3 Red Flags to Watch Out for When Hiring a Social Media Manager

TL;DR: Watch the reel post instead.

Hiring the right social media manager can make a massive difference in how your brand is perceived online. They are often the face of your digital presence, engaging with your audience, building your community, and driving business results.

But not all social media managers are created equal.

To avoid wasted time, money, and potential damage to your brand, here are three major red flags to watch out for during your hiring process.

1. Making Guarantees

One of the first major red flags is when a social media manager promises guaranteed outcomes. If a candidate tells you they can "guarantee 10,000 new followers in a month," "promise you'll make $100,000" or assure you’ll go viral," it's a sign to be cautious ⚠️

Social media is dynamic, influenced by algorithms, market trends, and audience behavior—all of which are out of anyone's full control.

A good social media manager should focus on strategy, set realistic goals, and use data-driven analysis to adjust campaigns along the way. They should emphasize building a genuine audience and long-term engagement rather than promising quick, superficial gains. If someone is overpromising, it might be because they are more focused on impressing you rather than achieving meaningful results.

🚩 Avoid social media managers who guarantee metrics that they ultimately have no power to control.

2. Not Showing Their Face

Social media is all about authenticity and connection. If a social media manager doesn't show their face—whether that means no video content, no introduction on social media, or no personal posts—this could indicate a lack of understanding about how to foster genuine engagement.

One of the most effective ways to build trust with an audience is to humanize the brand, and that often starts with the person managing the account. A social media manager who isn’t willing to be transparent or participate in the content they create might not be comfortable with one of the platform's key elements: showing up and being real.

Of course, everyone has different levels of comfort in front of the camera, but if they aren’t willing to engage with the audience or lead by example, how can they effectively create an engaging presence for your brand?

🚩 Be wary of candidates who are unwilling to put themselves out there. It could suggest a lack of confidence in the role or discomfort with the very medium they’re managing.

3. No Social Media Presence

If your prospective social media manager has no visible social media presence of their own, consider this a significant red flag. How can someone who doesn’t manage their own accounts effectively create and curate content for yours? A candidate’s personal social media can serve as a portfolio of sorts, showcasing their style, creativity, and ability to adapt to platform trends.

Look for someone who is active in:

• creating content,
• engaging with audiences,
• and demonstrating a real understanding of the ever-changing algorithm.

Even if they manage a smaller, niche account, it’s the quality and thoughtfulness of their engagement that matters most. A blank profile or complete absence from social platforms signals a lack of interest or confidence in their own skills.

🚩 A social media manager should demonstrate their abilities by actively using social media. No presence might indicate they lack the passion or experience needed for the role.

Choosing the right social media manager is crucial for your business’s online success. Watch out for red flags like unrealistic guarantees, hesitation to show their face, and an absence of social media presence. Instead, look for a professional who understands the nuances of authentic engagement, is comfortable being visible, and has a solid track record of content creation. Your social media manager should be a true reflection of the values your brand stands for—someone who is honest, personable, and deeply connected to the world of digital marketing.

Ready to Hire the Right Social Media Manager?

If you’re looking to bring someone on board who truly understands the value of authentic social media management, check out The Winfield Creative on Instagram and decide for yourself. When you're ready, be sure book your free discovery call.