What To Look For In A Social Media Marketing Expert
Filter out the noise, find the talent.
So you're on the hunt for a social media marketing expert. Welcome to the club—turns out, everyone and their TikTok-famous cousin claims to be one these days.
But let's be real: not all social media "gurus" are created equal. Finding the right expert is like finding the perfect avocado—when it's right, you just know. Let's break down what actually matters when you're ready to level up your social presence.
TL;DR
The perfect social media marketing expert isn't just posting pretty pics. They're bringing a specialized team, creating strategies just for you (not some recycled template), and actually caring about quality over quantity. They know trends but aren't chasing every viral dance, and they're obsessed with building real community—not just follower count. Most importantly? They get your brand voice so well you'd swear they've been with you since day one.
#1. They Don't Just Talk Metrics—They Marry Them With Aesthetics
A true social media marketing expert understands that killer content doesn't have to choose between being pretty or performing well—it does both.
When you're vetting potential partners, ask to see their portfolio and the results behind it. Anyone can curate a gorgeous grid, but the real MVPs can show you exactly how that beautiful content drove actual business results.
Look for someone who gets just as excited talking about conversion rates as they do about color palettes. That perfect balance? That's your sweet spot.
#2. They're Not a One-Person Band
Beyoncé? Even she has a team.
The strongest social media strategies come from specialized talent working together—not a single person trying to be a jack-of-all-trades. The "I do it all" approach might save you money upfront, but it'll cost you in results.
A quality social media marketing expert either has a team or is part of one. When each piece of content gets touched by specialized talent—that's when magic happens.
#3. They Have a Process—But Not a Template
Run (don't walk) from anyone who promises a "winning formula" for every business. Social media is not one-size-fits-all, and your social media marketing expert should recognize this from your first conversation. Rather than templated solutions, they should walk you through a process that adapts to your specific needs.
Their questions should go beyond basic demographics into brand personality, voice, customer pain points, and business goals. If they're already pitching solutions before understanding your business—that's your red flag.
#4. They Stay Current Without Chasing Every Trend
Social media moves fast. Like, "blink and there's a new feature" fast. A solid social media marketing expert keeps pace with platform changes and cultural moments without jumping on every fleeting trend. They know the difference between what's worth your brand's time and what's just noise.
Ask potential experts how they stay updated and how they decide which trends align with a client's brand. Their answers will tell you everything about their strategic thinking.
#5. They're Transparent About Results
The days of vanity metrics are so 2015.
Today's social media marketing expert should be obsessed with meaningful data—and completely transparent about how they measure success.
If they're dodging specifics or making guarantees that sound too good to be true ("We'll double your followers in a month!")—trust your gut and keep looking.
#6. They Prioritize Community Over Follower Count
Follower count? We love her, but she's not the main character. The best social media marketing experts understand that 10,000 followers who never engage are worth less than 1,000 who genuinely love your brand. They'll focus on building genuine connections rather than inflating numbers.
Look for experts who talk about community management as a priority, not an afterthought. How they plan to respond to comments, handle DMs, and create content that actually starts conversations says everything about their approach.
#7. They Understand Your Brand Voice Is Non-Negotiable
Every time your brand posts, it's having a conversation with your audience. A quality social media marketing expert will take the time to truly understand your brand voice—or help you define one if it's still evolving. They should be able to write in your voice so seamlessly that your audience never feels the transition.
During your vetting process, ask how they typically capture a client's voice and how they maintain consistency across platforms and team members. The right expert will have a thorough process that goes way beyond a basic brand questionnaire.
#8. They Value Consistency Over Volume
If a potential social media partner is pitching daily posts across five platforms, proceed with caution. Quality experts know that consistency trumps quantity every time. They'll recommend a posting schedule that your team can actually maintain with the level of quality your audience deserves.
Ask candidates about their philosophy on posting frequency and how they balance quality with consistency. Their answer will reveal whether they're focused on your long-term success or just checking boxes.
#10. They're Already Walking the Walk
Want the ultimate test? Check out how your potential social media marketing expert handles their own social presence. Are they showcasing their expertise? Practicing what they preach? Creating content that embodies the quality they promise clients?
While not every agency prioritizes their own marketing (ironic, we know), their approach to their own channels can tell you a lot about their capabilities and values.
#11. It's Not Just Business—It's Personal
At the end of the day, you're not just hiring a service—you're starting a relationship. The best social media marketing expert will feel like a partner who genuinely cares about your success, not a vendor who disappears after the monthly report. They'll celebrate your wins like they're their own and approach challenges with the same level of investment.
Chemistry matters. Trust your instincts about who feels right for your brand's unique personality and goals.
Ready to Find Your Social Media Soulmate?
Finding the right social media marketing expert isn't about checking qualification boxes—it's about finding someone who gets your vision and has the skills to bring it to life.
Ready to elevate your social media presence with a team that checks all these boxes? Let's chat. Scott Social specializes in creating stunning, strategic content that performs as good as it looks—no compromise necessary.
Book a discovery call and let's see if we're your perfect match.
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WRITTEN BY:
Halie Engler
Social Media Strategist + Copywriter
