Celebrating a Milestone: Onboarding My First Social Media Management Client
Embarking on a new venture in social media management (SMM) can be both exciting and daunting. After several months of diligent searching and preparation, I am thrilled to share that I successfully onboarded my very first client last month. This achievement marks a significant milestone in my journey, and I want to reflect on the process and lessons learned along the way.
Initial Approach and Honesty
Before finalizing the contract, I prioritized transparency with my client. I explained that, as a newcomer to social media management, I might not have the same industry-specific experience as seasoned professionals with over five years in the field. Given her business is in the beauty industry, I was upfront about my current knowledge level. Surprisingly, this honesty resonated well with her, and she appreciated my straightforward communication.
The Importance of Preparation
Interestingly, during the first three weeks after onboarding, I didn’t create any posts—no graphics, captions, or content. Instead, I dedicated this period to thorough research. I immersed myself in understanding her brand, voice, and target audience. I analyzed competitors’ profiles, focusing on the type of content they posted and their engagement levels. I observed that most competitors relied on static images and rarely used carousels, which didn’t seem to garner significant interactions.
Video content emerged as a powerful tool; analyzing viral Reels revealed that shorter videos—specifically those lasting 7 to 16 seconds—generated the best engagement. Viewers respond well to quick, clean transitions without unnecessary frills. I also identified the value of showcasing authentic client-artist relationships through skits, memes, and point-of-view (POV) style videos.
Enhancing Industry Knowledge
Recognizing the steep learning curve, I created a comprehensive Notion database dedicated to industry terminology and techniques unfamiliar to me. This resource helped bridge knowledge gaps and built confidence in my understanding of the beauty sector.
Understanding Audience Language
A crucial insight came from studying the target audience’s communication style. By examining captions and comment interactions, I learned that they prefer a friendly and approachable tone. Incorporating their language into captions ensures greater relatability and engagement—something I plan to implement moving forward.
Addressing Market Concerns
Many social media managers feel intimidated by the increasing presence of AI tools and the rising number of competitors. I was initially concerned about being replaced or overshadowed. However, I realized that genuine human connection and market research remain irreplaceable. People buy from authentic individuals—this principle underscores the importance of connecting with the audience on a personal level.
Progress and Future Steps
Over the past few months, I committed to refining my process. Currently, I am in the content ideation phase, drawing from my extensive research. Most of my creative ideas stem from the three-week deep dive into the industry and target audience. I view AI as a supportive tool—primarily for grammar correction and brainstorming—while my unique insights stem from human research and understanding.
Embracing Continuous Learning
Working with unfamiliar industries has become less intimidating. Market research—reading industry articles, analyzing high- and low-performing content, and engaging with community discussions—helps me gain perspective without overly relying on AI. Remember, authentic storytelling and emotional resonance are timeless strategies in social media marketing.
Final Reflection
All the hard work—learning, practicing, researching—has begun to bear fruit. I am grateful for the progress I’ve made and excited about future opportunities. To fellow social media managers, I encourage you to focus on organic growth and prioritize genuine engagement. After onboarding clients, I typically start with strategic research, audience analysis, and content planning, but I am eager to learn new methods to improve my onboarding process.
If you’re just starting or looking to elevate your SMM game, remember: People buy from people. Authenticity and thorough understanding are your greatest assets.
Are you also dedicated to organic growth? What are your first steps after onboarding clients? Share your experiences—I’d love to learn from the community.
