Social Media Management: How to Tell If Your SMM Manager Actually Knows What They’re Doing

Let’s cut to the chase: just because someone slaps “social media manager” in their bio doesn’t mean they actually know what they’re doing. We’ve all seen those ‘experts’ with cute grids and glossy posts—everything looks fab, but then you realize… there’s nothing behind it. No strategy, no audience insight, just some pretty pics and a prayer.

If you’re hiring someone to manage your socials, you need more than just aesthetic. You need someone who knows how to design content that makes your audience stop mid-scroll, engage, and care about your brand. Sounds like a tall order, right? Well, it’s not. If they’re good, they’ll get it.

What Is Social Media Management (And What Should It Really Be)?

Social media management is so much more than posting a cute picture and hoping for the best. It’s about creating content that actually makes people feel something—whether it’s laughing, learning, or even getting a little fired up.

An SMM who knows their stuff:

• Gets your brand voice and uses design to amplify it.

• Understands what your audience actually wants to see (no guessing here).

• Knows how to balance creative design with real strategy so the content looks good and gets results.

How to Spot an SMM Who Actually Gets It

Let’s be honest—most social media managers are faking it. But how do you tell if you’ve got someone who actually knows what’s up? Here’s your cheat sheet:

1. They Know Your Audience Better Than You DoA good SMM isn’t guessing what your followers want. They know—from engagement patterns to content types. They design posts that speak directly to your audience, not just what’s trending. Their content isn’t just filler; it’s targeted, strategic, and hits the mark every time.

   
   

2. Their Content Isn’t Just Pretty—It’s IntentionalLook, we get it. You want your feed to look good. But a designer who only cares about pretty visuals? That’s not enough. A true pro understands how to design content that works. They make sure every post serves a purpose—whether it’s to entertain, inform, or convert. It’s about creating an experience, not just eye candy.

   
   

3. They Actually Know How to DesignGood design is more than slapping some text on a stock photo. A real SMM gets color theory, typography, and how to create compositions that pop. They know how to design content that’s visually striking and that connects with your followers in a meaningful way. It’s not about using the trendiest fonts or colors—it’s about what actually works for your brand.

   
   

4. They Don’t Just Chase Trends; They Set ThemBeing a ‘trend follower’ is cute, but it’s not going to get you noticed. A top-tier SMM knows how to make trends work for your brand. They don’t jump on every meme just because it’s viral—they know how to take a trend and mold it into something that feels authentic to your audience. If they’re just copying what’s hot this week, they’re not the one for you.

   
   

5. They Know What Your Followers Actually WantHere’s the thing: your followers don’t care about just anything. They care about what speaks to them. A great SMM knows exactly what type of content will get them talking, laughing, or even sharing. They don’t guess—they know your followers like their morning coffee: strong, consistent, and to the point.

   
   
   
   

Why Hiring the Right SMM Matters

Hiring someone who doesn’t get design or isn’t dialed into what your audience actually cares about is like throwing your money into a black hole. Social media isn’t about having the most polished posts; it’s about creating content that gets attention, sparks action, and makes your brand stand out.

If your social media manager is just putting up random stuff because it “looks good,” they’re not the one for you. You need someone who understands what works for your brand and your audience—and can create content that gets results.

BLUMM Creative’s Take on Social Media Management

At BLUMM, we don’t do ‘just okay’ social media. We craft strategies that actually connect, creating visuals and content that speak to your audience. If you want someone who knows how to design and who gets what people actuallywant to see, hit us up. We’re all about making your socials pop—and we’re damn good at it.