Hire a social media manager: First impressions matter in the online world.

Hire a social media manager and let your clients know how important they are for your company since the very first interactions with your content. As you already know from previous blogs, we believe that growth means being known and chosen by clients or customers and keeping them loyal to your brand. We already covered the being-chosen part in our sales positions series. Marketing is all about being known and keeping loyalty even if it is carried by the customer service and customer success teams; at the end, it involves all the departments at your company.
In this marketing series, we’ve talked about spreading your brand’s name through a digital marketing specialist, having your brand’s name associated with the right things and messages by hiring a brand manager, and converting interest into engagement and loyalty by having a content strategist who ensures that your content provides some value. Well, if a content strategist is a guarantee that your online content is by itself a great “online product”, a social media manager is the responsible of delivering that content on the best way possible and give a good first impression to your potential customers on how are they going to be treated by your company.
A tailored scope approach: marketing on social media platforms
This is a role about the delivery of the content but also about the first interactions between you and your clients, like the marketing version of a sales development or a customer service representative. And an active role about how people interact with your content and how you respond to that interaction. A well-managed social media strategy can enhance a company’s reputation, increase sales, and foster brand loyalty. However, managing multiple platforms effectively requires expertise, creativity, and a strategic approach—this is where hiring a social media manager becomes essential.
A social media manager specializes in developing and executing digital marketing strategies tailored to different social media platforms. From content creation to analytics tracking, they ensure a brand remains relevant and engaging. In this guide, we’ll explore what social media management entails, when and why you should hire a social media manager, and how to avoid common hiring mistakes.
What is social media management?
Social media management involves curating and overseeing a brand’s online interactions, content strategy, and advertising efforts across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, X, and TikTok. A well-structured social media strategy integrates content planning, community engagement, and paid advertising to maximize reach and engagement.
Key strategies in social media management
- Content planning & scheduling – developing a calendar that aligns with marketing objectives and posting content at optimal times.
- Audience engagement – responding to comments, messages, and mentions to foster a loyal community.
- Analytics & performance tracking – using tools to assess campaign effectiveness and refine future strategies.
- Paid advertising – managing ad campaigns to increase brand visibility and conversions.
- Trend monitoring – staying updated on industry trends and platform algorithm changes to optimize reach.
Implementing these strategies effectively requires experience, which is why businesses often decide to hire a social media manager to handle their digital presence professionally.
How does a social media manager differ from similar roles?
While a social media manager plays a crucial role in a company’s online strategy, other roles in digital marketing may seem similar but serve distinct functions. Here’s how they compare:
Role | Primary responsibilities | Key differences |
Social media manager | Develops and executes social media strategies, manages content, and engages with audiences. | Focuses on overall social media presence and brand interaction. |
Develops and oversees content plans aligned with business goals | Broader content scope beyond social media, including SEO. | |
Oversees all digital marketing channels, including social media, SEO, email marketing, and PPC campaigns. | A higher-level role managing multiple marketing efforts. | |
Community manager | Engages with followers, moderates discussions, and builds brand loyalty. | Focuses more on interaction and fostering online communities. |
Paid media specialist | Manages and optimizes social media advertising campaigns. | Primarily concerned with paid promotions and ad performance. |
Understanding these differences helps businesses determine whether they need to hire a social media manager or another specialist to achieve their marketing objectives.
Why should you hire a social media manager?
While some businesses attempt to manage their own social accounts, they often encounter challenges that hinder growth. Hiring a social media manager can alleviate these issues and drive measurable results. Here are some signs that it’s time to bring in an expert:
- Lack of a structured strategy: if your social presence feels disorganized or inconsistent, a professional can develop a cohesive plan aligned with your business goals.
- Time constraints: business owners and employees often lack the time to maintain an active social media presence. A dedicated manager ensures consistent engagement.
- Declining engagement rates: if your posts are receiving fewer likes, comments, and shares, an expert can optimize content to improve audience interaction.
- Struggles with paid ads: social media advertising requires precise targeting and budget allocation. A specialist ensures your ad spend delivers the highest possible roi.
- Inconsistent branding & messaging: a social media manager maintains brand consistency across all platforms, reinforcing your company’s identity and voice.
According to industry research by Hubspot, 84% of social media marketers say consumers will buy products directly in social apps more often than on brands’ websites. Showing that social media marketing has been effective for businesses, yet many struggle with execution. By choosing to hire a social media manager, companies can leverage their expertise to create compelling campaigns and drive higher engagement rates.
The role and responsibilities of a social media manager
A social media manager is responsible for handling various aspects of digital engagement and content strategy. Their key duties include:
Responsibility | Description |
Content strategy development | Crafting a roadmap for creating and distributing content effectively. |
Social media posting | Scheduling and publishing posts on multiple platforms. |
Community engagement | Managing comments, direct messages, and audience interactions. |
Brand monitoring | Tracking brand mentions and online sentiment. |
Ad campaign management | Creating, managing, and optimizing paid promotions. |
Performance analysis | Reviewing social media metrics to refine strategies. |
Trend adaptation | Implementing changes based on social media trends and algorithm updates. |
A social media manager plays a crucial role in ensuring a brand stays active, relevant, and engaging to its audience.
Common mistakes when hiring a social media manager
Finding the right candidate can be challenging. Many businesses make common hiring mistakes that lead to ineffective results. Here’s what to avoid when you hire a social media manager:
- Prioritizing price over expertise
- While budget constraints are important, opting for the cheapest option often leads to subpar performance.
- Consider experience and proven results when making a hiring decision.
- Neglecting portfolio reviews
- A strong social media manager should have a portfolio demonstrating past work and successful campaigns.
- Ask for case studies or performance data before hiring.
- Hiring without a clear strategy
- Ensure that you define your objectives before bringing someone on board.
- Without clear goals, it’s difficult to measure the success of a social media manager’s efforts.
- Overlooking cultural fit
- A great social media manager should align with your company’s values and brand voice.
- Misalignment in communication style can lead to inconsistent branding.
- Failing to assess analytical skills
- Social media management isn’t just about creativity; data analysis is equally important.
- Ensure the candidate understands performance metrics and optimization techniques.
Avoiding these mistakes can help businesses hire a social media manager who truly enhances their digital presence and contributes to overall marketing success. A great way to keep yourself from making one of those mistakes is by outsourcing the recruitment process; so that way, you’ll just need to pick the best candidate from a pre-vetted pool. If you also want to save up to 40% on salary while keeping the quality of the job, you should consider to hire a social media manager remotely from Latin America. With Top Latin Talent, this process is as easy as scheduling a call or filling in the survey, and then waiting 4 to 8 business days to receive a pool of around 5 great candidates for you to choose from.
Final thoughts
Deciding to hire a social media manager is a strategic investment in your company’s online success. By bringing in a skilled professional, businesses can maintain a strong digital presence, engage effectively with their audience, and improve brand awareness. Whether you choose to hire in-house, work with a freelancer, or partner with an agency, selecting the right expert ensures that your social media strategy delivers tangible results
Are you looking to hire Latin American talent? Schedule a commitment-free meeting today with us to discuss your hiring needs.