Hiring someone to run your social media is a little like hiring a fishing charter in Jupiter. Plenty of boats look great at the dock. The difference shows up once you're out on the water.
Before you hand over your logins, ask these nine questions. The answers will tell you a lot more than a pretty portfolio.
1. Who actually creates the photos and videos?
Will they come to your business to shoot, ask you to send footage, or use stock photos and templates? All three can work, but you should know which one you're paying for. Real, on-location content of your team and your space almost always outperforms stock, because people buy from people they recognize.
Listen for: how often they shoot, how long a shoot takes, and whether you need to be there.
2. How does the approval process work?
You should never be surprised by something posted under your name. Ask whether you'll see a content calendar before anything goes live, how far ahead, and how you give feedback.
Listen for: a clear calendar you approve in advance, with a simple way to request changes.
3. Who answers comments and DMs?
This is the question most owners forget, and it's where a lot of customers are won or lost. Some managers only post. Others reply to comments and DMs daily and send real leads straight to you.
Listen for: how often they check, what they'll answer on their own, and what they'll pass to you.
4. How will you know it's working?
Ask to see a sample report. A good one explains what worked, what didn't, and what changes next month. A list of impressions with no plan isn't a report, it's a screenshot.
Listen for: numbers tied to your goals, like profile visits, DMs, calls, bookings and saves.
5. What's in the contract?
Ask how long the commitment is, how to cancel, and whether there are setup fees. Short minimums are normal (content needs a few months to build momentum), but you should know the exit before you start.
Listen for: clear terms in writing, with no surprises.
6. Who owns the accounts and the content?
Your social accounts should always belong to you, and the photos and videos made for your business should stay yours if you part ways. Never let anyone create accounts in their own name for your business.
Listen for: "Your accounts, your content, always."
7. Have you worked with businesses like mine?
A restaurant, a med spa and a mortgage lender need very different content. Ask about experience in your industry, and ask how they handle anything sensitive, like client privacy or compliance rules.
Listen for: specific examples and thoughtful questions back to you.
8. Do you know Jupiter?
Local knowledge matters more than people think. Someone who knows the Riverwalk from Harbourside, understands season, and can tag the right local spots will make your feed feel like it belongs here.
Listen for: local references without you having to prompt them.
9. What do you need from me?
Every good partnership takes a little input. Ask how much of your time they'll need each month for shoots, approvals and questions. If the answer is "nothing," be wary. If it's "a lot," that's not much of a time-saver.
Listen for: a realistic number of hours, and a process that respects them.
Bonus: questions they should ask you
A great social media manager interviews you, too. If they don't ask about your goals, your best customers, what makes you different and what's worked before, they're planning to post at you instead of for you. The first conversation should feel like a strategy session, not a sales pitch.
Red flags that mean "keep looking"
They promise a follower number. Followers can be bought. Customers can't. Promises like "10,000 followers in 90 days" usually mean bots or guessing.
They want your password texted to them. A pro will ask to be added as a partner or team member through the platform, so you stay in control of your accounts.
Everything is "custom" and nothing is written down. You should be able to see what's included, what it costs and how to cancel before you sign.
They can't show you a real calendar or report. If they can't show how they work, you'll find out the hard way.
Every sample post looks the same. If their restaurant client and their law firm client have identical feeds, your brand will get the same cookie cutter.
How to compare your options
Once you've talked to two or three people, line up their answers side by side. Don't just compare the monthly price; compare what you get for it. A cheaper package that skips DMs and shoots isn't cheaper if it doesn't bring in customers. The best fit is usually the one that answered every question clearly, asked smart questions back, and made you feel like your business was in good hands.
Trust your gut, too. You'll be working closely with this person every month. If the conversation felt easy and fun, that's a great sign.
Still deciding whether to hire at all?
Run the numbers first with our free Hire vs. Outsource Calculator. It compares the cost of doing it yourself, hiring in-house and bringing in a team like ours. And if you want to meet other Jupiter owners and get referrals, the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce is a great place to ask around.
Want to put Daybreak through these nine questions? I'd love that. Tell me about your business and I'll answer every one.
