Read This Before Hiring a Social Media Manager: 10 Key Questions to Consider

Have you ever hired a professional, only to later realize that you should have asked a few more questions about their experience before signing their contract? This kind of regret is not a pleasant feeling, particularly if you’re now contractually bound to someone who isn’t meeting your expectations. This goes for who you hire for your social media management, too.

Your social media presence is one of the most important aspects of your business’s marketing strategy, creating more visibility and building more brand awareness. At Correnti Marketing, when we talk to new prospects, many share their negative experiences with those they’ve trusted with their social media. They often share the same thing: they wish they knew what to look out for before hiring them in the first place.

The last thing we want is for you to be blindsided by what your social media manager delivers because you didn’t ask the right questions when hiring them. From our experience, there are 10 key questions that everyone should ask before hiring a social media manager. Let’s dive in!

Here’s What to Ask Before Hiring a Social Media Manager

1. What experience do you have managing social media for businesses in my industry?

Not all social media managers specialize in the same industries or content creation styles. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t go to the dentist for a leaky pipe—and the same principles apply to social media. Successfully managing a professional services brand on LinkedIn requires a very different skill set than a young, trendy influencer primarily reaching their audience on Instagram and TikTok. It’s important to determine whether your social media manager has the necessary experience in your industry and understands the specific nuances relevant to your field.

2. Can you provide examples of social media accounts you’ve managed?

Examples are always helpful when it comes to social media. Just because someone may have relevant experience in your industry doesn’t necessarily mean their design or writing style will appeal to you. We recommend requesting portfolio samples or case studies to determine if you like their style before hiring them.

3. How do you measure success and report on performance?

Creating content in a vacuum is never the right approach. Ensure that the social media manager you hire tracks and reports on key performance metrics such as audience growth, engagement rates, total impressions, and other key indicators. Additionally, ask how often they share these metrics for your review and how these insights shape their social strategy moving forward.

4. How do you stay up-to-date with social media trends and platform changes?

One of the most important hallmarks of a quality social media manager is the ability to keep up with trends and platform changes. Social media evolves quickly, so you need someone who actively follows industry news and adjusts strategies accordingly, ensuring your content remains top-of-mind for your audience—and that it even posts correctly on the platform!

5. What platforms do you specialize in, and which ones do you recommend for my business?

Many clients are relieved when they learn they don’t need to be everywhere—they just need to be present where their target audience is. A strong social media manager will understand the strengths of each platform and recommend the best fit for their target audience and goals. You also want a social media manager with extensive experience in the platform your audience uses most.

6. How do you develop a social media strategy customized to your client's goals?

Before working with a social media manager, you should ask how they prioritize goal alignment and whether they can clearly articulate their processes for achieving your top objectives, such as increasing brand awareness, boosting inbound referrals, or fostering community.

7. What is your pricing structure, and what services are included?

Nobody likes surprises when it comes to pricing. Before signing a contract, we recommend clarifying what their pricing includes. Ask questions like, "Will I need to pay extra for strategy sessions or content revisions, or are those included in my package?” to ensure you’re on the same page from the start.

8. Do you offer paid social media campaigns and ad optimization services?

It’s important not to presume that your social media manager also handles ad services, as many do not offer this service. If you intend to run ads, ask about their experience with paid strategies, budget management, and their ability to optimize for conversions and ROI.

9. What is your content approval process like, and how many rounds of revisions are included?

It’s important to understand how you will review and provide feedback before the content they’ve created for you goes live. Ask whether they use software to send content in a document for your review. Another critical question to ask is how many rounds of revisions are included in your specific social media package. If you typically offer extensive feedback, you may want to consider a higher package than the one you initially selected.

10. Do you use my original photos and videos, or will you rely on stock content?

Stock imagery can be great for certain purposes, but using photos of yourself, your team, etc., will be much more effective and engaging on social media. We recommend understanding in advance whether they will use your original photography or videography, and creating a plan for sharing these with them. If you don’t already have brand photography, another important question to ask is whether they have a photographer they could recommend to capture these important photos.

Downloadable Resource: 10 Must-Ask Questions When Hiring a Social Media Manager

Want to be prepared for your next conversation with a social media manager? Download our checklist of essential questions to ask, helping you make the most informed decisions during the hiring process. With this checklist in hand, you'll feel confident choosing the right social media manager for your needs.

Closing Thoughts

Hiring the right social media manager is a critical decision that can significantly impact your brand’s visibility and online reputation. By asking these key questions, you’ll be better equipped to find a professional who aligns with your business goals, understands your industry, and delivers the results you’re aiming for.

At Correnti Marketing, we specialize in helping businesses build a powerful and authentic social media presence. From developing tailored strategies to creating engaging content and analyzing performance, we ensure that your social media efforts drive real business results.

If you’re ready to partner with a social media team that prioritizes transparency, creativity, and measurable impact, let’s talk. We’re here to help you make the right decision for your social media needs. Contact Correnti Marketing at hello@correntimarketing.com or 860-878-4321 to get started.