In today’s digital-first world, social media is no longer just a branding tool — it’s a powerful driver of business growth, customer engagement, and online visibility. Whether you’re a small business owner, coach, influencer, or startup founder, managing multiple platforms, creating content, engaging with followers, and analyzing metrics can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where a social media manager comes in.
A skilled social media manager can elevate your online presence, helping you grow your audience, increase engagement, and convert likes into leads or sales. But with so many options, you might wonder: Where is the best place to hire a social media manager?
In this blog, we’ll break down the top platforms where you can find and hire qualified social media experts — whether you’re looking for freelance help, part-time support, or a full-time team member. We’ll also cover what to look for in a candidate, how much it typically costs, and how to ensure you’re getting the right fit for your business needs.
Signs You Need a Social Media Manager
Managing social media can quickly become overwhelming as your business or personal brand grows. If you’re noticing any of the following signs, it may be time to hire a dedicated social media manager:
1. You’re Struggling to Stay Consistent
Consistency is key to growing a loyal audience. If your posting schedule is erratic or you’re constantly scrambling to create content, a social media manager can bring structure and strategy to your online presence.
2. Your Engagement Rates Are Low
If likes, comments, and shares are stagnant despite your efforts, it might be a sign that your content isn’t resonating with your audience. A professional social media manager knows how to create engaging posts tailored to your brand and audience.
3. You Don’t Have Time to Manage Social Media
Running a business is already time-consuming. If you’re juggling multiple responsibilities, creating content, responding to comments, analyzing performance, and staying up-to-date with trends might be too much. Delegating these tasks allows you to focus on what you do best.
4. You Lack a Clear Social Media Strategy
Posting randomly without a plan won’t get results. A social media manager builds and executes a data-driven strategy aligned with your business goals, whether that’s increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, or generating leads.
5. Your Competitors Are Winning on Social Media
If competitors in your niche are gaining followers, going viral, or consistently engaging with their audience while your pages feel inactive or dull, it’s time to step up your game with expert help.
6. You’re Not Tracking Analytics
If you aren’t reviewing metrics like reach, click-through rate, follower growth, and engagement, you’re flying blind. Social media managers use tools like Meta Business Suite, Hootsuite, and analytics dashboards to measure performance and optimize content.
7. You Want to Scale Your Business
If you’re planning to launch a product, run paid ad campaigns, or expand to new platforms, a social media manager is essential. They’ll ensure your online presence grows alongside your business objectives.
Key Qualities to Look for in a Social Media Manager
Hiring the right social media manager can make a huge difference in your brand’s online success. Whether you’re aiming to grow your following, boost engagement, or drive leads and sales, here are the key qualities to look for when hiring a social media manager:
1. Proven Experience Across Multiple Platforms
A strong candidate should have hands-on experience managing accounts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. Each platform has its style and audience — look for someone who understands how to tailor content accordingly and has a track record of growth.
2. Content Creation & Copywriting Skills
Your social media manager will likely be responsible for crafting captions, creating graphics or videos, and developing a content calendar. They should have a creative eye and a strong command of language to write captions that convert and create visual content that captures attention.
3. Knowledge of Analytics & Performance Metrics
An effective social media manager doesn’t just post and hope — they analyze. They should be comfortable using tools like Meta Business Suite, TikTok Analytics, or Google Analytics to track performance, measure KPIs, and adjust strategies for better results.
4. Strategic Planning & Trend Awareness
The social media landscape is fast-moving. Look for someone who stays on top of the latest trends, algorithm changes, and viral content formats. They should also be capable of planning campaigns, setting goals, and aligning their strategy with your brand’s broader marketing efforts.
5. Strong Communication & Brand Alignment
They must be able to understand and represent your brand voice consistently across all platforms. Whether your tone is playful, professional, or educational, the social media manager should align perfectly with your brand identity. Clear communication with you and your team is also a must.
6. Community Management & Engagement Skills
It’s not just about posting — engagement is key. A great social media manager responds to comments, DMs and engages with your audience authentically. They should know how to build and maintain an online community that’s loyal and active.
