How Misguided Social Media Advice Can Derail Your Brand

Social media management might be one of the most misunderstood jobs in today’s workforce. Unlike other roles that happen behind the scenes, social media is always in the spotlight. Every post, story, and campaign is public, visible not only to your audience but also to your entire company. This constant visibility means that social media managers work under a microscope, where everyone feels entitled to an opinion — whether or not they have any experience in the field.

As a social media manager, I can’t even count the number of times I’ve heard comments like, “This person did it this way...” or, “Why don’t we just post more?” These suggestions are almost always made without any understanding of what really goes into building a successful online presence. Spoiler alert: there’s a lot more to it than throwing up a post and hoping for likes.

Computer with coffee, earphones, glasses and book — Social Media Manager Life

The Weight of Public Work

Social media is unique because it’s not just a job; it’s a constant performance. Every campaign, caption, and graphic we create is out in the open, where anyone can judge it. Here’s what that really looks like:

Constant Comparison: If a post doesn’t go viral or hit specific metrics, it’s easy for people to compare it to others and offer unsolicited “advice.”
Instant Feedback: Social media is immediate. The second a post goes live, results — and opinions — start pouring in.
Endless Critics: Since everyone uses social media in their personal lives, they assume they know how it works for businesses. Newsflash: managing a brand’s social presence is a whole different ballgame.

This unique visibility makes the role rewarding, but it also means social media managers face more judgment and scrutiny than most other positions.

Why Social Media Isn’t as Simple as It Looks

Let me say it louder for the people in the back: social media is not just posting pretty pictures. It’s about strategy, creativity, analytics, and adaptability.

Here’s what professionals actually do:

Create Data-Driven Strategies: Social media managers don’t guess; we use insights, analytics, and market research to determine the best approach for every campaign.
Tailor Content to Each Platform: Instagram isn’t Pinterest, and TikTok isn’t LinkedIn. Every platform has its own audience, algorithm, and best practices. Professionals know how to make content work on each one.
Balance Creativity with ROI: Yes, we make things look great, but we also ensure those visuals and captions drive engagement, traffic, or conversions.
Keep Up with Constant Changes: Algorithms change. Trends come and go. Professionals stay ahead of these shifts so your brand stays relevant. It's a full time job just keeping up to date with the constantly evolving algorithms.
Work Under Pressure: Whether it’s a post that didn’t perform as expected or a sudden trend that needs quick action, we’re problem solvers who thrive in fast-paced environments.

The Problem with Micromanaging

One of the biggest challenges for social media managers is working with people who want to micromanage the process without understanding it. It’s tempting to think, “I know how social media works — I have an Instagram account!” But running a personal profile is worlds apart from growing a brand’s presence.

Here’s what happens when you don’t trust the professionals:

Strategies Get Derailed: Constantly questioning every move or suggesting changes based on personal opinions disrupts the bigger picture.
Creativity Get's Stifled: Micromanaging limits innovation and makes it harder to create standout content.
Results Fall Short: Social media success requires a long-term approach, not reactive decisions based on fleeting trends or outside advice.

Why Trusting Professionals Pays Off

If you’ve hired a social media manager, it’s because they’re the expert in their field. Trusting their skills, creativity, and strategy is the best way to ensure your brand grows. Social media professionals are dedicated to helping your business thrive — but we can only do that when we’re given the space and trust to do our jobs.

Think of it this way: you wouldn’t tell your doctor how to treat you or your accountant how to manage your books. Social media deserves that same level of respect and professionalism.

Final Thoughts

Social media managers wear a lot of hats: strategist, designer, writer, analyst, and sometimes even therapist (we see you, small business owners and we are here for you). It’s not an easy job, but it’s a rewarding one when we’re trusted to do what we do best.

So, the next time you’re tempted to suggest that your social media team “just post more” or copy what an influencer is doing, remember this: behind every post is a carefully crafted strategy that goes far beyond what meets the eye.

Love always xx, Rachel Alexandra & Your social media manager 💻💖