Social Media Manager: marketing strategy, tactics and ideas [excel template]
Social Media Manager: marketing strategy, tactics and ideas [excel template]

Copy the best social managers!

There are social managers that make way more profit than you. We have analyzed their tactics. Get them now!

You're a social media manager. Imagine this: your engagement rates are soaring, your followers are growing, and your clients are thrilled—all because you perfected your social media strategy. Sounds amazing, right?

We've seen many social media managers struggle with crafting a comprehensive strategy that truly delivers results.

That's why we've developed a free social media strategy template, tailored specifically for social media managers. This tool will guide you through the steps of building a powerful social media plan, ensuring you reach your target audience and achieve your business goals.

Also, if you want to elevate your social media game with proven tactics and strategies, check out our pack of marketing strategies and tactics for social media managers.

Read on to discover how to leverage this tool to enhance your social media efforts and drive more engagement and growth for your clients.

Get the marketing planner tailored for social managers

The best social managers plan their whole marketing strategy. You can do the same now.

marketing planner for a social media manager

Examples of marketing strategies for a social media manager

We could easily list hundreds of marketing tactics here. However, we know you need actions that are practical and tailored to specific use cases for social media management.

Marketing strategies for a social media manager with a low budget

Great news, you can still attract new clients without breaking the bank as a social media manager.

We will outline here basic marketing strategies briefly for clarity and conciseness; if you need an action plan and tips to implement these strategies effectively and affordably, consult our strategy pack tailored for social media managers aiming to expand their reach.

Strategy for Social Media Managers Budget Range How to Make It Even More Budget-Friendly
Content Creation $0 - $100/month Utilize free design tools like Canva for creating engaging posts. Plan content in batches and schedule posts using free tools like Buffer or Hootsuite to save time and maintain consistency without daily effort.
Engagement Tactics $0 - $50/month Focus on organic engagement by actively commenting on and liking relevant posts. Join conversations and contribute valuable insights to build relationships without spending on ads.
Influencer Collaborations $50 - $200/month Partner with micro-influencers who align with your brand values. They often have highly engaged audiences and lower fees compared to major influencers.
Networking with Other Brands $0 - $100 Engage in cross-promotions with complementary businesses to expand your reach. Offer mutual shout-outs or co-host webinars to leverage each other's audiences at minimal cost.
Hosting Webinars and Live Sessions $100 - $500 Use platforms like Zoom or Facebook Live to host sessions that provide value to your audience. Share costs with guest speakers or sponsors.
Optimizing Social Media Profiles $0 Regularly update your profiles with fresh images, accurate contact details, and engaging bios to ensure your social media presence is current and professional.
Outreach to Niche Bloggers $100 - $500 Invite niche bloggers for collaborations or guest posting. Offer them a platform to share their expertise in exchange for exposure to their audience.
SEO for Social Media Content $0 - $200/month Incorporate relevant keywords in your posts and profile to enhance visibility. Regularly analyze your hashtag performance and adjust strategies accordingly.
Online Contests and Giveaways $50 - $200 Organize giveaways that require participants to engage with your content, such as sharing, liking, or tagging friends. This increases your visibility and engagement at a low cost.
Local Networking and Community Building $0 - $100 Participate in local online groups and forums to build a community presence. Offer your expertise and help to establish authority and trust within local networks.
Client Testimonials and Case Studies $0 - $100 Encourage satisfied clients to share their positive experiences on their social media. Feature these testimonials on your profiles to attract new business.
DIY High-Quality Visual Content $0 - $50 Leverage your smartphone to capture high-quality images and videos for your posts. Use natural lighting and basic editing tools to enhance visual appeal without professional equipment.

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!

marketing strategy for a social media manager

Marketing strategies for your social media management service if you have limited time

Attention social media managers who are juggling multiple tasks: you don't have to compromise your digital marketing prowess because of a hectic schedule.

For a comprehensive action plan and practical advice on how to deploy these strategies efficiently, take a look at our specialized strategy pack designed for busy social media professionals looking to boost their online presence.

