Hiring a Social Media Manager? Do This First
What to Prep Before Hiring a Social Media Manager
Hiring a social media manager can be a game-changer for your business—but only if you’re prepared. Many founders mistakenly assume that outsourcing means handing everything off completely. But the truth is, even the most talented social media strategist can’t create magic out of thin air. To get the best results, you need to set your marketing partner up with the right tools and insights from the start.
Here’s what to have ready before you delegate your social media marketing.
Understand the Difference Between Content Creation and Management
First, it's essential to clarify the difference between content creation and social media management. Content creation includes taking photos, filming B-roll, sharing thoughts, and updating your team on your business. Social media management includes strategizing, curating, writing, designing, scheduling, engaging, and analyzing performance.
Your strategist can’t do the second without having access to the first.
1. Professional Brand Photos
Yes, you can absolutely get by with smartphone photos, but a solid foundation of professional images will elevate your brand presence. Think beyond the headshot—capture lifestyle images of you working, collaborating, or in your brand environment. This visual library helps your content feel cohesive and aligned with your brand.
2. Daily Life & iPhone Photos
Authenticity matters. Your audience wants to see the real you—coffee mugs, desk setups, behind-the-scenes snaps, and everyday moments. These raw, real-life glimpses help your strategist tell your story in a relatable way.
3. B-Roll Clips
Short, silent video clips—typing, walking, packaging, sipping coffee—are gold for Reels, Stories, and shorts. B-roll allows your team to build video content without requiring you to constantly record new talking-head videos. It also helps maintain a dynamic, visual content strategy.
4. Behind-the-Scenes Moments
Share what’s happening in your business: prepping for a launch, working with a client, packing orders, or even setting up your office. These clips and stories humanize your brand and deepen connection with your audience.
5. Your Perspective
Your voice is the heart of your brand. Share your thoughts—whether it’s through voice memos, text notes, or Loom videos. What’s your take on a trend? What’s been on your mind? What are you fired up about? These insights help your strategist craft content that sounds like you—not like stock captions.
6. Business Updates
Let your marketing partner know what’s happening in real time. Are you shifting offers? Promoting something new? Getting the same questions from clients over and over? Those are gold mines for content—if your team knows about them.
The Power of Partnership
Outsourcing doesn’t mean checking out. The best results come from collaboration. Provide your strategist with strong brand inputs, and they’ll take care of the rest—crafting content that aligns with your goals, voice, and vision.
You don’t need to be online 24/7. You don’t need to do everything yourself. But you do need to prepare the right assets before you delegate.
๐ Want to learn more about building a sustainable, effective social media strategy for your brand? Listen to this episode of The Consistency Corner podcast.
