So, you think it might be time for your business to take a step into the world of social media management? Below is a list that you should consider before employing someone to manage your social media platforms.
Cons:
It can be expensive! Cost can start from $500 per month, for basic support and direction (depending on the agency you have employed) and ascend from there for full management of your account. The price also depends on how many platforms are being managed and how much original content is being created.
Limited understanding/knowledge of your industry and business. Depending on who you hire, they may not have the knowledge required to build up your audience due to not knowing your clientele or what you are selling, well enough. Also, they may not understand what makes you, “You”, and how that sets your business apart from the rest.
Lack of control. You may need to relinquish some of your responsibilities when you employ an agency to create content on your behalf. This may be a good thing for some and for others it can be difficult not being in the driver’s seat, so to speak.
Response time. In this fast paced world, response time can be the difference between one company or another. If a rival business answers a customer’s question on social media quicker than yours, that can mean a loss of sale for you. Having an expectation for your agency to manage these questions promptly should be addressed before you select a manager to outsource your social media to.
Pros:
You can build a larger following. Experts can help you build a following that will translate into sales. Through your social media content, your audience can engage with your products/skillset and have a better understanding of what you do. A bigger following is a larger audience to share your wares with! A social media company will analyse what is working and what isn’t, then take steps to grow your following, authentically!
They’ll save you time. Time is the foe of small businesses. In working with an agency you can manage your time much more effectively by engaging in the parts of business you understand whilst employing a social media strategist to complete tasks that you find difficult or tedious.
This is their domain. Experts stay on top of social media trends and can understand analytics that will help you understand your customer and what drives them. Data can be sourced from all social media platforms and to support your business they will write creative content, interact with ideal audience members and analyse content to see what works and what needs to be improved.
New ideas and consistency: A fresh set of eyes can bring a whole new perspective to your business. Expect a variety of new and exciting content options for your business. Further, when you employ a company they will create a tonne of content which will consistently be posted onto your social media platforms. 1 post every couple of weeks doesn’t cut the mustard anymore!
Before you hire a company, do some research. Will they be the right fit for your brand and can they help grow your audience into sales? Ask for work samples and view other social media channels that they manage.
