Why being a Facebook user doesn’t make you a social media expert (and why you need a social media manager!)
Working in social media is one of the few jobs that “everyone thinks they can do” and this seems, come to think of it, to be a common theme amongst all marketing-based jobs.
Let's face it, we all think we’re social media experts these days. After all, we’ve been on Facebook since 2006, posted a few TikToks and are continuously sharing memes with our friends. So, surely that qualifies us to manage a brand’s Instagram account, right? Well...
Running a social media account is about more than just having an account and a few pictures of your dog (as cute as they may be!). Sure, you can post your holiday snaps and throw together a quick Instagram story, after all that’s what social media is for… but only on a personal level . When it comes to professional social media management, there's a lot more to it than that and here’s why you might want to rethink asking your 11-year-old niece to handle your business’s social media.
So, what's the difference between a "Facebook User" and a "Social Media Manager"?
A social media manager knows strategy
Posting random content is cute, but it won’t get you very far. Social media managers don’t just post pictures, they plan a comprehensive strategy that includes knowing what your audience wants to see, when they want to see it and most importantly, how to track performance of the content.
We know algorithms
Facebook’s algorithm (in particular) is a tricky one and it changes frequently. A social media manager is constantly keeping up with these changes and adjusting tactics to make sure your brand gets seen.
We know engagement is key
It’s not enough to simply post and hope people like it. A good social media manager (SMM) actively engages with followers, handles customer inquiries and builds relationships (like mini communties on Instagram, collaboration not competition!) Your SMM will also keep up with trends, use a mixture of media types and conduct extensive research into them.
We don’t just Google images
Google can be great for finding pictures, but that’s not going to cut it when you need original content that aligns with your brand. As a SMM, a major “business ick”, if you like, is when someone has clearly typed “Out of Office pic” into Google, clicked save as and added it to their Facebook page. That’s not to say you can’t have some creative control, but staying on brand looks so much more professional and really does set a certain tone for what you’re trying to represent. A social media manager can create branded visuals, compelling copy and engaging stories that showcase your business in the best light. It’s not about finding something cute on the internet — it’s about curating content that tells a story and connects with your audience.
As tempting as it may seem to ask your teenage cousin who “spends all her time on TikTok” to manage your business’s social accounts, it’s not the best idea. Just because someone can post a funny meme doesn’t mean they can handle the pressure of driving real business results through social media.
A professional social media manager has experience with the tools, tactics and trends that lead to success online. They know how to measure the success of each post, optimise campaigns and adjust strategies to grow your brand’s online presence. More importantly, they understand how to represent your business consistently and effectively in an ever-changing digital landscape.
If you want your brand to stand out online (and not just be another forgotten meme in the endless Facebook feed) it’s time to hire a real social media manager.
If you think your business could benefit from a social media manager and content creator, please contact laura.socialbutterflymedia@gmail.com and let’s have a chat!
