In the age of the Internet, having a presence on social media isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. While many businesses realize this, not all understand the importance of hiring a dedicated social media manager to handle their online presence. If you’re still on the fence, here are some compelling reasons why a social media manager is crucial for your business.
1. Expertise and Knowledge
A dedicated social media manager isn’t just someone who knows how to post on Facebook or Instagram. They are well-versed in the intricacies of each platform, understand algorithm changes, are aware of the latest trends, and can leverage these elements for the benefit of your business.
And most importantly, they understand how people think, act, and behave which enables them to connect with consumers. The domino effect is increased engagement, leads and sales.
2. Consistency in Posting
Your business needs a consistent posting schedule to remain relevant and engaged with you audience. A social media manager ensures regular content updates, so you don’t have long periods of silence that might make followers question your activity or commitment.
Inactivity on a website, blog, or online business is typically a bad sign to consumers. They wonder, who is maintaining this site? Can I reach customer service if I have an issue? Why are there few comments? A savvy Social Media Manager will utilize contests and giveaways to generate engagement and buzz for your brand.
Consumers will tell their friends, family members, or acquaintances about a giveaway or contest. Participating in the above activities will inevitably invite questions about your products or services. Some customers will take time to surf you site and purchase products. Others will engage with content which leads to …. leads.
3. Engagement with the Audience
Engaging with comments, messages, and mentions is time-consuming but crucial. A social media manager actively engages with you audience, answering queries, handling complaints, and fostering community around your brand.
Being proactive is the Social Media Manager’s forte. Whether it is chatting with influencers or answering consumers’ questions, they handle it all. Top-tier Social Media Managers will have a good grasp of products/services the company offers. And they will know how to promote them effectively while, all while connecting people to sales.
4. Tailored Content Creation
Each social media platform has its unique style and audience. A social media manager can create and adapt content to fit the specific requirements of each platform, ensuring maximum reach and engagement.
Simply copying and pasting posts from one platform to the next is not effective. Rather, fine-tuning post or posting a video or pop-up is more effective.
5. Crisis Management
Negative comments, bad reviews, or public relations disasters can strike at any time. A trained social media manager can handle these situations professionally and promptly, mitigating potential damage to your brand’s reputation.
It only takes one comment to ruin a brand’s reputation, that is why constant monitoring is important. Per Search Engine Journal, it is vital that social media manager develop the right voice and language of the brand within social media but also works with other individuals within the business. This will ensure there is a proper response plan if there is a crisis.
6. Data Analysis and Strategy Refinement
With a social media manager, you’re not just posting content blindly. They regularly analyze metrics to understand what’s working and what’s not. This data-driven approach ensures that your social media strategy evolves and improves over time.
To elaborate, Social Media Managers track data from each post made from every social media network, per social media College. Doing so ensures the strategies used in the recent past or a year ago are working. Monitoring data and creating reports are daily tasks of a social media manager.
Here is a list of metrics that are commonly tracked:
- Impression
- Engagements
- Traffic
- Leads
- Customers
- Number of posts
- Followers
7. Staying Ahead of Trends
The digital landscape changes rapidly. What’s trendy today might be outdated next month. A social media manager stays updated with the latest developments, ensuring you brand remains at the forefront of social innovation.
Social media managers, like any other profession, build a foundation of information which enables them to adapt to constant change. Their knack for learning, grit, and creativity are other assets that propel them forward.
8. Saves Time and Money
Think of all the hours you would spend trying to manage your business’s social media platforms. By hiring a dedicated person, your free up time to focus on other essential aspects of your business. Plus, with their expertise, you avoid costly mistakes or ineffective ad spending.
9. Professional Growth and Training
Social media managers often invest in their growth and training, attending workshops, webinars, and courses. This continuous learning benefits you business as they apply the latest techniques and strategies.
10. Competitive Advantage
While many businesses have some social media presence, not all have a dedicated manager. Having one gives you a competitive edge, ensuring you brand stands out in the crowded digital space.
In Conclusion:
In a world where digital presence can make or break a business, having a dedicated expert to handle your social media can be the difference between floundering and thriving. By investing in a social media manager, you’re not only investing in you online presence but ensuring that you brand resonate with and remains memorable to you audience.
