SMM PROTOCOL
Version 1.0
Expectations & Boundaries

Social Media Manager

Defining the standards for strategy, execution, and ownership. We prioritize impact over aesthetics and consistency over virality.

Non-Negotiables

01 Strategy Before Aesthetics

Every post must educate, engage, convert, or build trust. Understand the "why," don't just post to post.

02 On-Brand Execution

Consistency > virality. Adapt trends without breaking the brand voice, tone, or visuals.

03 Ownership & Initiative

Suggest ideas, flag problems early, and think like a partner, not just an encoder.

04 Clear Communication

Weekly updates on what worked/didn't. Ask questions when unclear. No ego.

05 Respect for Process

Follow calendars, apply revisions properly, and respect deadlines absolutely.

Deal-Breakers

“Bahala Na” Posting

No random posts, no "trend lang kasi uso," no blind copying of competitors.

Inconsistent Branding

No changing fonts/styles weekly. No off-brand captions just to sound viral.

Ghosting

Disappearing during hours, late replies, or missed deadlines without notice.

Low-Effort Work

No sloppy Canva templates, AI-sounding generic captions, or lazy content recycling.

Excuse Culture

We don't blame the algorithm or "mahina page". We analyze, test, and improve.

Success Definition

  • ✅ Consistent posting with purpose
  • ✅ Improved engagement & clarity
  • ✅ Audience understands who we are, what we offer, and why care.

Working Style

Collaboration

Respectful, direct, and collaborative. We are partners.

Feedback Loop

Feedback is normal and not personal. It's how we refine.

Growth Mindset

Test Learn Optimize

Hiring Filter Question

Ask applicants: “What makes a good social media post effective for a business — not just visually appealing?” This filters out design-only SMMs.

Contract Scope & Standards

Copy & Paste Ready
Clause: Scope_of_Work_v1

Scope of Work

The SMM is responsible for strategy-driven content creation, publishing, and optimization, aligned with the brand’s goals.

  • ✅ Content planning & calendar
  • ✅ Caption writing & creatives
  • ✅ Publishing & scheduling
  • ✅ Performance monitoring

Standards

Post With Purpose Every post must have a defined goal. No filler.
Follow Guidelines Voice, tone, and visuals must be consistent.
Meet Deadlines Missed deadlines without notice incur penalties.

Grounds for Termination

Posting content without strategy or intent.

Ghosting or unexplained absences.

Low-effort content (generic/careless).

Blaming algorithms instead of testing.

30-Day KPI Scorecard

Evaluation Period: First 30 Days. We measure thinking, not just aesthetics.

A. Execution & Consistency (40%)

  • Posts published on time 95-100%
  • Calendar followed Yes
  • Revisions implemented Accurate
Red Flags

Missed posting days, posting without approval, lazy repetition.

B. Strategy & Thinking (30%)

  • Post has clear goal 100%
  • Captions match positioning Yes
  • Can explain "Why" Clearly
Red Flags

"For engagement lang", trend usage without relevance, no reasoning.

C. Signals (20%)

We measure signals, not hype. Viral results not expected in 30 days.

  • Saves / Shares Present
  • Relevant Comments Yes
Red Flags

Zero interaction for weeks, spammy comments, blaming algo.

D. Communication (10%)

  • Weekly updates Submitted
  • Proactive Ideas 1+/week
  • Flags issues early Yes
Red Flags

Ghosting, late updates, waiting for instructions on everything.

Scoring & Actions

90–100%

Retain & Scale

Excellent fit. Increase responsibilities.

75–89%

Continue with Improvements

Good potential. Needs specific feedback.

< 75%

Replacement

Not a fit. Terminate contract.

Final Hiring Advice

If an SMM argues with structure, avoids explaining their thinking, or focuses only on "aesthetic"—they are not for your brand.