Notes on Common Questions for Senior Managers in Social Media

Key Questions for Senior Managers in Social Media Management

1. Client Expectations Regarding Services and Pricing

• Common Scenario: Clients wanting fewer services (e.g., two posts a week) at a lower fee.
  • Client's Perspective: They perceive they should pay less for less work, but this can undervalue the service provided.
  • Manager's Response: While it’s technically fine for a client to request fewer posts, agreeing to this can undermine the social media manager’s effectiveness and reputation.
• Advice:
  • Avoid taking on clients that request minimal engagement unless they are your initial clients or you are still gaining experience.
  • Suggest clients hire a Virtual Assistant (VA) if they only need basic posting services.
• Consequences:
  • Posting infrequently can prevent successful marketing outcomes and client satisfaction.
  • Emphasize the importance of consistent engagement for effective social media campaigns.

2. Setting Realistic Expectations for Results

• Client Demand: Many clients expect specific outcomes, like sales, from their social media efforts.
• Manager's Responsibility: It’s crucial for social media managers to establish expectations from the onset.
  • Educate clients on realistic goals:
  • Focus of Organic Social Media: Mainly aims for brand awareness and audience engagement rather than direct sales.
  • Sales Conversion Reality: While social media can drive sales, the effectiveness depends on the client's overall marketing strategy and existing brand strength.
• Key Strategy: Offer strategic insights and marketing metrics to show clients how results are measured and what to expect from their campaigns.

3. Obtaining Client-Provided Content

• Central Challenge: Social media managers frequently struggle with getting clients to supply necessary content.
• Strategic Approach:
  • Encourage proactive communication with clients to facilitate content sharing.
  • Set clear guidelines and timelines for what types of content are needed and when they are due to streamline the process.
  • Consider creating a content calendar to help clients understand and prepare the required content.
• Goal: Build a collaborative relationship with clients to enhance content flow, thereby improving the overall effectiveness of social media efforts.

Conclusion

• Overall Importance: Senior managers must prioritize setting clear expectations and boundaries with clients regarding service scope and outcomes to maintain their reputation and ensure successful client relationships. Addressing these questions can lead to productive engagements with clients in the social media space and ultimately drive better results for their campaigns.