7. Adaptability & Problem-Solving Abilities
Sometimes, content flops. Sometimes, the platforms crash. Sometimes, negative comments roll in. Your social media manager should stay cool under pressure and adapt quickly with creative solutions to protect and improve your brand’s image.
Where to Hire a Social Media Manager: Top Platforms
Finding the right social media manager is easier than ever, with dozens of platforms offering freelance and full-time talent. Whether you’re on a tight budget or need an expert to take your brand to the next level, here are the top platforms to consider:
1. Fiverr – Fast & Budget-Friendly Hiring
Fiverr is a go-to platform for small businesses, solopreneurs, and startups looking for affordable freelance social media managers. You can browse thousands of service providers offering packages that include content creation, account growth, post scheduling, and engagement services.
Why Fiverr?
- Services start as low as $5, but most quality work ranges from $50 to $300 per month.
- Easy-to-browse profiles with star ratings, portfolios, and client reviews.
- Ideal for short-term projects or trial-based hires.
Pro Tip: Use Fiverr’s filtering tools to find freelancers who specialize in your niche (e.g., real estate, fashion, e-commerce).
2. Upwork – For Long-Term, High-Quality Freelancers
Upwork is perfect for those seeking experienced professionals on a contract or long-term basis. It’s one of the largest freelancer platforms and allows you to post a job description, receive proposals, and choose the right candidate based on experience and pricing.
Why Upwork?
- Access to verified professionals with industry-specific expertise.
- More in-depth freelancer profiles with work history and test results.
- Secure milestone-based payments and work tracking tools.
Best For: Businesses looking to scale, outsource consistently, or manage multiple social platforms.
3. LinkedIn – Professional Hiring for Full-Time or Freelance
LinkedIn isn’t just for job hunting—it’s also an excellent platform to find skilled social media managers open to freelance, part-time, or full-time work. With access to detailed profiles, endorsements, and work history, you can evaluate candidates thoroughly before reaching out.
Why LinkedIn?
- Direct messaging allows for personalized outreach.
- Can post job ads to attract applicants actively looking for work.
- Great for building long-term, professional relationships.
Search Tip: Use filters like “Freelance Social Media Manager,” “Open to Work,” or industry keywords to narrow down your options.
4. Online Job Boards – Indeed, PeoplePerHour, We Work Remotely
If you’re looking for full-time or part-time employees (remote or in-office), job boards like Indeed, PeoplePerHour, and We Work Remotely offer a wide candidate pool.
Why Job Boards?
- Ideal for more structured hiring processes.
- Suitable for agencies or companies with HR teams.
- Access to resumes and detailed applicant data.
Drawback: Less filtering for creative portfolios compared to freelancer sites.
5. Social Media Platforms – Hire From the Source
Believe it or not, some of the best social media managers are already showcasing their skills on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or LinkedIn.
How to Hire on Social Media:
- Look for individuals or micro-influencers with strong engagement and branding.
- Check if they manage other pages or offer freelance services.
- Reach out via DM with a professional message and your project details.
Ideal For: Brands wanting a creator-style content manager with real-world platform knowledge.
In-House vs Freelance Social Media Manager: What’s Best for You?
When you’re ready to bring a social media manager on board, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to hire in-house or work with a freelancer. Each option has its pros and cons depending on your business size, goals, and budget. Let’s break it down:
1. In-House Social Media Manager
Best For: Established brands, companies with frequent content needs, or businesses building long-term digital strategies.
Pros:
- Full-time commitment: They’re dedicated solely to your brand.
- Better team collaboration: They can work closely with your marketing, sales, and design teams.
- Faster communication: Quick feedback loops and real-time adjustments.
- Deeper brand knowledge: In-house managers often understand your business and culture more intimately.
Cons:
- Higher cost: Full-time salaries, benefits, and office space (if not remote) can be expensive.
- Slower hiring process: It takes more time to recruit, interview, and onboard.
