How to Avoid Toxic Client Relationships As a Social Media Manager

I’ve heard a lot of stories about social media managers, and most of these stories come from the clients, not even from their fellow SMMs. I’ve heard some clients say, “Oh, I had a social media manager who would always miss posting days and give excuses about forgetting.” Meanwhile, others will say, “My last social media manager failed to pay attention to details.” Some would even say, “The last social media manager I worked with didn’t even have a direction or know what they were doing.”

Tbh, I’ve heard countless stories like that, and my aim isn’t to drag or call anyone out. My goal here is to help you, as a social media manager, to build and maintain great work relationships with your clients.

1. Understand Your Client

First things first, if you don’t understand the person or client you’re working with, you won’t really be able to work well with them. You must observe and properly understand their personality. For example, some clients like when you do your work in a very timely manner. The only way to work with such a client is to make sure you send in your deliverables before the deadline, not scrambling last minute.Meanwhile, some clients pay very close attention to details—like, down to dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s. The way you want to work with such clients is by ensuring that you are very careful with grammatical errors, spelling, and everything in between. Show them that you take their work seriously by delivering accurate and polished content.

2. Be Professional

Don’t Let ‘See Finish’ Be the Order of the DayWhile it’s important to be friendly and approachable, you’ve got to strike the right balance. Most times, too much familiarity can lead to disrespect on both your side and the client’s side. For example, when it comes to working hours, it’s crucial to set clear boundaries. If you don’t, some clients may start to feel like they can use up all of your time, messaging you at odd hours or expecting immediate responses outside of work .Be clear about your working hours and stick to them. Let your client know when you're available and when you're not, so both of you can respect each other's time. By keeping things professional, you'll also avoid any unnecessary tension and ensure that your working relationship remains productive and respectful. Warm and approachable? Yes. But professional always.

3. Always Respond to Their Messages on Time

This is very important and cannot be overemphasized. Imagine being in your client’s shoes—waiting for a response and feeling unsure about what’s happening on the other side. It’s not a great feeling, right? That’s why timely responses matter so much. Even if you don’t have a full update yet, just letting your client know you’ve seen their message and are on it makes all the difference. It shows them that you’re reliable and that their project matters to you. And trust me, clients love when they feel they can count on you.

4. Communication is Everything

One thing you must understand is that your client is not in your head, if you don't speak up and communicate with them, they absolutely have no idea about anything going on. You can't afford to leave your client in the dark. If you're running late on a deliverable, don't wait till they ask you for an update. Be proactive, reach out and let them know what's going on before it becomes a bigger issue. Clients appreciate transparency and openness. It honestly saves everyone from awkward moments and unnecessary stress.

5. Take Feedback in an Open Manner

Let’s be real, feedback is not always easy to swallow. But here’s the thing: you’ve got to approach it with an open mind. Some clients might have a lot to say, and not all of it will be what you want to hear. But don’t take it personally! Instead, see it as an opportunity to improve and deliver what they need. If a client points out something you missed, take a step back and use it to fine-tune your work. Clients will respect you more when they see you’re open to learning and growing from their feedback. It shows you’re serious about what you do.

6. Do Your Work to the Best of Your Abilities

This sounds simple, but it’s key. When a client hires you, they’re expecting quality work. But what really sets you apart is when you consistently put in your best effort. Whether it’s creating content, strategizing, or analyzing metrics, make sure you’re giving it 100%. Your clients are investing in you, so go above and beyond to deliver work that not only meets but exceeds their expectations. When you show them you’re fully committed to their success, they’ll be more likely to stick with you long-term.

At the end of the day, a strong relationship with your client comes down to understanding, clear communication, professionalism, and consistency. When you treat their business like your own, you’ll not only avoid the typical client-SMM pitfalls but also stand out as someone they’ll want to keep around for the long haul.

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section, and if you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with your network??