Creating and pricing social media management packages can be intimidating for early-stage social media managers. Making some common social media management mistakes can lead to feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and even resenting clients. Here are the three biggest social media management mistakes new managers often make and what to do instead, ensuring you build a sustainable business that brings joy, fulfillment, and allows you to live your dream lifestyle.
Mistake #1: Customizing Every Single Package
One of the biggest social media management mistakes is customizing every package for each client. Instead of having set packages, some social media managers list numerous services—content curation, caption writing, hashtag research, reels and TikTok videos, Instagram highlight covers, custom story graphics, etc.—and allow clients to pick and choose what they want. This approach is like an all-you-can-eat buffet, leading to several issues.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Clients Don’t Know What They Need: Clients likely don’t know what services they need and will choose the least options possible.
Decision Overwhelm: Offering too many options can overwhelm potential clients, causing them to leave your site and look for another social media manager with clear packages.
What to Do Instead: Have around three signature packages: a lower-tier, mid-tier, and high-tier option. This allows you to serve clients at different levels and makes it easier to suggest the best package during discovery calls. Clear packages give clients an easy solution and streamline their decision-making process. You can always offer add-ons to customize further, but start with a clear foundation.
Mistake #2: Not Knowing Your Hourly Rate
Another common social media management mistake is not knowing your hourly rate, leading to underpricing your services. While charging by the hour isn’t recommended, having an hourly rate in mind helps you price your packages appropriately and avoid burnout from overwork.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Underpricing Yourself: Without knowing your hourly rate, you might end up working more hours than anticipated for less pay.
Burnout: Underpricing leads to taking on too many clients or working excessive hours to make ends meet.
What to Do Instead: Determine your income goals, including how much you need to survive, pay rent, eat, and have a cushion. Use freelance tools and calculators to establish your hourly rate based on these goals. From there, price your packages considering the value you provide, the hours required, and the number of clients you can manage sustainably. This approach ensures you’re running a profitable business without resenting your clients.
Mistake #3: Offering Services You Don’t Enjoy
The third social media management mistake is offering multiple services and platforms that you don’t actually enjoy. It’s tempting to say yes to everything, especially when starting out, but this can lead to resentment and lackluster results.
Why It’s a Mistake:
Lack of Passion: If you offer services you don’t enjoy, you’ll likely become resentful and less passionate about your work.
Poor Results: Your lack of enthusiasm can affect the quality of your work and your clients’ results.
What to Do Instead: Focus on the platforms and services you enjoy. Remember why you started your business and design it around your passions. If a client requests a service you don’t offer, refer them to a specialist in that area. It’s okay to experiment when starting out, but once you know what you enjoy, align your offerings with your passions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re making any of these mistakes, don’t worry. Adjust and pivot as needed. You’re the CEO of your business, so steer it in the direction that brings you joy, fulfillment, and aligns with your dream lifestyle.
Feeling stuck in the early stages of your social media management business?Let’s fix that! Book a 1:1 mentoring call with me, and in 60 minutes, we’ll create a customized game plan with clear action steps to boost your confidence, stand out from the competition, and attract your dream clients.
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The Tropical Social Podcast
Your go-to podcast for social media managers, freelancers, and service providers who want to stand out online and build a brand that lasts.
Whether you're dreaming of working from anywhere, building a business that supports your lifestyle, or simply wanting your marketing to finally click, The Tropical Social Podcast is here to help you make it happen.
Through honest conversations, actionable tips, and behind-the-scenes insights, host Shannon Segall shares the tools you need to grow a personal brand, attract aligned clients, and market yourself without burning out.
