Social media management moves fast, and burnout is all too common—but it doesn’t have to be. Social Media Manager Confidential is your go-to for real talk, practical tips, and insider knowledge to help you stay ahead, protect your well-being, and build a business that lets you live life on your terms—whether you’re juggling kids at home or living out your Emily in Paris dreams. I was a broke single mom turned founder of a multi 6-figure social media management agency and I mentor social medi ...
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Shante Gorman Podcasts

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94. Building the Perfect Content Calendar Approval Process: Canva vs. ClickUp for Social Media Managers
12:14
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12:14If content approvals are slowing you down, stressing you out, or making you want to chuck your calendar out the window—this one’s for you. In this episode, I’m sharing the exact approval workflows I’ve built inside my agency to reduce back-and-forth, keep clients on track, and finally stop chasing feedback. You’ll hear what actually works (and what…
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93. Best Social Media Management Tools 2025 for Freelancers & Marketing Agencies
12:20
12:20
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12:20Your systems should support your creativity—not drain it. In this episode, I’m sharing the exact tech stack I use to run Sugarpunch Marketing®—from client calls and content scheduling to community building and automations. Whether you're just starting out or scaling your agency, this toolkit is full of practical solutions (plus a few time-saving se…
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92. Social Media Manager Pricing Explained: $500 vs. $5,000+ Support
9:52
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9:52Let’s talk about one of the most confusing parts of marketing—for both clients and social media managers: How much should social media management actually cost? In this episode, I’m breaking down the wide range of pricing in the industry—from $500 freelancers to $10,000+ full-service agencies—and exactly what you’re getting at each level. If you’ve…
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91. Proving ROI as a Social Media Manager: What to Say When Clients Want Results
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9:14Let’s talk about one of the most stressful parts of being a social media manager—clients asking for results when your metrics look flat. If you've ever heard, “Why are my likes down?” or “When will I see sales from this?” then this episode is for you. Because flat engagement doesn’t always mean failure—and you need to know how to explain that with …
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90. What Business Owners Look for When Hiring a Social Media Manager
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9:36Thinking of hiring a social media manager? Or trying to figure out how to position yourself as the right choice for potential clients? In this episode, we’re breaking down what business owners actually look for when hiring social media support—and how social media managers can use that insight to stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re a foun…
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89. 15 Social Media Manager Packages For Small Businesses (That Aren't Full Management)
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12:38If you’ve been quietly wondering if you’re the only social media manager struggling to book clients lately—you’re not. This episode is a real talk moment for SMMs who are feeling stuck, questioning their services, or just plain exhausted from chasing full-service management leads that aren’t converting. In this episode, I’m walking you through: A s…
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88. Understanding Key Social Media Metrics & What They Actually Mean
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7:45Are you tracking the wrong social media metrics? → Most social media managers and content strategists focus on likes, followers, and reach—but those don’t pay the bills. If you want to turn your content into real business growth, you need to focus on the right KPIs (key performance indicators). In this video, we’re breaking down: • The REAL social …
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87. Why Posting More Won’t Get You Clients (But This Will)(Buyer Journey Series - Part 3/3)
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9:14More content ≠ more clients. If you’re stuck in the content grind but not seeing results, it’s time to rethink your content marketing strategy. In this episode, I’m breaking down why posting more won’t grow your business—and what actually will. Learn how to turn content into clients with a strategic content funnel that works for both low-ticket and…
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86. How to Lead Your Audience from “Just Looking” to “I’m In” (Buyer Journey Series - Part 2/3)
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6:59Tired of getting engagement but no sales? → In this episode, I’ll show you how to turn “just looking” followers into paying clients using a buyer journey content strategy. Most social media managers and marketers focus on visibility—but without the right content strategy, your audience won’t convert. Learn the 4 content stages that move people from…
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85. Why Content Pillars Keep You Stuck (And What to Do Instead) (Buyer Journey Series - Part 1/3)
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7:08Content pillars keeping you stuck? → In this episode, we’re breaking down why content pillars aren’t getting you clients and what to do instead. You’ll learn how to build a content marketing strategy that moves your audience from social media followers to paying clients using a buyer-focused approach. Stop posting just to post—start creating conten…
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84. How to Scale from Freelancer to Social Media Agency Owner (Is It Right for You?)
