Social media management for business: how to find a manager
What exactly do you want to outsource
“Social media management” is a very broad idea. For one person it is just publishing posts to a ready plan, for another it is strategy, shooting, design, texts, replies to followers and reports. The difference in scope makes offers incomparable if the request doesn't say what you need.
Decide in advance whether a content plan and advice will be enough for you or whether you need full management. Also think about whether you have your own photos and videos or the provider has to organise the shoot.
What to put in your request
- networks — Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp channels, LinkedIn;
- what you need — strategy, content plan, full management, an account audit, handling comments and messages;
- content volume — how many posts, stories and reels a month;
- business and niche — a café, a salon, an online store, an expert;
- shooting and materials — an on-site shoot, design and texts by the provider, or your own materials;
- goal — sales, new followers, awareness;
- state of the account — from scratch or with an audience, how many followers;
- payment — a monthly sum for the service, if you want to name it.
Example: “A café in Vancouver, Instagram and YouTube. I need a social media strategy and content plan, then management: 12 posts and 20 stories a month, an on-site shoot every two weeks. We have 2,000 followers now, and the goal is more guests from Instagram. Up to $300 a month.”
How to compare offers
The figure in an offer means little until it is clear what it is made of. Two offers can differ threefold just because one includes shooting and the other doesn't.
- Are shooting, photo and video editing, texts and design of layouts in the price?
- How many revisions of content can you ask for, and how do you approve posts?
- Who replies to comments and messages, and at what times?
- What reporting is there: reach, growth, enquiries from the profile, how often?
- Is the ad budget separate? Usually yes, and it is important to check.
Ask for examples of accounts in a similar niche. Not only a pretty feed, but also real comments and activity show the work better than a presentation.
Common mistakes buyers make
People often expect sales without a clear goal, while the account has no clear offer. Another mistake is not giving the provider a window into the life of the business: without new photos, reviews and news, content comes out generic.
Also agree who owns the account and the materials after the cooperation ends, and don't hand over the main password if you can give admin access.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
It is enough to describe your request once — you don't search for social media specialists, they offer their terms themselves in the chat. The request is checked before it is shown and you are told what is missing. Providers compete to be chosen, and BlaBlaPrice shows the most useful offer first, with reviews beside it. Your phone number is hidden, and you pass your contacts only to the one you choose. Details on the “How it works” page.
If you need traffic through paid advertising, see targeted social ads, and for texts, copywriting.
