What does social media management actually include?
A plain breakdown of what a monthly social media management service should cover, what it should not promise, and the questions to ask before you sign up.
"Social media management" can mean anything from a few scheduled posts to a full content and community operation. If you are paying for it, you should know which one you are getting. Here is what a proper monthly service covers.
The core of a monthly service
A strategy and a content calendar
Before anything is posted there should be a plan: which platforms, who you are trying to reach, what you want them to do, and a calendar of posts for the month that you approve.
Content production
Designed posts, carousels and short-form video in your brand style. This is the most time-consuming part, and the part that makes your page recognisable. Some businesses buy it separately as content and creative production and post themselves.
Publishing and community management
Posting at the right times, and replying to comments and messages within agreed hours. An unanswered enquiry in your inbox is a lost customer.
Reporting
A monthly report should show reach, engagement and — most importantly — enquiries or sales the accounts produced. Follower counts on their own say little.
What social media management is not
- Ad spend — reaching beyond your followers usually needs a budget, which is paid social advertising. Budgets are paid to the platform, not the agency.
- Guaranteed followers or sales — anyone promising a fixed number is guessing, or buying fake followers.
- A replacement for a website — social pages send people somewhere. A clear website or landing page is where they decide.
Questions to ask before you sign up
- How many posts and videos per month, on which platforms?
- Do I approve content before it goes out?
- Who replies to messages, and how quickly?
- Will you need my passwords? (The right answer is no — agencies should be added through the platform’s business tools.)
- What does the monthly report include?
How we do it
Our social media management covers all of the above, month to month, with a calendar you approve. See all our social media services, or get in touch to talk about your accounts.