work. However, continue to ask questions and challenge them every so often.
I would venture to say the travel industry and retail are among businesses that benefit the most from adding a social media manager.