Strategy Time to Spend Each Week Tips to Maximize Time and Efficiency
Curated Content Calendars 2 hours Organize weekly themes and daily posts in advance to maintain a consistent and engaging online presence. Utilize scheduling tools to automate posting.
Interactive Social Media Stories 1 hour Leverage features like polls, quizzes, and live videos on platforms like Instagram and Facebook to engage directly with your audience and gather instant feedback.
Optimizing Social Profiles 30 minutes Regularly update your social media profiles with current information, keywords for SEO, and engaging visuals to attract new followers.
Influencer Collaborations 2 hours Partner with influencers who resonate with your brand to extend your reach. Offer exclusive previews or samples of new products in exchange for their endorsement.
Targeted Ad Campaigns 1 hour Use tools to create and manage ad campaigns that target specific demographics. Monitor performance and adjust for maximum ROI with minimal time investment.
Networking with Other Brands 2 hours Engage with other businesses on social media to boost visibility. Share each other’s content to reach a broader audience.
User-Generated Content Promotions 1 hour Encourage your followers to share their own content related to your brand using specific hashtags. Feature their content on your profiles to build community and trust.
SEO for Social Media 2 hours Ensure all your posts are optimized for search with relevant hashtags and keywords. Regularly analyze your traffic to refine your strategy.
Time-sensitive Offers on Social Media 1 hour Create urgency with flash sales or limited-time discounts announced on your platforms. Use compelling visuals and clear calls-to-action to drive engagement.
Engagement in Online Communities 3 hours Participate in or host online forums and discussions relevant to your industry to establish authority and connect with potential clients or collaborators.

Marketing strategies for your social media management service focused on social media

For social media managers aiming to amplify their brand's digital footprint: mastering the art of online engagement and content strategy can significantly boost your brand's visibility and interaction with your audience.

Platform Strategy Implementation Optimization Tips
Instagram Engaging Stories Regularly post interactive stories that encourage viewer participation, such as polls, Q&A sessions, or quizzes related to your brand. Highlight popular stories, use consistent and visually appealing templates, and analyze viewer interactions to refine future content.
Facebook Content Series Create themed content series that resonate with your audience, such as weekly tips, success stories, or product highlights. Promote upcoming series posts in advance, engage actively with comments, and use insights to gauge the series' impact.
Twitter Real-time Engagement Utilize Twitter for instant updates, responding to trends, and engaging directly with followers through tweets and retweets. Employ relevant hashtags, create engaging visuals, and maintain a consistent voice that aligns with your brand identity.
TikTok Challenge Campaigns Launch creative challenge campaigns that encourage user participation and content creation related to your brand. Collaborate with influencers to increase reach, offer incentives for participation, and feature standout user contributions.
Instagram Carousel Posts Use carousel posts to share multiple images or videos in a single post, providing a richer story or showcasing a range of products. Include clear calls-to-action in the final slide, use high-quality images, and share behind-the-scenes content or tutorials.
Facebook Live Streaming Host live sessions to announce new products, host Q&A's, or give a behind-the-scenes look at your operations. Notify your audience in advance, interact with them during the stream, and keep the session engaging with clear, focused content.
Twitter Hashtag Campaigns Create and promote brand-specific hashtags to track conversations and engage with users around specific campaigns or events. Analyze hashtag performance, engage with posts using the hashtag, and encourage followers to use it in relevant posts.
TikTok Trending Formats Adopt popular video formats and trends on TikTok to create content that is likely to get viral attention. Keep up with trending sounds and challenges, adapt them to fit your brand, and encourage user interaction.

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!

marketing strategy for a social media manager

Marketing strategies for a social media manager that work with a significant budget

Indeed, there are efficient and sophisticated marketing tactics that promise a strong return on investment for those prepared to allocate a significant budget.

For a detailed roadmap and expert advice on deploying these high-impact strategies effectively and maximizing your marketing spend, don't miss out on our exclusive strategy pack designed for social media managers looking to elevate their brand presence and engagement.

Tactic Monthly Budget Range (USD) How to Make It Even Better
Professional Video Production for Social Media $2,000 - $5,000 Enhance videos with storytelling that showcases your brand's mission, culture, and the team behind it. Distribute across multiple platforms and consider paid promotion to extend reach.
Influencer Marketing Campaigns $5,000 - $20,000 Partner with influencers who align with your brand values and have an engaged audience. Plan a series of posts for a broader campaign rather than one-off posts to maintain audience interest.
High-End Photography for Social Media and Advertising $1,000 - $3,000 Use these photos across all your marketing materials and social media. Refresh the photos seasonally to reflect new campaigns and keep the content engaging.
Paid Social Media Advertising $2,000 - $10,000 Segment your target audience for more personalized ads, use A/B testing for ad creatives, and retarget visitors who have interacted with your website or social media.
Partnership with Social Media Platforms for Featured Listings $1,000 - $5,000 Negotiate better placement or featured spots during peak engagement times. Use data from these platforms to understand audience preferences and tailor your content.
Hosting High-Profile Webinars or Live Events $10,000 - $50,000 Collaborate with industry experts or celebrities to create buzz. Ensure media coverage and engage with attendees through social media to amplify the event's reach.
Creating an Interactive, High-Quality Website with SEO $5,000 - $15,000 Incorporate a blog with high-quality content about social media trends, tips, and case studies to improve SEO. Ensure the site is mobile-friendly and includes a portfolio of your work.

