Social media management today requires much more than hitting “post.” From scheduling and editing to strategy and engagement, every step relies on the right systems and tools. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the exact toolkit I use to manage accounts, create content, and grow communities.

But here’s the thing: you don’t need a closet full of gear or expensive subscriptions to get started. You need the right balance of tools, skills, and mindset. In this blog, I’ll share the essentials in my own toolkit - the apps, gear, and non-material “tools” that make managing multiple accounts and creating content for clients possible.

Why Your Toolkit Matters as a Social Media Manager

Social media managers are often expected to wear every hat: designer, photographer, videographer, editor, marketer. And while many of us have some experience in those areas, they are full professions in their own right.

What we actually bring to the table is making sure all of those moving parts serve a bigger purpose:

Building and engaging online communities
Strategizing how a business shows up across platforms
Coaching clients on showing up authentically
Creating a consistent, scroll-stopping brand presence

That is why a toolkit is not just cameras and apps. It is the systems, processes, and habits that turn content into strategy.

Tools That Keep Me Organized

When you’re juggling multiple clients and platforms, organization is non-negotiable. These are the tools I rely on daily to stay on track:

Notion: My go-to for content planning, client notes, and business operations.
Google Calendar: Keeps deadlines, calls, and campaigns in one place.
Slack: Quick communication with clients and collaborators.
Google Drive: A lifesaver for organizing and sharing content assets.

Tools for Social Media Management

These are the platforms that make scheduling and managing content seamless:

Later: My scheduling tool of choice. Beyond the drag-and-drop grid, I love their analytics and insights. Their reporting gives me a clear picture of what’s resonating, which helps me adjust content and explain the “why” behind decisions to clients.
HeyOrca: I use this for certain types of clients who want to be more involved in their content process. While I don’t rely on it as heavily for trend tracking, its analytics are solid, and the review/approval workflow is unmatched. Clients can leave feedback and approve posts in one place, which keeps everything efficient and avoids endless back-and-forth emails.
Dropbox: This is the shared space between me and my clients. They can upload raw footage, photos, or brand assets, and I can drop in edited Reels, graphics, or finished campaigns. It keeps everything organized and eliminates the “did you email me that file?” back-and-forth.
Canva: From branded carousels to quick infographics, Canva lets me create visuals that feel professional without a full design team. I also use it to resize and reformat content so each platform gets its own optimized version.
CapCut: My go-to for video editing. It’s obviously TikTok-friendly, but I use it just as much for Instagram Reels and short-form video. I’ll edit clips, add captions, layer in trending audio, and polish videos so they feel native to the platform. It’s seamless, quick, and keeps content looking professional without being overproduced.

🌟 Pro tip: Don’t overload yourself with too many scheduling apps. Master one and learn how to make it work for your workflow.

Tools for Content Creation

The fun part: creating content that actually performs. Here’s what content creation tools I use most:

Tripods: I use them constantly, especially for batch-shooting tutorials or sit-down videos. It frees me from awkward “holding the phone” angles and keeps shots consistent.
LED lights: Natural light isn’t always reliable. I’ll set up LEDs for product flat lays, nighttime shoots, or when I need true-to-color detail (like skincare content).
DJI Gimbal: Anytime I’m filming movement: wedding content, behind-the-scenes, walkthroughs, or talking clips while walking, the gimbal saves me from shaky footage. It instantly gives videos that smooth, cinematic feel.
iPhone 15 & 16 Pro Max: I shoot all my short-form content with them. Whether it’s for brands, weddings, or my own business. Having both means I can record from different angles, capture backup footage, and keep one device free if the other is mid-edit or charging.
Sony ZV-1: This is my upgrade when I need professional, high-quality video for launches, ads, or brand storytelling. It’s compact but produces social media footage that stands out.
Mini Mics: Audio can make or break a social media video. I clip these on when recording interviews, testimonials, or direct-to-camera content so it sounds clean and intentional.
Canva & CapCut: CapCut is where all my video editing happens. Quick, seamless, and perfect for making TikToks and Reels feel native to the platform. Canva handles my static content like carousels, infographics, and Reel/TikTok cover images, keeping everything polished and on-brand.
Tezza: I like this for batch photo editing, especially when I need a cohesive “look” across a whole gallery or campaign. It’s also handy for creating an aesthetic client vibe on the fly.

Everyday Helpers That Save Time

These are small but mighty tools that I don’t leave home without:

Portable chargers: A shoot day can drain your battery fast. Having one on hand has saved me from missing content opportunities more times than I can count.
Octobuddy: This sticky, grippy phone mount makes it easy to prop my phone up on random surfaces when I don’t have a tripod. Great for quick UGC-style clips.
Card readers: When I’m shooting with the Sony, I use these to transfer files straight to my phone or laptop on the spot, so I can start editing right away.

The Non-Material Tools

What You Really Need

Beyond the apps and gadgets, these “soft tools” matter most:

Editing know-how: Tools like Canva and CapCut are accessible, but you still need practice to make content platform-ready. What works on TikTok doesn’t always work on LinkedIn or Pinterest. Understanding formats and trends is half the job.
Customer service skills: Whether it’s answering DMs, fielding complaints, or engaging in comments, social media is public-facing customer service. Staying gracious and adaptable is essential.
Adaptability & resilience: Trends, algorithms, and audience moods shift daily. You need the ability to pivot fast and not take it personally when something doesn’t resonate the way you expected.

What You Don’t Need (Yet)

When it comes to non-material skills, here’s what doesn’t need to hold you back:

A viral track record: Clients care about consistency and strategy more than whether you’ve gone viral. Thoughtful growth beats flashy one-offs.
A huge portfolio: You don’t need a 20-page case study deck. A few well-executed examples that show your skills are enough to land clients.
Perfectionism: Social media is meant to be fast, iterative, and experimental. If you wait for “perfect,” you’ll miss opportunities to connect.

The Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, the “perfect toolkit” doesn’t exist. What matters is how you use the tools you have. Gear and apps can make the process easier, but it’s consistency, strategy, and creativity that actually drive growth.

If you’re a business owner feeling overwhelmed by social media, you don’t have to do it alone. At Sonder Social, we offer social media management, content creation, and coaching to help you show up online with confidence and strategy.

A Look Inside a Social Media Manager’s Toolkit (And What I Actually Use)