Resources
Tanner, Jonathan. “The Importance of a Social Media Manager.” Social Media College, 28 June 2023, https://www.easybib.com/guides/citation-guides/mla-format/how-to-cite-a-website-mla/#:~:text=1 If there is no specific author, begin,Lastly, write the URL with a period following
Shepherd, Victoria. “Top 5 Reasons Why You Need a Social Media Manager.” Search Engine Journal, 21 October 2021, https://www.searchenginejournal.com/top-reasons-why-you-need-social-media-manager/273333/#close
Hey there
I just read your article, and I must say, it’s packed with valuable insights! It really got me thinking about the crucial role a social media manager plays in navigating the digital landscape. I completely agree with your points on the importance of expertise and staying ahead of trends—it’s so vital in maintaining a brand’s relevance and resonance online.
I’m curious, how would you recommend small businesses, with limited resources, maintain an effective and consistent social media presence? And considering the ever-evolving nature of social media, how often should businesses reassess their social media strategies to ensure they are still on the right track?
Your article has reinforced my belief in the value of having a dedicated individual or team managing social media—it truly is an investment in the brand’s future. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and insights on this! Keep up the great work.
Warm regards
Max
Hi Maksud –
Appreciate the feedback. Small business should choose one or two social media platforms in the beginning. This way, they can learn the ins and outs of the platform and use them effectively to engage with customers. Make sure your audience is on the platform, plus it aligns with your goals.
Most platforms allow you to schedule posts, campaigns, and much more ahead of time. Though engaging with customers should be done actively by a dedicated employee(s).
According to Ignite
social media, companies should reevaluate their social media strategy once a year.
However, check the process of your efforts every quarter to ensure business is moving in the right direction.
I can also see several reasons why I could use a social media manager, as my posting consistency is very irregular. If I don’t post enough times, people tend to forget that I exist and they might even unsubscribe.Also, I just don’t have enough time to do all, like blogging and youtube and tiktok videos and spend much time on social media. Are those manager expensive? thanks!
Hi Lizzy –
Social media managers can cost anywhere from $500- $5000 dollars. If you’re on a budget I would recommend you use social media applications. They will save you time, money, and effort. Consider evaluating each app based on scheduling ability, content creation, analytics, and reporting.
Here are few applications to review:
Social Pilot Agorapulse Social Status And finally Sensible.
Good luck.
Hi Godwin, Thanks for your post. I work in social media and have ran my own business for a couple of years. Despite all of these great reasons for having a social media manager, many businesses are reluctant to pay the price for this service. They simply don’t value the time and effort it takes to develop and implement a strong strategy. What are your thoughts on this and where do you think this career will be in the future? Thanks in advance for your expertise.
Mel –
Appreciate you taking the time to leave your feedback. Some business owners do value social media managers. However, others do not have the budget for another associate. Perhaps they need some compelling evidence, like analytics or success stories to be convinced.
The future of social media managers is bright despite the reticence to add the team. The internet continues to grow rapidly. This will create opportunities for businesses and social media managers a like. To transition from small business to an online business, savvy social media managers can part of journey.
Hi Godwin,
Thank you for this helpful guide. Social media presence is indeed crucial for businesses in today’s digital world.
While I definitely agree with the 10 key points that you discussed, I do have a question:
Don’t you think these are only applicable for large businesses that already have a substantial following? For small-scale business or startups, it might be too premature to worry about a social media manager as there simply wouldn’t be too much to manage online. Do you agree? Or do you think it’s important to manage one’s social media presence from the very beginning?
I would love to know your insights about this.
Hey Yusuf,
Initially, a business owner might not need a social media manager when their business has just launched (or is budding). However, if the business takes off, then it might be beneficial to hire a social media manager. I support anyone who wants to take on more tasks or projects in their business. If you have experience with managing social media or want to take on the challenge, go for it.
However, relying on someone with experience is always a safe bet.
Totally get why having a social media manager is a game-changer! Your points about them being the gurus of each platform, keeping things consistent, and saving us from potential PR nightmares hit the nail on the head. And let’s not forget the magic touch they bring to tailoring content for different platforms – it’s like having a social media wizard on your team. Plus, who has time to figure out all those metrics? Not me! Having someone who dives into the numbers and stays on top of trends is pure gold. It’s not just about being on social media; it’s about doing it right.
Stephanie –
Outsourcing tasks/projects is beneficial for business. Although social media managers might be expensive to add to parole, they bring much value to the company.
Your post is clear, and concise and makes a lot of sense as to why Media managers are needed in this day and age, particularly for larger businesses or ones that are getting bigger as things like consistency in posting and posting the right content that will engage their audience can suffer as other priorities start coming in. Strategy and staying ahead of the trends was also a great part of this post and very informative but also easy to read. Great work.
Ryan –
Appreciate the feedback. There is no question that medium/large have money to pay Social Media Managers. However, small business owners should consider adding one to propel their business forward.