As a small business owner, you do it all. You are your own marketer, accountant, salesperson, web designer, and probably a whole host of other positions. However, there are a few positions in small companies that should only be handled by the experts - and today, I’ll make the case that social media is one of them.
There are a lot of ways to go wrong on social media. Maybe you put up a page and don’t post enough, don’t respond to questions or complaints, don’t share cohesive content, don’t create content yourself, don’t post at the right times… you see where I’m going. The list goes on.
Bringing in outside help for social media is becoming more common as small business owners realize the true power of each platform. Done right, social media can bring you brand awareness, brand advocates, customers and much more. Here’s why you should consider outsourcing it:
1. Social media experts can choose where you should have a presence in a fraction of the time. If you’re just getting started in social media, this point is key. A social expert can take a look at your business and have a good understanding of what platforms you need, and which you skip, fairly quickly. One of the biggest mistakes I see made by small businesses is thinking they need to be on platforms that aren’t right for them.
2. You can get an experienced social media manager for entry-level money. This is something I’ve already discussed once in my blog about outsourcing your marketing. If you’re thinking about hiring someone entry level to run your social media accounts, halt, and think about it for a few minutes. Do you really need someone full time running your social presence? If you’re a small business, the answer is probably not. Take the money that you would allocate toward hiring someone and pay more for an expert that already knows the tips and tricks to do it in half (or a quarter, or a tenth…) of the time. You won’t regret it.
3. An outside perspective will help you gain an audience (and keep it fun). As fun as social media can be, when you’re too close to the company, it can be hard to focus on what your audience wants. If you developed the software, you might be too technical for the job. And if your business is your baby, you’ll probably take criticism way more harshly than it’s intended. (Don’t worry, I do it too). Outsourcing your social management allows your presence to stay objective, positive, focused, and your audience will appreciate the creativity that’s put in by a professional.
4. It’s not an expense. It’s an investment. Probably the most important point is this: social media should bring you so much ROI that outsourcing it pays for itself. Be it in new clients, products sold, local awareness, or in place of other marketing initiatives, outsourcing social media to a quality, qualified professional will truly pay off in the long run.
Check out this article to see how some top social brands look at ROI. A social media expert will be able to understand how to get a return on your investment and show you the value they bring to your business.
So, are you convinced? Leave a comment and let me know why you will or won’t outsource your social media. As always, questions are welcome.
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