The role of a social media manager is huge for brands looking to maintain an engaging and dynamic online presence.
However, as with any job, certain phrases can make any social media manager cringe.
Here are seven things a social media manager never wants to hear:
"Can we make it go viral?"
If I had a dollar for each time I’ve heard this one. 😂💰 Viral content can be great, but it's not something that can be manufactured on demand.
It requires a combination of great content, perfect timing, and more than a bit of luck. Telling a social media manager to "just make it go viral" oversimplifies the complex and often unpredictable nature of online content sharing.
"Do we really need a strategy?"
Yes, a thousand times, yes!
A social media strategy is the backbone of effective online engagement. It guides the what, when, and how of posting, ensuring that content aligns with broader marketing goals.
"Can you post this immediately?"
Urgent requests can disrupt carefully planned content calendars and strategies. While flexibility is definitely part of the job, constant last-minute changes can compromise the quality and coherence of a brand's social media presence.
"Why aren't we on [latest social media platform] yet?"
Jumping on every new platform without a clear strategy can spread resources too thin and may not reach the intended audience. A good social media manager knows that being effective often means focusing efforts where they'll make the most impact.
"We don't have a budget for social media."
Expecting to compete on social media without a budget is like bringing a knife to a gunfight. Even minimal investment in tools, ads, or content creation can significantly enhance a brand's online presence.
"There's no need to respond to every comment."
Engagement is a two-way street. Ignoring comments, whether positive or negative, can harm a brand's reputation and relationships with its audience. A social media manager knows the value of interaction and strives to keep the conversation going.
"Just use more hashtags."
Hashtags can be a powerful tool for discovery, but they're not a cure-all. Overloading posts with irrelevant hashtags can appear spammy and detract from the message. A strategic approach to hashtags is better, and you should always think about SEO for social media as well.
Being a social media manager involves much more than just posting content online. It requires a deep understanding of the brand, its audience, and the nuances of each platform. The next time you're tempted to utter one of these phrases, remember the complexity and creativity in managing a brand's social media presence.
Instead, offer support, resources, and constructive feedback to help your social media manager thrive.
Need help with your social media channels? I do that! Let’s chat.