Here’s a list that could work well as a checklist when looking to hire someone to help with Social Media for your business. 

There are a lot of people offering Social Media services because it’s a ‘hot’ sector right now. 

Businesses that traditionally don’t play in this space – web and graphic designers, for example – are adding it to their list of things they can do to help you, but beware.

Some are amazing and have tremendous skills and experience, but there are a vast number who should be avoided at all costs.

Here’s the list:

• Their own Social Media profiles are excellent examples.
• They show up frequently creating helpful, informative content.
• They are not ‘post and disappear’ merchants – they engage online and do it all the time.
• They are on the main platforms – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (yes, Twitter), LinkedIn and YouTube – and have live platforms with content posted in the last few days.
• They do the work themselves rather than offshoring it to keep the costs down.
• They have decent numbers of followers because they have been online and creating content for a long time. 
• They use a mix of content – writing, video, audio and images.
• They have excellent testimonials and recommendations (Facebook, LinkedIn and Google especially)
• They value their skills and charge appropriately. (If prices seem cheap, the services usually are, too.)
• They don’t claim to know ‘everything’ on any specific subject.
• They can help to identify ideal clients and position brands the right way.
• They know the difference between a blog and a website. 
• They know how to listen online and spot key trends.
• They understand how to interpret data and use it to improve results, especially on websites and working with written copy.
• They have basic how-to knowledge as well as strategic ability.
• They’re not afraid to make public predictions about where Social Media is going.

I’m sure there are more things but this is a good plcae to start.

Please use this list as a guide and add to it wherever you like. Also, let me know where you think I may be wrong and leave a comment. Thank you!