Questions Before Signing a Charleston Social Retainer

"What exactly is included each month?"

Vague scopes are where retainers go wrong. Get specifics: how many posts, how many videos, whether photography or drone work is included, and how much strategy versus pure posting you're getting. A trustworthy agency will hand you a clear deliverables list, not a fuzzy promise to "handle your socials."

"Who actually creates my content?"

Some agencies sell you on senior talent and then hand your account to an intern. Ask who shoots, who writes, and who manages your account day to day. In Charleston especially, ask whether they'll actually be on the ground capturing your business — or pulling generic stock that could belong to anyone.

"How do you measure success?"

Followers are a vanity number. A serious partner ties their work to outcomes that matter — engagement, reach, website traffic, leads, bookings — and reports on them honestly. If the only metric offered is "more followers," keep looking. Growth without results is just a nicer-looking dead end.

"Can I see local work and references?"

Anyone can show a polished portfolio. Ask specifically for Charleston-area clients and results, and actually call a reference or two. Local experience matters — an agency that knows the Lowcountry market, its seasonality, and its audience will ramp far faster than one learning your city on your dime.

"What happens if it isn't working?"

Understand the contract before you sign it. What's the term, what's the exit, and how do they handle a campaign that underperforms? A confident partner welcomes this conversation and builds in check-ins and flexibility. Rigid, long lock-ins with no off-ramp are one of the clearest red flags there is.

Ready to elevate your Charleston business on social media? Palm Social is here to help — visit thepalm.social to get started.