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11:16🚨 Thinking about growing from a solo freelancer to a social media agency owner? Let’s talk about what it actually takes. Scaling your social media business doesn’t just mean hiring a team—it means stepping into a completely different role. If you’re feeling overworked, turning down clients, or wondering how to grow without burning out, this episode…
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83. How to Stop Wasting Time on Social Media & Start Seeing Real ROI
10:33
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10:33🚨 If you’re posting on social media but not getting sales, your content strategy is broken. Social media should be bringing in clients—not just engagement. But if your audience isn’t converting, it’s because you don’t have a content funnel guiding them toward buying. In this episode of Social Media Manager Confidential, I’m breaking down: ✔ What a …
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82. How to Get Clients as a Social Media Manager (Without Cold Pitching)
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10:39🚨 Sick of sending cold DMs and getting ghosted? There’s a better way to book clients as a social media manager in 2025. In this episode of Social Media Manager Confidential, I’m breaking down exactly how to get consistent, high-quality clients—without cold pitching. If you’re tired of feeling like you have to beg for work, this is for you. What You…
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81. The Real Truth About Growing as a Social Media Manager in 2025 (No BS)
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10:01The truth about growing as a social media manager in 2025—no fluff, no sugarcoating. The industry is shifting. More people are entering social media management, businesses are getting pickier about who they hire, and the economy is making clients way more selective with their budgets. So, how do you stand out and actually book clients this year? In…
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80. Q&A with Shanté Part 2: Getting Fired, Burnout/Anxiety, Terrified of Talking to Clients, & More! [Season 1 Finale]
22:25
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22:25Is there a magic formula to dodge burnout? Can you master your anxiety and shake off the fear of getting fired? And why on earth are we calling this the Season 1 Finale? Well, buckle up, because I'm back to answer even more of your pressing questions, picking up right where our last Q&A left off! This episode is bursting at the seams with juicy det…
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79. Q&A with Shanté Part 1: Fear of Failure, Ick Alert(?), Client Workloads, & More
12:50
12:50
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12:50How many clients can one social media manager realistically handle? Can you truly overcome the fear of failure? These are just a few of the pressing questions you asked during my recent 'Ask Me Anything' on Instagram. Today, we’re diving back into a fan-favorite format with another Q&A session where I answer the questions you're most curious about.…
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78. Kelsey McCormick on: Creating & Selling Your Own Course As a Social Media Manager
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26:05Are you a burnt-out social media manager looking to scale without taking on more clients or growing a team? If you've ever thought about creating your own course, this episode is a must-listen! Our guest today, Kelsey McCormick, shares all the golden nuggets about creating and selling your own course. Kelsey is a self-proclaimed Squiggly Creative™ …
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77. Kaili Meyer on: The 4 Pages Your Website NEEDS As A Social Media Manager
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19:52Do you really need a website as a social media manager? Today's guest, Kaili Meyer, founder of Reveal Studio Co., is here to convince you that the answer is a resounding yes—and she'll also guide you through the four essential pages your site must have. Together, we'll explore how to launch a standout website for social media management, what essen…
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76. Growing Instagram Accounts with Paid Ads | Visibility Strategy Series
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21:17Welcome to the Visibility Strategy Series! Are you searching for a visibility strategy that consistently reaches your ideal audience on Instagram without depending solely on the algorithm? Consider diving into the world of paid ads, whether for yourself or your clients. In this episode, we are diving into Part 5 of this Series and it is especially …
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75. Katelyn Rhoades on: OMG is Instagram finally fixing REACH?!
18:23
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18:23There has been some bomb-dropping that has just happened recently through the Instagram world with Adam Mosseri giving us some really big algorithm news. So I’m sitting down with the Social Marketing Queen on Instagram and CEO of Enfluence Marketing Studio, Katelyn Rhoades to discuss this hot topic and how Instagram is shifting its focus to reward …
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74. The Instagram Tool That Doubled My Engagement & Conversions | Visibility Strategy Series
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15:06Welcome to the Visibility Strategy Series! Are you looking to boost engagement and conversions for yourself or your clients? Imagine achieving this effortlessly with automation. In this episode, I discuss my go-to Instagram tool that DOUBLED both my engagement and conversions. Join us for the fourth installment of our Visibility Strategy Series, wh…
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73. The TOP Graphic Design Mistakes Social Media Managers Make | Visibility Strategy Series
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15:05Welcome to the Visibility Strategy Series! Do you remember the feeling of crafting that almost perfect social media post only to have it receive lukewarm engagement? We've all been there, and it may have something to do with your graphics. Join me in Part 3 of our Visibility Strategy Series as I zero in on the graphic design mistakes that I see Soc…
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72. Revealing Industry Secrets: Creating Engaging Social Media Videos | Visibility Strategy Series
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11:51Welcome to the Visibility Strategy Series! Video content is here to stay, but how do you create engaging social media videos for your clients? In part two of this series, we are diving into all things social media videos. We cover everything from understanding video quality and frame rate to mastering the art of text overlays and pattern breaking. …
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71. Writing Hooks That Don't Suck | Visibility Strategy Series
