Red Flags to Look Out For In Potential SMM Clients

When working with social media management (SMM) clients, there are several red flags you should be aware of to ensure a positive working relationship with clients!

It's important to assess these red flags during your initial conversations with potential clients and decide whether the partnership is a good fit for both parties. The best thing you can do as a social media manager is (1) make sure you have clear discovery questions (2) be aware of common red flags so you can prepare for them, prevent them, or avoid them. Let's start by defining common red flags we look out for and have seen in our experience as a six-figure social media management agency.

Here are some red flags to look out for:

🚩 Focuses on Vanity Metrics and Unrealistic Expectations

Clients who expect immediate and dramatic results, such as a massive increase in followers or sales overnight, may not have a realistic understanding of the time and effort required for effective SMM. Do we LOVE to see followers flowing in? Is a viral TikTok every once in a while nice? YES, of course! However, it's a common misconception on social media that these metrics lead to something more and have more value than they really do. A vanity metric can be described as an "analytics item that can be measured but is not a signifier of real return on investment. Examples include the number of followers, likes, or comments" If you notice a potential client is focusing on these and these alone, new expectations may need to be set before working together.

🚩 Doesn't have clear branding, goals, or audience insights

If a brand has no idea who they are, we can't effectively market them. Brands that don't have established branding, goals, or knowledge of their audience will really struggle in their marketing if they don't have a clear vision of who they are. This can cause us to have to do extensive research and go beyond the scope of our work. We can't be business managers, we are social media managers!

🚩Treats you like an employee, not a freelancer

Our favorite questions to ask in discovery calls: Can you tell me about the person that was in this role previously? How they answer this question will be a huge insight into what it would look like for you in this role. For example, if they answer with a very negative and general answer but can't give any of the real details about why the partnership didn't work out, it's probably going to be a tough client. On the other side, if they give you enough context to understand why it wasn't a good fit or why it ended, and mention their expectations and how they communicated those expectations...definitely a green flag!

🚩Lack of communication

We 100% know that business owners are busy, don't get us wrong! However, if you are continuously having to beg potential clients for information or just general communication it can be such a hindrance to our roles, and that adds up, QUICKLY. Imagine what it will be like when you try to get approval or content from them...be cautious about their response times!

🚩Doesn't recognize boundaries

"Are you available 24/7 for support?" No. Boundaries aren't embarrassing, they are necessary. We don't give up or comprise our boundaries when we become freelancers, so we need to watch out for warning signs that they will try to cross these boundaries. If they are asking a lot of questions and seem like they don't respect their current partners' and employees' boundaries, it might be another red flag.

🚩Overly questions about pricing, your contract, or your work

"You charge that much?" Yes, we do because we work hard and know what we bring to the table. If their budget or expectations doesn't fit within our scope, it might not be the best partnership in the long run. If the potential client is point out a lot of negatives or continuously is asking about your worth in the discovery call, they will likely keep this up throughout the partnership.

🚩 Inadequate Budget

SMM requires an investment in terms of both time and resources, which makes up our pricing. If this is the only red flag you notice, it might not be a huge issue to customize a package with fewer deliverables to fit within their budget or offer a lesser-expensive investment (consulting, strategy call, content calendar, or a guide), but if they are hoping for free work: 🚩🚩🚩🚩

These are the most common red flag we are cautious of when it comes to social media management clients. As you go throughout your SMM journey, watch out for warning signs that the client won't be the best fit for you or might not create the most healthy work relationship.

If you notice a client with all these, switch your crocs into sport mode and run for the hills, girl.