Hiring a Social Media Manager: Questions to Ask Before You Sign

Hiring someone to look after your social media is a real business decision. You are trusting them with your reputation, your customer conversations and part of your budget. Taking an hour to ask the right questions at the start can save you months of frustration. Here is a practical list to bring to your first meeting.

Questions about experience

"Can you show me work you have done for similar businesses?"
Look at actual pages, not only screenshots of numbers. Do they look professional and consistent? Do the replies sound human and friendly?

"Do you understand my customers and my area?"
A manager who knows what people in Dodoma, Arusha or Dar es Salaam respond to, and who understands local language and culture, will serve you better than a generic template.

"Who will actually work on my account?"
Some providers promise great things, then hand your page to a beginner. Ask who your contact will be and how to reach them.

Questions about the work

What exactly is included each month: number of posts, stories, videos, replies?
Who creates the photos and videos? Will they visit my shop or use mine?
How do I approve content before it is posted?
How quickly are comments and messages answered, and what happens to urgent ones?
What happens if I want to change something quickly, like a price or an offer?

Get the answers in writing.

Questions about results

"What results can I realistically expect, and by when?"
Be cautious about anyone who guarantees sales or gives exact figures. Social media depends on many things, including your product, price and service. A good manager talks about steps, not miracles.

"How will you report to me?"
You should receive a regular report that is clear and honest: what was posted, how people responded, what enquiries came, and what will be done next. LiberLite Account Management, for example, includes regular reports with results, and you should expect the same from any provider.

Questions about money and ownership

What is the total monthly cost, and what is extra?
Is there a minimum period, and how can I stop?
Do I keep full ownership of my accounts, passwords and content? The answer must be yes.
What do you need from me every week?
How will payments be made and receipted?

If a provider cannot explain their plan and costs in simple language, they probably do not understand them well enough.

Warning signs

Promises of instant, guaranteed success
Unwillingness to give clear prices or a written agreement
Insistence on owning your accounts
Vague answers about what they do
Pressure to sign immediately
No samples of previous work

Start small

If you can, begin with a trial period or a short agreement. This lets you see how they work and how well you communicate. Watch whether they meet deadlines and listen to your feedback.

Prepare your side

Gather your logo, photos, price list and a short description of your business and customers. The better your briefing, the better the results.

Your next step

Write down your goal, your monthly budget and the five questions from this list that matter most to you. Take them to your next conversation with a possible manager, and take notes on each answer. A confident professional will welcome the questions.