- Limited flexibility: One person may not have all the skills needed (e.g., graphic design, video editing, ad management).
2. Freelance Social Media Manager
Best For: Start-ups, small businesses, solopreneurs, and brands with project-based or flexible needs.
Pros:
- Cost-effective: You only pay for what you need—hourly, per project, or monthly retainers.
- Access to specialists: Many freelancers bring niche expertise in specific platforms or industries.
- Scalability: Easy to scale up or down based on workload or budget.
- Global talent pool: Hire top talent from anywhere via platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or LinkedIn.
Cons:
- Less availability: Freelancers juggle multiple clients, so they may not be available 24/7.
- Communication delays: Time zones and part-time availability can affect responsiveness.
- Onboarding required: You’ll need to give them brand guidelines and get them up to speed on your business.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose in-house if you have the budget and want someone fully immersed in your brand.
- Choose a freelancer if you want flexibility, specialized skills, or are just starting.
In many cases, businesses start with a freelance social media manager and transition to an in-house role as they grow.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re on a budget and need results fast, platforms like Fiverr are perfect for finding experienced social media managers at competitive rates.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Social Media Manager?
When hiring a social media manager, pricing can vary widely depending on experience level, workload, the number of platforms managed, and whether you choose a freelancer, an agency, or a full-time hire. Understanding the cost breakdown can help you choose the best fit for your business and budget.
1. Freelance Social Media Manager Rates
Freelancers are a flexible and affordable option for many small businesses and startups. On platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, you can find a wide range of pricing:
- Beginner Freelancers: $5–$15/hour or $50–$200/month (ideal for startups or managing just one platform)
- Intermediate Freelancers: $20–$50/hour or $300–$800/month
- Expert Freelancers: $60–$100+/hour or $1,000–$2,500+/month (ideal for multi-platform strategy, content, and analytics)
💡 Tip: Fiverr offers fixed-price packages, which is perfect if you need clarity on costs and deliverables upfront.
2. Agency Pricing
Hiring a digital marketing or social media agency typically comes with a higher price tag but can offer full-service support, including strategy, content, paid ads, and reporting.
- Monthly Retainers: $1,500–$10,000+
- Per Project Costs: $500–$5,000 depending on campaign goals and scope
Agencies are ideal for established businesses looking to scale fast or run campaigns across multiple platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
3. In-House Social Media Manager Salary
If you’re looking to bring someone on full-time, expect to pay a monthly salary based on their experience and location:
- Entry-Level (0–2 years): $2,500–$3,500/month
- Mid-Level (3–5 years): $3,500–$5,000/month
- Senior-Level (6+ years): $5,000–$7,000+/month
In-house hires are ideal for businesses with constant content needs and a desire to grow a cohesive brand voice across platforms.
4. What Affects the Cost?
Several factors influence what you’ll pay:
- Number of platforms managed (e.g., Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn)
- Content creation responsibilities (graphics, reels, captions, etc.)
- Whether paid ads or influencer outreach is included
- Expected engagement or analytics reporting
5. Budgeting Tip
If you’re on a limited budget, hiring from Fiverr is a great starting point. Many skilled freelancers offer affordable monthly social media management packages with deliverables like 12–30 posts per month, hashtag research, and engagement.
By understanding what goes into the cost of a social media manager, you can better assess what you need and what you’re willing to invest to grow your online presence effectively.
How to Make the Most of Your Hire
Hiring a social media manager is a smart investment, but getting the best results requires more than just handing off your login details. Here’s how to set your new hire up for success and ensure you’re getting maximum ROI:
1. Provide a Clear Onboarding Process
Introduce them to your brand, your goals, and your audience. Share:
- Your brand voice and messaging guidelines
- Past campaign data and performance metrics
- Competitor accounts you admire
- Tools you currently use (e.g., Canva, Hootsuite, Buffer)
A smooth onboarding helps them understand your vision and hit the ground running.
