What Makes a Great Social Media Manager Subcontractor for Engagement and Growth
Social media is one of the most powerful tools for building your brand, connecting with customers, and driving organic growth. But showing up consistently—and strategically—on social media is a full-time job. That’s why many solopreneurs and lean teams turn to subcontractor Social Media Managers to take the wheel.
The right one can turn your social channels into a growth engine. The wrong one can waste your time, money, and brand voice. Here’s what to look for in a great subcontractor Social Media Manager focused on engagement and growth.
Why Hire a Social Media Manager Subcontractor?
As a solo founder or small team, outsourcing social media helps you:
- Show up consistently without doing it all yourself
- Build a brand voice that connects with your ideal audience
- Grow your followers, engagement, and traffic—organically
- Stay on top of trends, features, and algorithms
- Turn content into conversations (and conversations into conversions)
A great subcontractor SMM (Social Media Manager) becomes an extension of your brand—not just someone scheduling posts.
What Makes a Great Social Media Manager Subcontractor?
1. They Focus on Engagement, Not Just Posting
Posting content is the bare minimum. The best social media managers go beyond the scheduler—they:
- Proactively engage with comments, DMs, and tagged posts
- Join relevant conversations using brand voice and values
- Build relationships with ideal customers and micro-influencers
- Use polls, Q&As, and responses to increase two-way interaction
Great SMMs create community—not just content.
2. They Have a Growth-Oriented Strategy
The right subcontractor doesn’t just “keep your feed active”—they build toward growth goals.
They understand how to:
- Set content KPIs (follower growth, saves, shares, link clicks)
- Track analytics and adjust based on what works
- Recommend formats that grow reach (e.g. Reels, carousels, Lives)
- Test different types of content (educational, entertaining, promotional) to see what sticks
They treat your profile like a mini media channel—and help it grow accordingly.
3. They Understand Each Platform’s Strengths
What works on LinkedIn won’t work on Instagram. A great SMM knows how to tailor content for:
- Instagram (Reels, Stories, hashtags, visual identity)
- LinkedIn (thought leadership, storytelling, B2B positioning)
- TikTok (trends, authenticity, quick storytelling)
- Facebook (groups, page engagement, retargeting content)
- X/Twitter (threads, opinions, timely reactions)
They’ll help you focus on the right platforms—and show up natively in each one.
4. They Can Create or Coordinate Strong Visuals
Even if they’re not a designer, strong SMMs have an eye for visual content. They know how to:
- Use Canva or Figma to create on-brand graphics
- Edit videos or coordinate with video editors
- Repurpose content into multiple formats (e.g., blog → Instagram carousel)
- Maintain a cohesive look and feel across your grid or feed
If needed, they’ll also help build a content library you can pull from anytime.
5. They Write Captions That Sound Like You
A great subcontractor knows how to write captions that:
- Match your tone (funny, direct, inspiring, helpful)
- Start with a hook that stops the scroll
- Use formatting and emojis without overdoing it
- Include CTAs that feel natural, not salesy
They’ll study your brand voice and apply it across every post—so it sounds authentic, not outsourced.
6. They Stay Ahead of Trends (Without Chasing Every One)
The algorithm changes. New features drop. Memes explode. A strong social media manager stays current but strategic.
They know when to:
- Jump on a trend (because it fits your brand)
- Skip it (because it doesn’t)
- Repurpose a trend in a way that aligns with your niche or audience
They don’t just copy—they adapt.
7. They’re Organized and Self-Directed
You don’t want to micromanage someone every week. The best subcontractor SMMs:
- Build and maintain a monthly content calendar
- Plan posts ahead with flexibility for timely content
- Work in your tools (Notion, Trello, Buffer, Later, Metricool, etc.)
- Hit deadlines and communicate proactively
They make your life easier—not busier.
Where to Find Great Subcontractor Social Media Managers
Here are a few top sources:
- Upwork – Search for platform-specific social media freelancers
- Fiverr Pro – Pre-vetted SMMs with industry experience
- The Social Club – A curated directory of social media freelancers
- LinkedIn – Use filters like “freelance social media” + platform
- Instagram – Find people who manage others’ accounts (hint: look at their own engagement)
- Slack groups and communities – Ask for referrals in niche founder or creator spaces
What to Ask Before Hiring a Social Media Manager
- Can you show me content you’ve created for another brand, and explain the strategy?
- What platforms are you strongest on?
- How do you plan content and manage approval?
- What’s your process for community engagement?
- How do you measure success in your role?
You’re looking for someone who blends creativity, strategy, and execution—who gets your voice, grows your reach, and builds real connection with your audience.
