Social media isn’t just for likes and follows anymore but it’s a full-blown business tool. If you’re running a brand, startup, or online business, you’ve probably wondered whether it’s finally time to hire a social media manager.
The short answer? If you’re spending too much time posting and not enough time growing your business, yes, it’s time!
Let’s break down what hiring a social media manager really means, what they do, and how to know you’re getting your money’s worth.
1. What Does a Social Media Manager Do?
Think of a social media manager as your brand’s voice, strategist, and customer representative that rolled into one. Their daily tasks go way beyond just posting content.
Here’s what a good social media manager typically handles:
- Content planning and scheduling
- Platform-specific strategies (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.)
- Writing captions and creating visuals
- Community management (replying to DMs and comments)
- Trend tracking and campaign ideation
- Analytics and performance reporting
Whether freelance or in-house, they’re responsible for growing your presence, keeping your audience engaged, and turning traffic into real leads.
2. Signs You Need to Hire a Social Media Manager
Still unsure if it’s the right time to hire a social media manager? Here are some solid indicators:
- You’re too busy to post consistently
- Your follower count is stuck
- Engagement is low or dropping
- You’re not sure what’s working
- You want to run ads but don’t know how
- You’re winging your social strategy
If any of these sound familiar, it’s probably time to bring in an expert.
3. In-House vs Freelance vs Agency: What’s Best?
When it comes to hiring, you’ve got options and each comes with pros and cons.
In-House Manager
✅ Better team alignment
✅ Dedicated to your brand
❌ Higher cost (salary, benefits, etc.)
Freelance Social Media Manager
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Flexible and specialised
❌ May juggle multiple clients
Agency
✅ Full-service (graphics, ads, copy)
✅ Faster turnaround
❌ Higher cost, less personal
Freelancers are often the sweet spot especially for small to mid-sized businesses. You get flexibility, affordability, and direct communication.
4. What to Look for When Hiring
Not all social media managers are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
- Proven results: Ask for case studies or account examples
- Platform expertise: Not everyone knows TikTok or Pinterest
- Strategy-minded: Can they plan campaigns, not just post?
- Content skills: Writing, graphics, and brand tone alignment
- Analytics knowledge: They should track and report performance
Bonus tip: A great manager will ask you about your goals first, not just your posting schedule.
5. The ROI of Hiring a Social Media Manager
Here’s the part most business owners don’t consider: hiring a social media manager isn’t a cost but it’s an investment.
Done right, here’s what they can bring in return:
- Higher engagement and reach
- More web traffic and conversions
- Brand consistency across platforms
- Saved time so you can focus on other areas
- Better audience insights and targeting
And if they’re skilled in paid ads too, you’re looking at serious growth.
6. Real-Life Example
Case Study: A local clothing brand in Manila
A boutique owner hired a freelance social media manager to revamp their Instagram and Facebook. In just 60 days:
- Follower count grew by 43%
- Engagement rate doubled
- Weekly website visits increased by 71%
- They started getting regular DMs asking about product availability
All with no extra ad budget, just better strategy and consistent posting.
7. Where to Find the Right Social Media Manager
You can find qualified managers on:
- Freelance platforms like Upwork or OnlineJobs.ph
- Social media groups and communities
- Referrals from other business owners
- Niche platforms or even directly on LinkedIn
Or skip the search and work directly with someone like Arvin Marketing Pro, offering freelance digital marketing and virtual assistant support with hands-on social media experience.
Final Thoughts
If social media feels like a daily stressor or a missed opportunity, it’s time to act. Hire a social media manager who understands your brand, speaks your audience’s language, and turns content into real business results.
It’s not just about looking good online it’s about growing smart, staying visible, and getting back your time.