Innovative and creative marketing strategies for your social media management service

For social media managers looking to elevate their brand's online presence, adopting innovative, creative, and unique marketing strategies can be a game-changer.

Tactic Description
Augmented Reality Filters Develop custom augmented reality (AR) filters for platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. These filters can be themed around your brand, allowing users to engage with your content in a fun and interactive way. This not only increases brand visibility but also encourages user-generated content.
Live Q&A Sessions Host live Q&A sessions on platforms like Instagram Live, Facebook Live, or YouTube. These sessions can feature industry experts, influencers, or team members, providing valuable insights and fostering a sense of community among your followers.
User-Generated Content Campaigns Encourage your audience to create and share content related to your brand. This can be in the form of photo contests, video challenges, or hashtag campaigns. Highlight the best entries on your social media channels to build a sense of community and increase engagement.
Influencer Collaborations Partner with influencers who align with your brand values and have a strong following in your target demographic. Collaborations can include sponsored posts, takeovers, or co-created content, helping to expand your reach and credibility.
Interactive Polls and Quizzes Use interactive features like polls, quizzes, and surveys on platforms such as Instagram Stories, Twitter, and Facebook. These tools can engage your audience, gather valuable feedback, and provide insights into their preferences and behaviors.
Behind-the-Scenes Content Share behind-the-scenes content that gives your audience a glimpse into your brand's operations, culture, and team. This can include day-in-the-life videos, office tours, or sneak peeks of upcoming projects, helping to humanize your brand and build trust.
Virtual Events and Webinars Organize virtual events, webinars, or workshops that provide value to your audience. These can cover industry trends, best practices, or product tutorials, positioning your brand as a thought leader and fostering deeper connections with your followers.
Storytelling Through Video Create compelling video content that tells your brand's story, showcases customer testimonials, or highlights product features. Use platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to share these videos, leveraging the power of visual storytelling to engage your audience.
Social Media Takeovers Allow influencers, team members, or industry experts to take over your social media accounts for a day. This can provide fresh perspectives, increase engagement, and introduce your brand to new audiences.
Interactive Social Media Challenges Create social media challenges that encourage users to participate in themed activities, share their experiences, or engage in photo contests related to your brand. Offer incentives such as discounts, exclusive content, or shoutouts for the best entries.

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.

social media strategy for a social media manager

Do you really need a strong marketing strategy for your social media management service?

Want to boost your business? Then, having a strong marketing strategy for your social media management services is key, and it's far from just a collection of fancy words or vague concepts.

Essentially, a marketing strategy is your game plan for reaching potential clients and turning them into loyal customers. The goal is to create visibility for your services, differentiate yourself from competitors, and make businesses want to work with you.

When we surveyed them, many social media managers asked us whether it was really necessary for them to have a marketing strategy.

Yes - it's necessary.

In a market where businesses have countless options for social media management, standing out matters. Without a marketing strategy, your services might remain the best-kept secret in town, which isn't ideal for business. Marketing helps to put your services on the map, attract new clients, and keep regulars coming back.

You don’t need to spend countless hours or hire a marketing expert

Now, you might say that you have never studied marketing before. That’s ok.

You don’t need to dive into complex marketing theories. Also, you don’t need to hire a “marketing specialist”. While having professional help can be advantageous, it's not strictly necessary, especially when starting out or operating with a tight budget.

Many aspects of marketing, particularly in the digital age, can be managed effectively with some research, creativity, and dedication.

Platforms like social media are powerful tools for engaging directly with your target audience, showcasing your expertise, sharing client testimonials, and running promotions.

However, one of the most common difficulties you might face when diving into marketing or social media, as a social media manager, is feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of platforms and tools available, each with its own best practices and algorithms.

It can be challenging to know where to start, what content to create, and how to effectively engage with your audience amidst managing multiple client accounts.

We are very well aware of these hurdles. That is why we have created a strategy pack for social media managers. It's packed with all the essentials you need to know, simplified for easy understanding and immediate action. Go through it and you can start gaining new clients every week.

You don’t need a big budget

Now, you might want to ask how much social media managers typically spend on marketing. Actually, it varies widely depending on the size, location, and ambition of the business.

From what we have seen in the social media managers we have studied, we suggest allocating around 3-6% of your total revenue towards marketing.

