The truth is, anyone can make and run a Facebook page or Twitter account for their business. You have a smartphone. You know how to use the basic technology. What’s the big deal, right?
Well, here’s the big deal. An effective social media marketing campaign involves so much more than posting on Facebook and Twitter. It requires research, strategy, and careful execution – in short, it’s a full-time job. And, as a business owner or independent professional, I think it’s safe to say you already HAVE a full-time job.
What’s the best course of action? You could hire a full-time social media manager, and that does work for some companies — mostly huge companies. If you’re not a giant corporation, it may make more sense to contract out your social media marketing to an independent specialist. So, what are the benefits of outsourcing your social media? Here are just a few:
- You don’t have to pay a full-time salary. The monthly budget is negotiable based on what you need to accomplish your goals, and more often than not, that doesn’t equal a full-time salary.
- Benefits? You don’t have to worry about that either. I can tell you that everyone at our company has insurance you didn’t have to pay for. You’re welcome!
- Flexibility – An independent social media specialist can provide as much support as you need for as long as you need it. If you’re just getting started and need someone to guide you through the beginning steps and hand you the reins, that’s what you’ll get. If you need someone for the day-to-day, you can have that too. Your needs change, and an independent specialist can adapt and grow with you.
- Expertise – Social Media is all we do. We eat, sleep and breathe this stuff, and you really have to, if you’re going to stay up-to-date on the latest developments. The social media landscape doesn’t just change daily; it changes by the minute. Your brand is going to make a greater impact in the hands of a specialist than it would with an intern.
All of these factors are important, but they really don’t do you much good unless you have a Social Media Specialist who develops a personal relationship with you and really becomes part of your team. If you work with someone who becomes completely immersed in your brand and represents your company the way you would (if only you had the time!), then you will have made a sound investment in the future and reputation of your business.