Hiring a Social Media Manager: Job Description Template

Are you looking to hire a social media manager to help grow your business? This article will walk you through the process of writing a social media manager job description, from defining your needs to crafting the perfect job ad. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to find the perfect person to help you reach your social media goals.

Responsibilities & Role of a Social Media Manager

The following are the key responsibilities and roles of a Social Media Manager, serving as a reminder for those familiar with the field, and as a quick reference for those seeking an overview of the position:

• Content Creation: Crafting engaging posts, images, videos, and stories to connect with the audience.
• Strategy Development: Devising and implementing social media strategies to increase brand awareness and reach.
• Analytics and Reporting: Monitoring metrics, analyzing data, and providing insightful performance reports.
• Collaboration with Marketing: Integrating social media with overall marketing plans, such as crafting a Marketing Manager job description.
• Platform Management: Ensuring consistency, timeliness, and engagement across all social media channels.
• Ad Campaign Management: Plan and execute social media advertising campaigns, managing budgets effectively.

How to Hire a Social Media Manager

1. Understanding Your Social Media Manager Needs

Before hiring a Social Media Manager, it’s essential to pinpoint the company’s specific social media goals and required skills. Are you looking to boost brand awareness or increase lead generation? Understanding these needs helps in selecting the right candidate.

For example, if the goal is to enhance lead generation through Facebook Ads, you might seek candidates with targeted advertising experience, a history of successful campaigns, and proficiency in tools like Facebook Business Manager.

2. Search for Top Talent

After determining your social media goals and the type of Social Media Manager you need, it’s time to attract the top talent in the field.

You can find some of the best Social Media Managers on:

• Profession-Specific Job Boards: Websites like MarketingJobs.com and FlexJobs specialize in marketing roles and often feature listings for experienced Social Media Managers.
• Freelancing Platforms: If you want to hire remote freelancers or part-time Social Media Managers, you can find them on freelancing platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. These platforms are tailored to freelance professionals specializing in social media.
  You can tailor your job posting on these platforms using our social media manager job description template below.
• Industry-specific associations and forums: Explore industry-specific online forums and platforms where social media professionals gather. These platforms can be an excellent way to connect with experienced professionals who stay engaged with industry trends.
• University Digital Marketing Programs: Reaching out to universities that offer specialized digital marketing or social media courses can help you tap into emerging talent keen to make a mark in the field.
• Social media advertising: Consider creative ways to showcase your vacancy, such as posting in marketing-focused Facebook groups or using Instagram video ads to resonate with candidates specializing in visual content.

3. Looking for Professional Qualifications

When it comes to hiring a Social Media Manager, specific certifications can serve as a distinguishing factor. Not only do these certifications validate the skills and expertise of a candidate, but they also indicate a professional’s commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.

Here are some relevant certifications you might want to consider:

• Facebook Blueprint Certification: This certification is a comprehensive program offered directly by Facebook. A candidate with this qualification will be proficient in leveraging Facebook ads to meet business goals. Hiring a certified individual ensures that your Facebook campaigns will be handled with an expert touch.
• Hootsuite Social Media Certification: Hootsuite is one of the most widely used social media management platforms. A certification from Hootsuite signifies a deep understanding of social media marketing strategies across multiple platforms. You can expect a candidate with this certification to manage, schedule, and analyze your social media posts more efficiently.
• Google Analytics IQ Certification: While not a social media certification per se, Google Analytics is an essential tool for tracking social media success. Candidates with this certification will be adept at analyzing user behavior, making them invaluable for your social media strategy assessment.

4. Analyze Their Work Experience

The role of a Social Media Manager is much more complex than simply posting updates on social networks.

Evaluating work experience should be a multi-faceted approach:

• Campaign Management: Check if the candidate has experience in running full-scale social media campaigns, including planning, execution, and analysis.
• Community Management: Experience in community engagement, responding to customer queries and complaints, as well as fostering community growth is crucial.
• Multi-Platform Expertise: A desirable candidate should have experience managing multiple social media platforms. Each platform has its unique features and audience, and expertise in managing these platforms can make a considerable difference.
• ROI Metrics: Look for candidates who can demonstrate a return on investment from their social media strategies, be it in terms of customer acquisition, lead generation, or customer retention.

5. Conduct a Comprehensive Interview Process

Interviews are essential to assess technical skills, creativity, and cultural fit. Prepare specific questions that delve into past experiences, future goals, and problem-solving abilities. For remote or freelance hires, video interviews are often necessary.

In this case, you can ensure the following things to prepare for the interview:

• Test the Technology Beforehand: Ensure both you and the candidate have the necessary software and hardware. Conduct a test run to prevent technical glitches that can disrupt the flow of the interview.
• Prepare Specific Questions for Remote Work: Since remote work might involve unique challenges, include questions that allow candidates to demonstrate how they handle remote collaborations, stay organized, and meet deadlines.
• Assess Comfort Level with Digital Communication Tools: As a Social Media Manager might need to use various tools, assess their comfort and proficiency with digital tools relevant to the job.
• Consider Time Zones and Schedule Accordingly: Especially important when dealing with international candidates. Be mindful of time zones to schedule interviews at a convenient time for both parties.
• Provide Clear Information: Share the interview agenda and structure in advance so the candidate can prepare accordingly.
• Include Relevant Stakeholders: If necessary, include team members who will work closely with the candidate to gain insights into team dynamics.