For smaller, independent social media managers, the budget might be on the lower end, possibly a few hundred dollars a month, focusing on cost-effective strategies like social media, word-of-mouth, and community events. On the other hand, larger or more established social media managers might invest thousands in more extensive campaigns, professional photography, and targeted online ads.

There are also some marketing tactics for social media managers with a low budget. Try to make your services popular online, get your clients to leave good reviews, use local news to your advantage, and be a part of your community through events or working together with others.

Being creative and real matters more than spending a lot of money. Show behind-the-scenes of your work, talk about your team, or share how you create content. These things don't cost much and are often effective. Need some inspiration? We have prepared a list of content ideas for social media, tailored to social media managers, it’s all yours!

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!

marketing strategy for a social media manager

What should you prioritize when promoting your social media management service?

As a social media manager, understanding where to direct your marketing efforts is essential for engaging the right audience and growing your online presence effectively.

Don’t try to reach everyone, it’s too costly

First off, let’s make it clear that every brand or business has its unique voice, products, and services, which appeal to specific audience segments. This specificity is why targeting the right followers for your social media channels matters immensely.

When we analyzed the social media landscape and developed our social media strategy pack, we found many managers trying tactics that didn't work and spending a lot of money because their targeting was off.

Imagine casting a wide net hoping to catch any follower that comes your way. Now, compare that to using content and ads designed to attract the exact type of audience you're looking for. In social media marketing, the latter approach ensures that your efforts and resources are spent on engaging individuals who are more likely to become loyal followers and customers, rather than a fleeting audience with no real interest in what makes your brand special.

For instance, a luxury brand using social media ads to target a broad, general audience might not reach its ideal clientele, who are looking for exclusive and high-end products.

Similarly, a local business promoting through high-cost ads on platforms that cater to a global audience may see little return, as their ideal customers likely seek local services and community engagement.

These misalignments between the marketing strategy and the target audience lead to ineffective marketing and financial losses.

Don’t follow generic advice: you manage social media, it’s not a regular business

Also, general marketing tactics, while foundational, often fall short when applied to social media management without customization. The reason is simple: context matters. A strategy that works wonders for a retail store, a tech startup, or a fitness brand might not resonate with your social media audience.

Each of these businesses caters to different needs, operates on varying schedules, and, most importantly, engages followers in distinct ways.

For example, while a retail store might focus on showcasing products and promotions, a social media manager's allure often revolves around creating engaging content, fostering community, and driving meaningful interactions. Similarly, a tech startup might rely heavily on thought leadership and innovation, which is a different game altogether.

That is why we decided to build a social media strategy pack for social media managers and managers only.

Use common sense when deciding

So, what works for social media managers? It's all about creating and sharing content that aligns with your brand's identity and resonates with your target audience.

Social media is a powerful tool in this regard, allowing you to showcase your brand's personality, values, and offerings through visually appealing posts, stories, and videos.

Engaging with your audience online by responding to comments, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and highlighting user-generated content can add a personal touch that many followers appreciate.

Remember, it's not just about posting regularly, but posting content that mirrors the expectations and interests of your target demographic.

Collaborations with influencers, industry experts, and even other brands can also yield impressive results. Such partnerships allow you to tap into existing communities and audiences that trust and value the opinions of the influencers they follow.

Finally, make sure your brand is easily discoverable on social media platforms. You have to make friends with algorithms. We will help you - here is an SEO (for Search Engine Optimization) checklist tailored to social media managers. It's all yours!

Where to get the best marketing strategies for your social media management service?

We understand that diving into marketing as a social media manager can feel like navigating a complex maze, especially when you're already balancing multiple client accounts and content schedules.

Maybe the intricacies of marketing seem overwhelming, with all the buzzwords and evolving strategies. Or perhaps you're concerned about the investment of time and resources, given how packed your calendar already is.

And it's completely normal if you've thought, "My content is engaging, shouldn't that be enough?" It's a common sentiment, especially when you're managing the daily grind of social media campaigns, and perhaps you've even had past marketing efforts that didn't yield the expected results.

Here's the good news: we've created something tailored just for you - a strategy pack crafted specifically for social media managers.

This pack is designed to make marketing straightforward and manageable. We've demystified the jargon and broken down the marketing process into clear, actionable steps. Concerned about time and budget? We've included strategies that are cost-effective and time-efficient, fitting seamlessly into the busy life of a social media manager. These tools focus on practical, impactful actions that can elevate your marketing efforts without overwhelming you.

Additionally, we've packed in tips for mastering the digital landscape at your own pace, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve. Our aim is to help you view marketing not as a daunting task but as an integral, manageable part of your role that can be both enjoyable and highly rewarding.

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!

marketing strategy for a social media manager
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