![Social Media Manager: how to post engaging content [content idea list]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-4_8e422795-ed2f-4180-9b15-3b8ce517bf4c.png?v=1715865665&width=1100)
Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best social media managers use strategically to build brand awareness and engage audiences.
We know you're busy juggling multiple accounts and the thought of managing yet another social media platform might feel overwhelming.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing guru or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can significantly boost your client's online presence.
To help you out, we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for social media managers.
Get the content idea list made for social managers
A lot of social managers manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for a social media manager
We have analyzed numerous social media strategies for various businesses while developing our strategy pack for social media managers - here is what consistently delivers results.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Boost Engagement and Grow Your Audience |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Visuals | Eye-catching images and videos grab attention and increase the likelihood of shares and likes, expanding your reach. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Content | Giving a peek into your daily operations builds transparency and trust, fostering a deeper connection with your audience. |
| Client Testimonials | Sharing positive feedback from clients provides social proof, encouraging potential clients to trust and engage with your brand. |
| Exclusive Offers | Promoting special deals and discounts can drive immediate engagement and attract new followers looking for value. |
| User-Generated Content | Featuring content created by your followers not only engages them but also adds authenticity to your brand. |
| Collaborations | Partnering with influencers or other brands can introduce your business to a wider, relevant audience. |
| Event Promotions | Announcing upcoming events or webinars can generate excitement and drive attendance, increasing your brand's visibility. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Creating content around seasons or holidays can make your posts more relatable and timely, boosting engagement. |
| Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions encourage active participation, making your audience feel more involved. |
| Educational Content | Sharing tips, how-tos, and industry insights positions you as an expert and provides value to your followers. |
| Daily Updates | Regularly updating your followers with fresh content keeps your brand top-of-mind and encourages consistent engagement. |
| Team Spotlights | Highlighting your team members adds a personal touch and humanizes your brand, making it more relatable. |
| Industry News | Sharing the latest news and trends in your industry keeps your audience informed and positions you as a thought leader. |
| Sustainability Efforts | Highlighting your sustainable practices can attract environmentally conscious followers and enhance your brand image. |
| Follower Spotlights | Featuring your followers creates a sense of community and encourages others to engage more with your content. |
| Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can significantly boost engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may become loyal fans. |
Some social managers make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best social managers in the world. Replicate them now!
How can social managers make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your content are essential.
People engage with visuals first. Make sure the lighting is good, the images are clear, and the presentation is inviting.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your brand. Behind-the-scenes photos, team stories, and follower shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your followers excited, highlight any special offers, events, or new content. Make sure your audience knows what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new followers.
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your brand “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your brand, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for social media managers.
How to Do It Fast and Efficiently
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage followers to share their own photos and tag your brand. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for social managers on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, budget-friendly content ideas tailored for social media managers, complete with practical tips to keep costs low while maximizing your social media impact.
Consider incorporating some of these ideas into your social media strategy.
| Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
|---|---|
| Smartphone Photos | Utilize natural light by taking photos near windows during the day. Enhance images with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
| Client Testimonials | Encourage satisfied clients to record a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a small incentive, like a discount on future services, as a thank-you. |
| User-Generated Content | Motivate your audience to share their experiences by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your brand on Instagram. |
| DIY Tutorial Videos | Film short, simple tutorials related to your niche using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Edit with free software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at your daily operations or introduce your team during quieter moments. |
| Daily Tips and Tricks | Create simple, eye-catching graphics for daily tips using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a relevant image. |
| Team Spotlights | Feature team members with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in your workspace. |
| Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their preferences or suggestions for new content. |
| Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a broader audience. |
| Community Involvement Posts | Share photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
| Client Spotlights | Highlight loyal clients with their favorite services or products. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience with your brand. |
| Workspace Photos | Create attractive settings using inexpensive items like tablecloths, props, and decor from dollar stores. |
| Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as recycling or using sustainable materials. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of your preparation work, such as setting up for a shoot or organizing your workspace. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
| Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a small prize. Use cost-effective rewards like a free consultation or a branded item. |
| Seasonal Content | Highlight seasonal trends and topics using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the content to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best social managers in the world!
There are social managers that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for social managers
Investing in high-quality social media content for your brand can be a game-changer. Many businesses overlook this, giving you a golden opportunity to stand out, capture attention, and build a loyal following.
| Content Type | Why It Could Boost Your Engagement |
|---|---|
| Live Q&A Sessions | Hosting live Q&A sessions where you answer followers' questions in real-time can create a sense of community and trust, attracting a wider audience. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Content | Sharing behind-the-scenes content of your daily operations or special projects can provide a unique perspective and make your brand more relatable. |
| Exclusive Content Previews | Offering sneak peeks of upcoming products or services can generate excitement and anticipation, encouraging followers to stay engaged. |
| Influencer Collaborations | Partnering with influencers to create content can expand your reach and introduce your brand to new, engaged audiences. |
| Interactive Polls and Quizzes | Using interactive polls and quizzes can engage your audience and provide valuable insights into their preferences and interests. |
| User-Generated Content Campaigns | Encouraging followers to create and share content related to your brand can foster a sense of community and provide authentic testimonials. |
| Story Highlights | Utilizing story highlights to showcase important content, such as tutorials or customer testimonials, can keep your audience informed and engaged. |
| Virtual Events | Hosting virtual events, such as webinars or workshops, can attract a global audience and position your brand as an industry leader. |
| Customer Testimonials | Sharing customer testimonials and success stories can build credibility and trust, encouraging potential customers to choose your brand. |
| Interactive Challenges | Creating interactive challenges, such as photo contests or hashtag campaigns, can increase engagement and create a sense of community. |
| Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as sustainable practices or charitable partnerships, can attract environmentally conscious followers and media attention. |
| Collaborative Content | Partnering with other brands or creators to produce collaborative content can introduce your brand to new audiences and create a buzz. |
| Educational Content | Sharing educational content, such as how-to guides or industry insights, can position your brand as a valuable resource and attract a knowledgeable audience. |
| Flash Sales and Giveaways | Organizing flash sales and giveaways can create a sense of urgency and excitement, driving engagement and attracting new followers. |
| Interactive Live Streams | Hosting interactive live streams, such as product demos or behind-the-scenes tours, can create real-time engagement and foster a sense of connection with your audience. |
Content that never works well for social managers on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these strategies. We've seen many social media managers make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or grow your online presence effectively.
| Content Type | Why It Never Works for Social Media | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make your brand appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your team, workspace, and events to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
| Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off followers. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, client testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
| Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with your brand confuses followers and dilutes your message. | Keep your content focused on your brand, industry trends, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
| Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your brand's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your brand positively. |
| Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on your brand, community, and unique offerings. |
| Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
| Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate followers looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your audience and value their feedback. |
| Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
| Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your brand can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with influencers, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
| Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential followers. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value audience input. |
| Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your brand seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
| Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
| Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate followers and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for followers to grasp and engage with. |
| Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your brand. |
Make your social media management service more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best social managers in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your social media management service
We understand that as a small business owner, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running your business are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically designed for small business owners like you.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your business. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small businesses on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your business's visibility online.
With our social media marketing pack, you can invest in your business's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your social media management service could make more money!
Most social managers don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