By carefully conducting interviews, both in-person and virtually, you can gain deep insights into a candidate’s suitability for the role of a Social Media Manager, whether hiring full-time or seeking a talented freelancer from anywhere in the world.

6. Cross-Verify Their References

This critical step validates a candidate’s previous employment, qualifications, and character. A study reveals that 78% of job seekers misrepresented or considered misrepresenting themselves on applications and resumes.

Thus, diligently contacting references for insights into punctuality, responsibility, and teamwork becomes essential. Verifying qualifications and character, especially when hiring freelancers from a global pool, is vital to ensure alignment with your organization’s needs.

Here are a few important questions you should ask when contacting the references:

• Can you describe how the candidate contributed to the ROI in your social media campaigns?
• How well did the candidate manage and engage with the online community?
• Can you provide an example of how the candidate handled a crisis or a challenging situation on social media?

Tips for Avoiding Red Flags During the Hiring Process of a Social Media Manager

When hiring a Social Media Manager, the stakes are high. A poor choice could result in damage to your brand’s reputation, inefficient use of marketing resources, or a decline in customer engagement.

Here are some tips for avoiding red flags:

• Overemphasis on Follower Count: A candidate who focuses too much on vanity metrics such as follower count rather than engagement rates or ROI may not have a well-rounded understanding of social media marketing.
• Lack of Crisis Management Experience: Social media is often the frontline for customer complaints and crises. If a candidate has no experience or a poor track record in handling these, it’s a significant concern.
• Inability to Work Across Multiple Platforms: Each social media platform has its own set of rules, algorithms, and audiences. A Social Media Manager who is only comfortable with one platform will not be as effective.
• Vague or Inconsistent Reporting Methods: Measurement is key to any social media strategy. If a candidate cannot articulate how they have measured and reported on the performance of their campaigns, it could be a sign that they’re not data-driven.
• No Strategy for Paid Social Campaigns: Many brands leverage paid social media advertising alongside organic posts. A candidate with no experience in managing paid campaigns could be a liability.

By watching out for these red flags, you’ll be more equipped to make a hiring decision that brings value to your social media initiatives.

Social Media Manager Job Description

Did you know that 50% of candidates feel that job descriptions use annoying buzzwords? Hence it increases the importance of a well-crafted and clear job description

Below, you’ll find a comprehensive Social Media Manager job description template that serves as a foundational guide for businesses looking to harness the power of social media.

This template covers vital aspects of the role, from content creation and campaign management to audience engagement and performance analysis.  Whether you’re hiring your first Social Media Manager or enhancing your digital marketing team, this template will help you convey the specific skills, experience, and creativity you desire in a candidate.

Note: Feel free to tweak this template to suit the unique aspects of your company and the specific requirements of the role.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Social Media Manager?

The cost of hiring a Social Media Manager can be quite variable depending on a variety of factors such as the level of experience required, whether the position is full-time, part-time, or freelance, and the specific responsibilities that come with the role.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the potential costs involved:

Recruitment Costs

• Job Advertising: Platforms like FlexJobs charge around $399/month. On the other hand, utilizing social media advertising can range from $100 to $500, depending on the target audience.

Expenditure on Salary and Benefits

The compensation package for a Social Media Manager can vary widely based on experience, location, and specific job responsibilities

• Entry-Level Salary: A beginner Social Media Manager in the U.S. may expect a base salary of around $40,000 annually, considering basic responsibilities like content creation and community management.
• Experienced Professionals: Professionals with significant experience in strategic planning, ROI analysis, and brand development can command salaries from $74,000 to $115,000.
• Freelancers: If considering a more flexible approach, freelancers on platforms like Upwork may charge $14 to $35 per hour, influenced by their portfolio and the complexity of the required tasks.
• Benefits Package: Health insurance, paid time off, retirement contributions, and other perks should be factored in, which can add an additional 20% to 30% on top of the base salary.

Additional Costs

• Software Licenses: Social media management tools like Hootsuite can cost anywhere from $99 to $739 per month or more depending on the features you need.

Overall, the total estimated salary of social media managers is around $57,130.  These figures provide a comprehensive view of the financial commitment associated with hiring a Social Media Manager. However, these are general numbers, and it’s always advised to consult with industry experts, local recruiters, or professional services to get the most accurate and updated information tailored to your specific needs, industry, and location.

ROI of Hiring a Social Media Manager

Hiring a Social Media Manager is more than just a strategic move for businesses seeking to expand their online footprint; it’s an essential investment with measurable returns. One of the most immediate impacts a skilled Social Media Manager can make is in the area of increased engagement.

According to a study by Forrester, brands that actively engage on social media channels enjoy higher loyalty rates from their customers. For example, Forrester found that top brands’ Instagram posts generated a per-follower engagement rate of 4.21%, which means Instagram delivered these brands 58 times more engagement per follower than Facebook and 120 times more engagement per follower than Twitter.

This boost in engagement aligns with a report by Sprout Social, which reveals the compelling effect of positive social media interactions on consumers’ relationships with brands. The report states that as a result of these interactions, consumers are more willing to buy from a brand (78%), choose a brand over the competition (77%), recommend a brand (76%), increase their spending with that brand (72%), and develop a stronger bond with a brand (70%). 

Such statistics underscore the essential role that a Social Media Manager plays in not only driving engagement but also enhancing brand loyalty, consumer preference, and overall revenue growth.