logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2025
10m 1s

81. The Real Truth About Growing as a So...

Shanté Gorman, Mentor for Social Media Managers
About this episode

The 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 this episode of Social Media Manager Confidential, I’m breaking down:

✔ Why having a portfolio or strong social proof is non-negotiable

✔ How to price your services based on ROI (not just time & effort)

✔ The best services to offer in 2025 beyond full management

✔ How to deliver a client experience that keeps people renewing

✔ What’s working right now for SMMs who are successfully booking clients

If you want to grow your social media management business without underpricing yourself or relying on outdated strategies, this is the episode for you.

💌 A SPECIAL THANK YOU FOR LISTENING: 💌

Because you’re listening, you get 15% off any class, template, or bundle in my shop! ✨ Use code POD15 at checkout → https://shop.sugarpunchmarketing.com/discount/POD15 (Expires June 6, 2025)

📁 RESOURCES & FREEBIES:

Freebies for Social Media Managers – Grab my best guides for free!

My Go-To Tools & Discounts – The exact tools I use to keep my business running smoothly, including contracts, software, and office supplies!

Join the SMM Lounge (FREE Community!) The cozy corner of the internet for social media managers who get it. Connect, vent, and get insights from pros who are in it with you.


CONNECT WITH ME:

→ Website: https://sugarpunchmarketing.com/

→ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqe-IavMpS-DoIABKH2EjKQ

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarpunchmarketing

→ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sugarpunchmarketing

→ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sugarpunchmarketing

→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantegorman/

→ Email: shante@sugarpunchmarketing.com


⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW & GET REWARDED: ⭐

Every month, I’m giving away a free template, class, or bundle to one lucky listener!

➤ Step 1: Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

➤ Step 2: Send me a screenshot at @sugarpunchmarketing on Instagram

💌 I’ll reshare every single one—because good karma should come with perks. 💕

🎙️ New episodes drop every Friday! Follow & turn on notifications so you never miss a thing.

Up next
Aug 26
106. How to Audit a Social Media Account (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)
If you've been wanting to offer audit services but keep avoiding it because you're not sure where to start—or worried your audits won't feel professional enough—this one's for you.Creating audits that actually convert isn't about being the critique police. It's about positioning ... Show More
6m 19s
Aug 5
103. Social Media Manager Starter Kit: Everything You Need to Get Started
If you're constantly feeling like you're winging it as a social media manager—scrambling to put together proposals, second-guessing your pricing, or starting from scratch with every single client—I need to tell you something important.You're not unprofessional. You just don't hav ... Show More
8m 14s
Jul 29
102. Burned Out or Just Overbooked? Signs It’s Time to Raise Your Rates
Exhausted or Just Underpaid? How to Know When It’s Time to Raise Your RatesIf opening your laptop fills you with dread, you're not alone—and you're not lazy. You might just be undercharging.In this episode, Shanté breaks down the very real difference between burnout and a broken ... Show More
8m 16s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2024
7 Time-Saving Social Media Management Tips
Every business owner knows they need to be active on social media, but many struggle to do it with the regularity required to make an impact. Managing social media is work, demanding time and effort to create and post content, engage followers, and track analytics. It’s little wo ... Show More
13m 43s
Mar 2025
Social Media Hacks to Grow Your Audience & Create Content That Sells with Kristina Bartold
Feeling stuck when it comes to growing your brand on social media? Maybe you’re unsure what to post, struggling with engagement, or constantly battling the algorithm. In this episode, I’m joined by Kristina Bartold, co-founder of The Social Snippet and High Vibe Women, to talk ab ... Show More
1h 9m
Sep 11
Rapid Fire Social Media Growth Advice from a Type C Multi-Millionaire
Most social media growth advice tells you to hustle harder, post more, and chase every trend. But that’s not how sustainable businesses are built. In this episode, Tiffany Carter shares rapid fire social media tips, Instagram growth strategies, TikTok growth hacks, and content ma ... Show More
28m 58s
Feb 2025
The Brutal TRUTH About Why You’re Not Winning on Social Media | Tea with GaryVee Ep. 65
🎙️How to Market Yourself in 2025 (No More Excuses) 🚀 The world is wide open—so why do so many entrepreneurs still limit themselves? Whether you’re a real estate agent, a content creator, or building a product-based brand, this episode breaks down what itreally takes to market y ... Show More
23m 35s
Aug 25
SPECIAL SERIES ==> Landing Page Tips!! w/Ari Murray - Chief Growth Officer Sharma Brands<== | BATHROOM Break #70 COLLAB: The Marketing Millennials + Do This, Not That
Sometimes marketing gold shows up when you’re not even planning to work. Jay Schwedelson and Daniel Murray pulled in a surprise guest – Daniel’s far better half, Ari Murray – and ended up with a masterclass on landing page mistakes you’re probably making. From why mobile-first de ... Show More
9m 54s
Jan 2025
A Guide to Building An Audience OFF Social Media
TikTok is (maybe) shutting down. The app I used to grow an audience of over 2 MILLION followers is likely disappearing this week –– but I’m not afraid, and you shouldn’t be either. In this episode, I’m breaking down how my team is preserving my data on TikTok and planning for a f ... Show More
34m 56s
Jan 2025
5 Keys to Instagram Success in 2025 - 818
Want to crush it on Instagram in 2025? This episode taken from a LIVE InstaClubHub training, Brock Johnson breaks down the five keys to Instagram growth, including how to define your niche, optimize your profile, create share-worthy content, and implement DM automation. Plus, lea ... Show More
33m 50s
Dec 2021
How to compete in a crowded social media market
The market is saturated — as business owners and influencers, it isn't anything new. So the million-dollar question is, HOW TO STAND OUT! I share some of the tips and secrets that I use when working with brands and the messaging that I use to help propel my business. HINT: it isn ... Show More
6m 21s
Sep 2024
106. Marketing Strategy Made Simple
Marketing Strategy Made Simple - this episode is an overview of how to make sure your business is set up for success. This is a holistic view of organic marketing strategy. I go through everything from...  - how to get new eyes on your brand  - ways to ensure you&apos;re clearly ... Show More
32m 26s
Apr 2023
How to Grow a YouTube Channel Business for Beginners | Sean Cannell | Podcast series / Marketing
How to Grow a YouTube Channel for Beginners in 2023 feat. Sean Cannell of Think Media. Special thanks to this week’s partner WeWork! The way you work has changed. The way you grow your business has changed. WeWork has flexible workspaces, built for all the ways you work today, so ... Show More
1h 13m