I love what I do, and it takes a lot for me to turn a client away. But over the last few years, I’ve learned some valuable (and sometimes tough) lessons. These days, I’m setting clearer expectations when it comes to clients looking for a Social Media Manager. Make sure you’ve got these things in place, and working with me will be a piece of cake (I promise!).
If you’re thinking about booking a discovery call with me, here are 5 things you should to know before working with me:
You need a website.
Think of it as your shopfront or sales page. Social media is great for getting eyes on your business. However, if your website is clunky or non-existent, people will bounce before they buy. I’ve worked with clients who thought they could sell services through a few DMs and a bank transfer. But here’s the truth: people need to trust you first. And a professional, easy-to-navigate website goes a long way in building that trust.
If you’re stuck and don’t know where to begin, I know some brilliant website developers – so give me a shout and I’ll happily point you in the right direction. Or, if you like the look of my website (https://themindfulgingernut.com/) (yes, I cobbled it together myself and I’m quite proud of it!), let’s have a chat. I might be able to help you create a simple landing page or basic site (for a fee, of course).
Get yourself a professional email address.
Using something like firstname.surname@gmail.com might do the job in your early days, but if you’re serious about your business, it’s time to upgrade. A branded email (like hello@yourbusinessname.com) instantly makes you look more professional and credible.
Plus, if you’re planning to send email newsletters through platforms like Mailerlite or Mailchimp, using a generic email address (like Gmail or Hotmail) could hurt your deliverability, meaning your emails might never land in someone’s inbox at all.
Be prepared to invest – social media isn’t a magic wand.
Hiring a Social Media Manager (like me!) or a VA can absolutely help you grow, but if you’re serious about reaching new people and standing out in a crowded market, you’ll need to be prepared to spend a bit more.
Sometimes that means running paid ads – even a small monthly budget of £100 can go a long way when used strategically. Organic content can do a lot, but pairing it with a little spend gives it a real boost and helps your efforts go further. Think of it as part of your marketing toolkit: not a luxury, but a smart investment in your visibility and growth.
Don’t put all your eggs in the social media basket.
I know I talk about social media a lot (because it works!), but it shouldn’t be your only marketing strategy. If you want to build a brand with staying power, you need to think bigger picture.
Your wider marketing toolkit might include:
Local advertising
Great if you’re running events or want to build awareness in your community. Think local magazines, noticeboards, parish newsletters, radio ads, flyers in cafés or gyms—wherever your audience hangs out.
Press features & PR
Got a product launch, event or interesting story? Pitch it to your local press or niche magazines. People love reading about people doing interesting things.
Email marketing
Your newsletter list is gold. It gives you a direct line to people who’ve already shown interest. Promote your offers, share useful content, and remind them you’re still here (and brilliant). I love pulling newsletters together, so if you don’t have time to create one, that’s another perk of working with me!
Podcasts & guest features
Brilliant if you’re a service-based business or expert in your field. Get interviewed, write a guest blog, or collaborate on a post with someone in a similar space.
Blogging for SEO
Share your expertise, answer FAQs, or highlight behind-the-scenes insights. It helps you show up in searches and positions you as someone who knows their stuff.
The right mix will look different for every business, but social media should be just one tool in a well-stocked marketing toolkit. If you’re only relying on the algorithm to bring you business? It might be time to branch out.
Terms & Conditions are a prerequisite of working with me.
Whether we work together on a one-off project or an ongoing retainer basis, I’ll send over my Terms & Conditions before we get started. These cover everything from payment terms to timelines, and yes – they include late fees for unpaid invoices.
I’m a flexible, understanding human (life happens!), but I’m also running a business. My Terms & Conditions aren’t just legal fluff; they protect both of us and help set clear expectations from the get-go.
If something doesn’t make sense or you’ve got questions, I’m always happy to chat through it. But if you’re looking for someone who’ll work to vague verbal agreements and shrug off missed payments… I’m not your girl.
If you’ve made it this far and you’re feeling excited about the prospect of working with me, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you have questions, want some advice, or are ready to book a discovery call, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s chat about your goals and see how I can help bring your social media (and business!) to the next level. Drop me an email or grab a slot on my calendar — I’m excited to connect and explore what we can achieve together!