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10:06Welcome to the Visibility Strategy Series! I’m so excited to bring you this 5-part series on Visibility Strategy for the next 5 weeks! We’re covering things like video editing, graphic design, tools to use for video content and running ads. And today we’re kicking off this series with Part 1 on how to write strong hooks, specifically how to write o…
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70. The Two Laura's On: Running Paid Ads (Successfully!) for Social Media Management Clients
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22:57Have you started running paid ads for your social media management clients? Maybe you are too overwhelmed by the thought of Meta’s backend or just aren’t getting the results you want. Today's episode brings the expertise of the Two Lauras – Laura Moore and Laura Davis, your go-to guides for mastering paid advertising successfully. Since 2019, the L…
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69. How to Create a Social Media Report with KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)
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11:15Are you struggling to figure out what to include in your KPI reports for clients? Social media reports don’t have to be overwhelming, so stop worrying—I have you covered! In this episode, we'll tackle selecting the right KPIs, crafting social media reports, and analyzing insights. The good news is there is no need for fancy tools or apps, but some …
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68. Becca Booker on: Boundary Hacks Every Social Media Manager Needs to Know
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24:27Are you struggling to crack the code of setting boundaries as a social media manager? In a 24/7 industry, it can be hard to set and enforce boundaries. But has my guest, Becca Booker, discovered the secret? Becca is the owner of Homemade Social, where she works hands-on with lifestyle and e-commerce brands and implements social media and email stra…
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67. Gina Knox on: Scaling Your Business to $4k, $10k, & $100k Months
24:13
24:13
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24:13Do you struggle with your money mindset and wonder if your personal and professional wealth will ever meet your goals? Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with finance coach Gina Knox, where she spills all the financial tea! Join us as Gina tells us the secrets of going from $2k a month to $4k to $10k and beyond. She shares the secrets to b…
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66. What To Do If Getting Content From A Client Is Difficult
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12:31Are you finding it challenging to get content from your clients? From one social media manager to another, you are not alone. In this episode, I'll walk you through effective strategies to navigate this issue. I'll share practical advice that you can start applying right away, including leveraging existing client resources and navigating client col…
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65. Q&A with Shanté: Clients Who Don't Listen, What To Do If You Aren't Seeing Results, etc.
14:12
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14:12Get ready for a Q&A with me with a little twist! It’s been a while since I’ve done a Q&A, so I thought I would answer your questions completely off the cuff! So what are we talking about? I’ll be tackling questions from handling clients who buy likes and engagement to sharing invaluable tips for improving your mindset during the client acquisition …
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64. Andréa Jones on: The Strategy Behind Working With Clients Like Rachel Rodgers
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23:06Ever wondered how top social media agencies consistently land those dream clients that everyone talks about? I've always been curious, too, and I had the opportunity to sit down with Andréa Jones, and we explored her strategies for attracting high-profile clients, including her experience working with clients like Rachel Rodgers. Andrea is the foun…
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63. Cassie Petrey on: Landing Your Dream Celebrity Client As A Social Media Manager
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24:40Ever dreamed of managing social media for your favourite celebrity? Our guest, Cassie Petrey, turned her dream into reality by working with none other than the Backstreet Boys. And she is here to share her journey from superfan to celebrity social media manager. As the co-founder of Crowd Surf, Cassie has also worked with other iconic artists’ incl…
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62. Shannon McKinstrie on: "Social Media Management" is Dead
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27:11Social media management is dead. Yep, that’s what we said. To unpack this statement, I’ve brought back my first-ever podcast guest, Shannon McKinstrie, who is a fellow social media manager and long-time friend. Shannon is a social media mentor & strategist on a mission to eliminate the neverending content-creation guesswork and overwhelm so busines…
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61. What to Charge & How To Raise Your Rates for 2024
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9:06Too nervous to raise your rates? Unsure how much you should be charging as a social media manager? You're not alone, and navigating this doesn't have to be as daunting as it seems! In this episode, I'll break down exactly how to calculate what you need to be charging, including some often-overlooked factors. I am also providing you with a ready-to-…
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60. How to Actually Get Clients as a Social Media Manager in 2024
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9:57Are you tired of the winter months leaving your social media management business strapped for cash? Want to splurge on holiday gifts or pay off bills but feel like December and January are holding you back? Well, I've got the solution for you! As a seasoned social media manager with over five years of experience, I understand the challenges of the …
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59. What You Need To Change In Your Social Media Management Business For 2024
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11:59Are you cringing whenever you hear of a new platform update or change? Are you concerned about maintaining and growing your social media management business in 2024? I've got just the solution you need. In this episode, I'll be revealing key strategies and the one no-fluff change you need to make to ensure your social media management business does…
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58. Uncensored: How 2023 Went for My Social Media Management Business
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14:19Are you ready for a candid and uncensored look into the inner workings of my social media management business? In this episode, I’m not holding back – I’m getting personal and sharing a detailed breakdown of my business finances. From where my revenue streams are coming from to how much I spend on expenses, I'll be laying it all out. This is your c…
