Let’s face it: social media trends move fast, and they often feel like they’re in a different language. Suddenly, everyone’s saying "delulu” or “bussin,” and you’re left wondering if you missed the memo. As a business owner, keeping up can be overwhelming. Maybe you’ve thought about passing off your social media to your teenage niece or nephew, but there’s a better way—hiring a professional designer. Not only does it cost less than bringing on a full-time employee or an expensive agency, but it’s a definite step up from letting a relative handle your brand’s online presence.
Why Hire a Designer?
A designer can manage your social media, giving you access to stock photos, videos, animations, and even professional photographers when needed. They know how to connect with your audience, and a good one will understand a good brand strategy. They’ll handle everything from crafting the perfect post to analyzing the right hashtags, freeing you up to do what you do best—running your business.
But, let’s say you want to tackle it on your own for now. Managing social media isn’t rocket science, but it does take some strategy. Here’s a crash course on how to make your life easier:
1. Organize Your Content with Cloud Storage
Before you get into the nitty-gritty of posting, you need a place to keep all those photos and videos. Whether you’re snapping shots of your latest products, capturing behind-the-scenes moments, or documenting a special event, it’s crucial to store them somewhere accessible. Google Drive or similar cloud storage platforms are great for keeping everything in one place. Next time you’re ready to post, you won’t waste time searching through your camera roll.
2. Get a Social Media Scheduling App
Consistency is key to building a social media presence, but no one has time to post every single day. That’s where scheduling apps come in handy. With tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, or Later, you can plan posts weeks or even months in advance. These apps let you schedule content across multiple platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn, all from one dashboard. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it solution that helps you stay active without constantly being glued to your phone.
3. Know When to Post for Maximum Engagement
Timing matters on social media. To maximize your reach, you’ll want to post when your audience is most active. For example, LinkedIn users tend to check their feeds in the morning before work, while Instagram might see more action around lunch breaks or after dinner. A quick Google search can show you the best times for each platform. By posting when your audience is scrolling, you’ll get more likes, shares, and comments, making your efforts count.
4. Build a Social Media Calendar
Planning is everything. Look up national and local holidays, special events, or upcoming sales that might interest your audience. Map out your posts around these events and decide how often you want to post—two to three times a week is a good starting point. If there’s a big local festival or holiday sale, you’ll want to include those in your calendar. A well-planned schedule keeps you consistent and ensures that your posts stay relevant.
5. Batch Your Content Creation
Instead of creating each post one by one, set aside time to design 20 to 30 posts in bulk. Pick a weekend, get cozy with your design tools (Canva is a great option if you’re not a pro), and create enough content to fill up your calendar for the month. Bulk designing saves time and energy, and it lets you focus on other aspects of your business without the pressure of daily content creation.
But What About the Marketing Know-How?
Creating beautiful posts is one thing, but understanding how to drive sales and engagement through those posts is another. Knowing how to build a marketing funnel, write captivating headlines, or target specific audiences is a whole skill set. If you’re serious about growing your online presence but don’t have the time or expertise to learn all this, hiring a designer could be the best investment you make. Rates can range from $500 to $2,000 per month depending on your needs, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
So, if you’re tired of juggling social media and wish you could focus on growing your business, a designer might be just what you need. They handle the likes, shares, and comments—while you focus on building something great.