2. Set SMART Goals
Define Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives. Examples:
- Grow Instagram followers by 25% in 3 months
- Increase engagement rate by 10%
- Generate 20 qualified leads per month through Facebook posts
This keeps your social media manager focused and accountable.
3. Maintain Open Communication
Use tools like Slack, Trello, or Notion to streamline collaboration. Hold regular check-ins—weekly or bi-weekly—to:
- Review performance
- Discuss content ideas
- Adjust strategy if needed
Open dialogue builds trust and keeps things on track.
4. Encourage Creativity, But Give Direction
Social media is a creative field. While you want your manager to bring fresh ideas, they also need:
- Brand dos and don’ts
- A list of approved colors, fonts, and logo versions
- Examples of past posts that worked well (or flopped)
Balancing freedom with structure results in better content.
5. Review Analytics Together
Use data to guide your strategy. Regularly review:
- Reach and impressions
- Engagement metrics (likes, comments, shares, saves)
- Click-through rates and conversions
Let your social media manager explain what’s working and what needs to pivot.
6. Celebrate Wins
When your manager hits a goal or creates a viral post, acknowledge it! Recognition boosts morale and encourages continued performance.
With the right systems in place, your social media manager becomes more than just a contractor—they become a key player in your growth strategy.
Final Thoughts
Hiring the right social media manager can be a game-changer for your brand’s online presence. With the right person on your team, you’ll not only save time but also benefit from strategic content creation, consistent engagement, and measurable growth across your platforms.
Whether you choose to work with a freelancer from Fiverr or Upwork, connect with talent through LinkedIn, or even discover someone directly on Instagram or TikTok, the key is to hire someone who understands your goals, your audience, and your brand voice.
Take the time to review portfolios, check client feedback, and communicate your expectations from the start. Investing in the right social media manager now can lead to long-term growth and visibility for your business.
Ready to get started? Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork make it easy to find experienced social media managers that match your needs and budget.
FAQ - About how to hire the best Social Media Manager
- 1. What does a social media manager do?
A social media manager is responsible for creating, curating, scheduling, and analyzing content across various social media platforms to help businesses grow their online presence, engage with their audience, and meet marketing goals.
- 2. Where can I find the best social media managers online?
You can hire top-rated social media managers from freelance platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Toptal, and PeoplePerHour, or through digital marketing agencies that specialize in social media services.
- 3. How do I know if a social media manager is right for my business?
Look for experience in your niche, strong portfolio examples, client testimonials, knowledge of relevant platforms, and clear communication skills. Conduct an interview and ask for a short strategy proposal to assess their approach.
- 4. What qualifications should a good social media manager have?
They should have experience in social media marketing, content creation, analytics tools, ad campaign management, and audience engagement. Certifications in digital marketing or social media strategy are a plus.
- 5. How much does it cost to hire a social media manager online?
Prices vary based on experience, platform, and workload. Freelancers on Fiverr may start from $100–$500/month, while seasoned experts or agencies may charge $1000+ per month for full-service management.
- 6. Should I hire a freelancer or an agency for social media management?
Freelancers are ideal for startups or small businesses with a limited budget, offering flexibility and lower rates. Agencies are better for brands needing a comprehensive strategy and access to a full marketing team.
- 7. What should I include in a job description to hire the best social media manager?
Include your goals, target audience, preferred platforms, expected deliverables, brand voice, budget, and whether you require content creation, engagement, or paid ad management.
- 8. Can I hire a social media manager for just one platform like Instagram or LinkedIn?
Yes, many social media managers specialize in specific platforms. Be clear about your focus and find professionals who excel in that channel, whether it’s Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, or Pinterest.
- 9. How long does it take to see results from social media management?
You can expect to see engagement and follower growth within 1–3 months. Conversions and ROI typically take 3–6 months, depending on the strategy and consistency.
- 10. What are red flags to watch out for when hiring a social media manager online?
Beware of those promising instant results, lacking a portfolio, offering lowball pricing, or failing to provide a clear plan. Lack of communication and generic strategies are also warning signs.