Today, we’re diving into the top mistakes new social media managers make and how you can avoid these same pitfalls. These are issues I’ve repeatedly observed in the online space, from other social media managers, and even from my own experiences. Mistakes are inevitable in any online business, but hopefully, sharing these insights will help you avoid the most common ones down the line.
1. Focusing Too Much on a Fancy Website
One of the most common mistakes new social media managers make is thinking they need a fancy website or branding to start their business. When I first started in Bali, I spent a lot of time creating a website, thinking it was essential for being taken seriously. I spent 1-2 months building my first website, neglecting to market myself, build my brand, and find clients.
The truth is, focusing all your attention on building the “perfect” website isn’t productive. Your business will naturally evolve, and so will the types of clients you work with and the services you offer. Instead of investing time and money in a website right away, focus on marketing yourself online and gaining clarity on your business direction. When you’re ready, a simple website with an about page, services, and testimonials will suffice.
2. Not Having a Contract in Place
Another common mistake is not having a contract and relying on a handshake approach. Having a contract is crucial for legal protection and clarity in your working relationship with clients. I’ve seen countless posts in Facebook groups from social media managers struggling to get paid because they didn’t have a contract.
Investing in a solid contract template specific to social media managers, like those from Coaches and Company, is one of the best initial investments you can make. It may seem costly at first, but it will save you from potential legal issues and ensure you get compensated for your work.
3. Lacking a Client Content Creation Process
When I started my business, I didn’t have any systems or processes in place for client content creation. This led to a lot of scrambling and stress. Having systems and processes helps you stay organized and provides a better client experience, leading to better testimonials.
I use Asana for project management, Trello for client project management, and Dubsado for client onboarding. These tools help streamline my workflow and keep everything organized. Find systems that work for your business to save time, stay organized, and appear more professional.
4. Neglecting Your Own Brand
Many social media managers, including myself, often put their clients’ brands above their own. This can lead to neglecting your own social media presence and goals. It’s essential to set aside time to plan your content, show up on your platforms, and work on your own business growth.
Neglecting your brand can give potential clients the impression that you’re not fully engaged or an expert in your field. Make time for your own business to ensure you continue to grow and attract new clients.
5. Not Setting and Sticking to Boundaries
The final common mistake is not setting and sticking to boundaries. It can be challenging to say no, but without clear boundaries, clients may unintentionally take advantage of your time and resources. Include your boundaries in your contract and provide a welcome packet outlining them to ensure both you and your client are on the same page.
Establish office hours, communication methods, content approval deadlines, and more from the beginning. This clarity will help maintain a professional relationship and prevent overstepping.
Episode Links + Resources
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