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57. Yasmine Salem Hamden on: TOP Must-Haves for Social Media Marketing Contracts To Avoid Sticky Legal Situations
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29:38Think starting as a social media manager is all about branding and client acquisition? Think again. The real starting point? Getting your legal basics right, especially contracts. While it might not be as flashy as other aspects, overlooking legalities can lead to serious issues down the line. That's why I brought in Yasmine Salem Hamden, an award-…
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56. Fi Simler on: How Trauma Can Impact Our Business (& How To Navigate It)
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24:30If there's one word to describe the journey of entrepreneurship and social media management, it’s 'HARD.' That's exactly why advocating for mental health and self-care is crucial in this high-pressure environment. I could think of no one better than Fi Simler, a trauma-informed business coach, to dive into this topic and shed some light on trauma. …
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55. Caroline Langdon on the Marketer's Secret Weapon: Curiosity & Storytelling
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29:54Does ‘storytelling in content marketing' bring fairytales and 'Once Upon A Time' to mind? You aren’t alone, as this is what used to come to mind for our guest, Caroline Langdon, who has now mastered the art of storytelling in content. Her journey is unique – starting in speech pathology, transitioning to a social media manager, and now leading a te…
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54. Brianna Rojao on: Nobody On Social Media Has Their Sh*T Together
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39:21Ever look at social media and feel like everyone else has it all figured out? Join me as I debunk this myth with Brianna Rojao, who had a revealing moment after sharing an authentic story on Instagram. It led her to a powerful realization: nobody on social media really has their sh*t together. Brianna isn't just any social media manager. She values…
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53. Joseph Rubelli on: The Realities of Influencer Marketing and Shady Strategies
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43:03Thinking of jumping into influencer marketing? It's more than just glitz and glamour - there's a whole other side to it! To dive into this topic, I caught up with Joseph Rubelli, the mastermind behind Rubelli Digital, a creative marketing agency that's a force in branding, coaching, and social media management. Joseph's journey through the fast-pac…
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52. Diana Jakubcova on: Creating A Premium Client Experience
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30:52Think your marketing and branding are the key to six-figure success? The online world can often blur the lines of what it takes to scale, but I’m going to let you know the true game-changer: a premium client experience. And in this episode, I sit down with Diana Jakubcova, to dive into what this actually means. Diana has over four years of experien…
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51. The 2 Things You Need To Do Before You Build A Social Media Agency with Sam Marcellino
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21:13Ever dreamed of transforming your solo gig into a thriving social media agency? Ready to expand and bring a team on board? Hold up! Before you make the leap, tune into this must-listen episode featuring the incredible Sam Marcellino. As the Senior Strategist at SGS Media, Sam not only has a gift for nurturing engaged online communities, but she als…
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50. What Should Your Social Media Manager Brand Be?
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6:53Have you ever found yourself stuck between rushing and overthinking when it comes to nailing down your branding as a social media manager? If so, you're not alone, and this is the episode you've been waiting for! In today's show, I'm breaking down the essentials of what you need to consider when developing your unique brand as a social media manage…
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49. 5 Steps To Create A Data-Driven Social Media Strategy
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6:48Ever find yourself at a loss when trying to prove the worth of your social media strategies to clients? You're not alone. Demonstrating the true value of your social media efforts can be a daunting challenge. That's why developing a data-driven social media strategy is key. In this episode, I'll walk you through five straightforward steps to craft …
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48. How To Create A Strategic Content Calendar for Your Social Media Management Clients
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8:16Struggling to keep your content game strong for your clients? It's time to change the narrative! I'm frequently asked about crafting a strategic content calendar for clients, and today, I'm spilling the secrets! In this episode, I break down my straightforward 10-step process for designing impactful content calendars that will have you creating con…
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47. Expectations of High Paying Clients: What To Expect & What You Need to Deliver
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9:13Ever feel like you might be selling your social media services short? Do you keep hearing people in the industry say you are undercharging? When you are first starting out, it's tempting to want to charge top-dollar, but remember: higher paying clients means higher client expectations. So, you might be asking, "Shanté, how do I match my prices with…
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46. Melissa Litchfield On: What It's Really Like Running A $30K/mo Agency
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40:58Ever wondered about the transition from a freelance social media manager to running a full-scale digital marketing agency? Curious about where to focus when you're ready to scale with a team? To answer these questions, I sat down with the inspiring Melissa Litchfield, who generously shared her valuable insights and experiences. Melissa is the owner…
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45. Calling All People Pleasing High Performing Social Media Managers with Mentee Bee Santangelo
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24:32Attention all self-proclaimed 'people pleaser' social media managers — ever find it hard to say 'no,' especially when finances are involved? If you’ve been cornered with comparisons to other managers or bombarded with demands exceeding the agreed scope, you can't afford to miss this episode! Bee Santangelo, my former mentee and a conqueror of such …
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