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Listen up, babes. I know exactly how it feels to put your trust (and money!) into a social media manager or service provider who seems like they’ve got their shit together—only to get burned. It’s the WORST. That’s why Reagan from Flow Sociallly and I spilled the tea in our latest live about the shady side of social media management. If you missed it, no worries—you can watch the replay here.
Let’s break it down so you don’t end up paying someone to screw things up for you.
1. Overpromising and Underdelivering
You know the type: they promise you’ll gain 10K followers overnight or “go viral” by next Tuesday. Spoiler alert: they’re full of shit. (Seriously, if I had a dollar for every time someone made these BS claims…) Stop falling for these clowns and start looking for results-driven professionals who don’t need a magic wand.
2. They Don’t Understand Your Brand
If your social media manager’s vibe doesn’t align with your brand, you’re already screwed. It’s like giving them your wardrobe and ending up with a closet full of Crocs and cargo shorts. 🚩🚩🚩 Look for someone who gets your voice and aesthetic—or you’ll end up with posts that feel faker than a knock-off designer bag.
3. Ghosting You
Nothing says “professional” like ignoring emails and disappearing off the face of the Earth, right? (🙄) If your social media manager can’t communicate consistently, they’re not just unprofessional—they’re sabotaging your business. No excuses. If they can’t answer a simple question, why are they even here?
4. Cookie-Cutter Strategies
Here’s the deal: if your manager is giving you the same plan they used for their other clients, they’re not managing shit—they’re phoning it in. Your audience deserves tailored content, not reheated leftovers. Period.
5. Not All Data Is About the Metrics
Sure, we all love engagement rates and follower counts, but there’s so much more to being data-obsessed. What about email conversions, website traffic, or even insights from your DMs? A great manager knows that metrics don’t start and stop on Instagram or with social content. If they’re not connecting the dots between your social platforms and your overall business goals, what’s even the point?
6. Sneaky Contracts & Hidden Fees
Imagine thinking you’ve hired a manager for $2,000, and suddenly your bill is $5,000 because of “additional services.” WTF? Transparent pricing isn’t optional—it’s a basic fucking expectation. If they can’t provide that, run.
7. Zero Creativity
If your manager’s idea of “creative” content is slapping a Canva template on a quote, you’ve got a problem. Great content turns heads; bad content makes people scroll right past you. You deserve someone who brings fresh ideas to the table—not someone copying trends from six months ago.
8. Trends Can Boost You, But They’re Not Everything
I love a good trend as much as the next girl, but here’s the thing: trends should enhance your content, not define it. Jumping on every viral moment without a clear connection to your brand makes you look desperate. The best social media managers know how to strategically leverage trends to complement your existing strategy, not replace it.
9. Unethical Practices
Newsflash: buying followers and using bots is NOT the flex these shady managers think it is. Those fake followers? They’re not engaging with your content—or buying from you. Plus, these tactics can tank your reputation faster than a PR scandal. Hard pass.
10. Lack of Transparency
If your manager can’t explain their strategies, what they’re working on, or where your money is going, they’re hiding something. And I don’t mean a surprise party. Ask questions. Expect clarity. If they get weird about it, it’s time to show them the door.
How to Avoid Getting Burned
• Do Your Research: Stalk their portfolio, check their reviews, and ask for case studies. If they can’t show proof of their work, it’s a no from me.
• Set Boundaries: Be crystal clear about your expectations, budget, and communication preferences.
• Hold Them Accountable: Demand regular updates, performance reports, and proof of the work they’re doing. If they can’t back it up, why are you paying them?
• Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Stop ignoring red flags just because they “seem nice.”
That’s it. That’s the tea. If you’ve been burned before, you’re not alone—but now you know better.
Watch the replay as we talk about poor/negative/bad experiences with social media managers or remote service providers and what we feel is the root of the issue of why this happens.
Let’s make sure your next hire is worth every damn penny.
STAY REBELLIOUS
Xoxo Santina Rigano-Lesch
Badass Human, Stereotype Breaker, Kindness Wins
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