3 Things To Look For In Your Next Social Media Manager

Not all social media managers are cut from the same fabric. This is something every prospective employer needs to understand. Simply knowing the names of the networks, how to sign up and how to run an ad doesn’t make someone qualified to steer the digital marketing vessel of an organization. The skill gap is real and with these 3 insights we’ve whipped up, you too can know exactly who is sitting across from you in a job interview; is it a social media mastermind or a novice? Here are the tell-tale signs of a social media mastermind.

1. They Possess A Strategic Mind & Understand the Philosophy of Social Media

Like any field, skill is determined by many factors some on the surface, some hidden. One clear sign of a novice is an eagerness to jump in without doing due diligence. If they mention nothing about the philosophy driving social, the need to listen and be consistent, and nothing about the intent behind the content they want to produce….run. If they say nothing about auditing your current tactics to provide some context for what they will do differently… run a little faster, and if they promise you viral posts and millions of followers no matter your budget….become Usain Bolt. This person/agency is not qualified to manage your brand. In the same vein, not every smartphone-wielding millennial (or hip baby boomer, for that matter) innately has the skills and contextual understanding of the social space to execute effectively. Never assume anything. Even the industry experts among us will reiterate that they gained mastery (and continue to gain it) by asking pertinent questions and continually reading and keeping abreast of industry trends.

2. They Ask The Right Questions & Try To Understand Your Brand

A great social media manager/consultant will want to know the ins and outs of your brand and industry. They will seek to understand your company’s wants, needs and goals before making any recommendation. How else will they be able to give you a bespoke consultation? One-size-fits-all is not a strategy. Here are a few questions a great social media manager will ask:

1. What are your business goals?
2. What time frame do you have in mind to achieve these?
3. Do you currently have a social media strategy or an overall digital media strategy in place?
4. Have you considered using advertising? What were the results and what demographics were targeted?
5. What are your branding guidelines?
6. When is the last time you conducted a digital media audit and sentiment analysis of your brand?
7. Do you have the necessary resources to execute on all the channels you wish to occupy?

These questions should be followed by recommendations and research if necessary. Most social media blunders can be chocked up to putting the wrong person on the bus (hiring), while others are the result of having the right person in the wrong seat. Take the time to probe the person you task with managing your brand, it’s a very valuable asset.

3. They Find It hard To Put Down Their Phone….Just Kidding…They Have Skills That Pay the Bills & A Sound Track Record

Skills matter. Point blank. I started Digita with $0 and basic skills and the desire to master them. I worked tirelessly to ensure that I knew every new trend, and built experience in execution so that I could pass on my knowledge to my team. Any true social media marketer should be able to:

1. Craft a social media strategy & content calendar.
2. Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to drive results.
3. Produce creatively sound, aesthetically pleasing art for your channels.
4. Craft a multi-channel strategy for achieving your goals.
5. Be responsive to page interactions in a way that aligns with the brand.
6. Be a boss when it comes to targeted digital advertising.

If you need help finding a great social media manager, Digita offers both assessments and can fill the job as well. Need help to map your social media strategy and to plot your digital trajectory? Let our team of talented marketers help you win on social media

About The Author

The DGM Team is a group of digital innovators, marketers, and strategists dedicated to transforming brands through cutting-edge digital solutions. With a passion for technology and creativity, we empower businesses to thrive in the digital age through expert marketing, web development, and strategic growth initiatives.