Top 5 Myths About Being a Social Media Manager

Separating Fact from Fiction When it Comes to Digital Marketing

Telling people you are a Social Media Manager can draw some strange looks. Reactions can range from “I wish I got paid to post on social media!” to “I can’t believe you get paid to do that.” Unfortunately, few people understand exactly what it means to be a Social Media Manager.

While we would never claim social media marketing is the most difficult profession—rocket scientists, nurses, teachers, and many more have us beat—it takes a specific skill set and dedication to be a Social Media Manager. The digital marketing landscape is constantly in flux. You need to be aware of the daily changes to find success and connect with your audience.

The most important aspect of communication is understanding, so let’s dig into some of the most prevalent myths and misconceptions about the job.

MYTH: You just get to scroll Instagram.
MYTH BUSTED

If you look at our screentime at the end of the week, you will see a good percentage spent on apps like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. However, that time is not spent mindlessly scrolling. 

It is imperative to stay on top of the latest trends, whether that is pivoting to video or keeping extensive notes on what songs are reaching the top of the charts. Another important aspect when it comes to posting is keeping your brand voice front and center. Every business is unique, so what works for one local diner may not work for a regional parking company. 

Not to mention, a good Social Media Manager is constantly studying analytics on the backend of apps and scheduling platforms. When it comes to spending a client’s money on boosted posts and Facebook Ads, you want to be 100% sure it’s going to the right place.

MYTH: You just do your own thing.
MYTH BUSTED

Being a Social Media Manager can appear from the outside like a solitary experience. It doesn’t take more than one person to like a post or reply to a comment, right? 

What really goes on behind the scenes of your favorite accounts is a major team effort. From the initial brainstorming sessions about creative direction to photoshoots, the resulting content is the result of hard work from many different people. 

And it doesn’t stop there. At Meerkat, our team is constantly bouncing ideas off of each other. Sometimes finding that perfect caption or response to a negative review comes from asking advice from other team members. 

MYTH: You can just buy followers.
MYTH BUSTED

Okay, technically you can buy followers. Your client might even be impressed by how quickly their social channels have grown. But, they won’t be so impressed when they’re inundated with spam comments and it doesn’t translate to any increased sales.

Organic growth is difficult, but it is important. If you want to spend the time for your business to have a social media (and you really should), you want to do it right. You want to make sure you’re connecting with and engaging your audience. 

Now, there are ways to speed organic growth, like Instagram giveaways and collaboration posts. These techniques are excellent for growing accounts, but there is no overnight magic fix.

MYTH: There’s no math involved.
MYTH BUSTED

For every English major that pivoted to marketing, may we introduce you to analytics? Analytics are the lifeblood of digital marketing. Otherwise, you would just be in the same boat as an ad man from the 60’s recommending a client spends a lot of money on a flashy billboard. It could absolutely lead to sales, but it could also make no difference—and there’s no way to prove it one way or the other.

Analytics can show you everything from how many people clicked on a link in an email that led to a direct sale, help you finetune an audience so you know you’re reaching the right people, or even the exact time of day it’s best to post that awesome new Reel. 

MYTH: You need to be glued to your phone 24/7.

MYTH BUSTED

Many businesses treat their Social Media Manager as the frontline for customer service. There is no doubt a Social Media Manager should respond to and engage with customers, but that is just one of many duties. It may also be incorrectly expected that every direct message will be responded to immediately. But just because you have a cell phone does not mean that you are on the clock 24/7.

For example, Meta (the company behind Facebook and Instagram) lets you create automatic replies to direct messages. You can create replies for common questions like “What are you hours?”, “Do you have gluten-free menu items?”, or “What is your phone number?” That way, you can rest easy knowing people will be getting timely responses even when you’re unavailable to respond personally.

It is also important to remember not every message demands an instant reply. Sensitive issues or negative reviews should be thoughtfully addressed. Sometimes that means taking time to gather your thoughts or checking in with the business owner before responding. Even in our culture of instant gratification, a good response that takes a day to craft is better than a poor response sent immediately.

Need Help Navigating Social Media?

If you’re looking for help with your social media presence, Meerkat Media Group has you covered! With experience in ecommerce, hospitality, food, and more, we have the know-how to reach the audience you want in the way you want. Contact us today for more information on taking your digital marketing to the next level.