As a small business owner, have you ever caught yourself saying, “I need someone to manage my social media” or “I’m looking for someone to run my social media”? You’re not alone. Many business owners recognize the importance of having an active social media presence but struggle to find the time or resources to manage it effectively. Hiring a social media manager or subscribing to a social media management service like Social Marketer can help your business grow in numerous ways.
Benefits of Hiring a Social Media Manager or Management Service
By hiring someone to run your social media or using a social media management service, you can expect to see several significant benefits for your small business. For instance:
- Increased brand awareness and customer engagement: A skilled social media manager can create compelling content that resonates with your target audience, increasing your brand’s visibility and encouraging potential customers to engage with your business.
- More effective social media advertising campaigns: Social media platforms offer a wide range of advertising options, but leveraging them effectively can be challenging. A dedicated social media manager or service can help you design and execute targeted ad campaigns, boosting your return on investment.
- Improved customer service through quick response times on social media platforms: Today’s customers expect prompt responses to their questions and concerns. A social media manager or service can monitor your channels, ensuring timely responses to customer inquiries and fostering a positive brand image.
Types of Social Media Management Services
Several options are available when looking for someone to manage your social media:
- Full-service agencies: These agencies offer comprehensive social media management, including strategy development, content creation, posting, engagement, and analytics. They often work with businesses of all sizes and across various industries.
- Freelancers or virtual assistants: Independent contractors can provide a more personalized and flexible approach to social media management. Freelancers may specialize in specific platforms or industries, allowing you to find someone with expertise tailored to your business needs.
- In-house social media managers: Hiring a full-time employee to manage your social media provides the advantage of having someone dedicated solely to your business. In-house managers can quickly adapt to your brand voice and better understand your company culture.
- Social media management tools and software: Many software solutions are available for managing social media platforms. These tools can streamline scheduling, content creation, and analytics, but they still require time and effort from you or your team.
- Social media management services: Services like Social Marketer offer done-for-you social media management through subscription packages. This option can be an affordable and efficient way to maintain a consistent social media presence.
Comparing Social Media Management Options for Small Businesses
When considering hiring someone to run your social media or using a management service, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option. For many small businesses, hiring a social media management provider can be an affordable yet professional solution. These providers often offer low-cost subscription packages that include regular posting, engagement monitoring, and performance reporting.
Finding the Right Social Media Manager or Management Service
To find the perfect fit for your business, consider the following steps:
- Search for potential candidates on job boards, LinkedIn, and social media groups. Look for professionals with a proven track record of success in social media management for small businesses.
- Evaluate candidates’ skills and qualifications. Look for expertise in the platforms relevant to your business and industry. Additionally, consider the candidate’s ability to create engaging content and manage advertising campaigns.
- Ask relevant questions during interviews. Inquire about their experience, strategies for achieving your business goals, and how they stay current with social media trends.
- Assign trial tasks or projects to assess candidates’ skills. This step can help you gauge their ability to create content that resonates with your audience and meets your brand’s voice.
Setting Clear Goals and Expectations
Once you have chosen a social media manager or management service, it’s crucial to establish clear goals and expectations. These guidelines will ensure that your social media efforts align with your overall business objectives:
- Align your social media strategy with your business goals: Work closely with your social media manager or service provider to develop a strategy that supports your business objectives, such as increasing brand awareness, generating leads, or driving website traffic.
- Communicate your brand identity and voice: Ensure that your social media manager or service understands your brand’s personality and messaging to create content that reflects your unique identity.
- Establish performance metrics and regular reporting: Set measurable goals for your social media efforts and agree on the key performance indicators (KPIs) to track. Regular reporting will allow you to assess the effectiveness of your strategy and make data-driven decisions.
Successfully Onboarding and Collaborating
Effective collaboration with your social media manager or management company is vital for success. Follow these tips to facilitate a smooth onboarding process and productive working relationship:
- Share relevant brand and target audience information: Provide your social media manager or service with essential details about your brand, including your target audience, unique selling points, and visual guidelines. This information will help them create content that resonates with your audience and supports your brand image.
- Encourage open communication and feedback: Establish a communication system that allows for regular check-ins, updates, and constructive feedback. This approach will help you address any concerns or issues promptly and ensure that your social media efforts remain aligned with your goals.
- Provide ongoing training and support: Social media platforms and trends evolve rapidly. Encourage your social media manager or service to stay up-to-date with the latest changes and provide them with resources or training to expand their skillset when necessary.
Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions
Some businesses may have concerns about hiring someone to manage their social media or subscribing to a social media management service. Common worries include the cost, losing control of their online presence, and the learning curve for managers to understand their business. However, hiring a social media company that offers professional social media management subscription packages, like Social Marketer, can be a faster, easier, and more cost-effective solution.
Seeking Help With Social Media
When seeking help with social media management, business owners often use different phrases to express their requirements. We’ve selected three of the most popular and unique phrases and provided examples of what people might be looking for in each context.
- “Someone to run my social media”: A business owner using this phrase may be looking for a comprehensive solution to manage all aspects of their social media presence. For example, they might need assistance with Facebook posting and engagement, including creating eye-catching visuals, crafting compelling captions, and providing monthly campaign reports.
- “Hire someone to do Instagram for my business”: This phrase suggests a business owner’s intention to bring in an external professional or agency to handle their Instagram account. In this context, they might be looking for help with setting up and managing an Instagram Business account. This could involve optimizing their profile, developing a visually cohesive feed, creating engaging Stories and Reels, Boosting posts, and utilizing hashtags and geotags to increase their content’s reach.
- “I need someone to manage my social media”: When using this phrase, the business owner conveys a sense of urgency in finding a social media management solution. They might be seeking help with managing their presence on Google My Business, including posting regular updates, replying to customer reviews, and monitoring other online reviews to ensure timely responses.
I Just Need Someone I Can Trust Who Can Take This Over Right Away
Do you ever search on Google and just get overwhelmed with the number of options available? With hundreds of search phrases to choose from and countless results for each query, it can be challenging to know where to start. Phrases like “Canadian social media management services,” “I need someone to manage my social media,” and “Outsource my social media tasks” are just a few examples of the multitude of search queries that could lead to hundreds of different results.
To cut through the clutter and simplify the decision-making process, you can make a decision in 10 minutes or less by following these quick steps:
- Determine your specific needs: Identify the platforms you want to focus on (eg Facebook and Instagram) and the type of support you require, such as content creation, scheduling, or advertising.
- Set a budget: Establish a clear budget for your social media management (eg anywhere between $250/mo and $1000/mo) to narrow down your options and focus on services that fit your financial requirements.
- Research and compare: Using search phrases like those mentioned above, review the top results and compare their offerings, pricing, and reputation. Look for testimonials and case studies to gauge their success with businesses similar to yours.
- Pursue recommended options: Based on your research, shortlist a few promising social media management solutions. One such option is signing up for a free 7-day trial of Social Marketer’s Social Media Management services (no credit card required). This trial will give you an idea of their expertise, responsiveness, and the quality of their services.
By following these steps and considering options like Social Marketer’s free trial, you can efficiently evaluate social media management providers without getting lost in the vast sea of search results. Ultimately, this will save you time and help you find the best fit for your business needs, ensuring the success of your social media efforts.
About the Author:
Brent Purves is a social media consultant and the director of Social Marketer, a leading provider of white label social media management services. With over 20 years of experience in the digital marketing industry, Brent has a passion for helping startups and agencies grow and thrive with the help of expert social media management.
Small Business Success Stories
Here’s 16 stories of would-be businesses in Canada and the United States and the types of results and benefits each business could receive as a result of choosing a social media management service for their businesses:
Case Study 1: HVAC Company in Toronto, Canada
XYZ Heating and Cooling, a mid-sized HVAC company in Toronto, had been in business for over 15 years with a team of 30 technicians. Despite their success, they struggled with maintaining a consistent social media presence across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Their main goals were to increase brand awareness and generate new leads, especially during the winter and summer months.
After subscribing to a monthly social media management plan, XYZ Heating and Cooling experienced a significant boost in online visibility. The management service crafted targeted content for each platform, showcasing their expertise and customer success stories. This led to an increase in leads and a growth in social media followers.
Case Study 2: Plumbing Services in Austin, Texas
Bob’s Plumbing Services, a small family-owned business in Austin, Texas, had been operating for over 10 years with just five staff members. They primarily relied on word-of-mouth referrals, but wanted to expand their reach through social media, focusing on Twitter and Google My Business.
After opting for an affordable monthly social media management subscription, they saw a notable improvement in their online presence. The management service optimized their Google My Business listing, leading to increased visibility in local searches. Additionally, the Twitter content strategy focused on sharing helpful tips and engaging with the local community. As a result, Bob’s Plumbing Services experienced an increase in new clients and a substantial boost in positive online reviews.
Case Study 3: Landscaping & Lawn Care in Seattle, Washington
GreenScape, a well-established landscaping and lawn care company in Seattle, Washington, had a team of 50 employees and 20 years of experience. They aimed to showcase their work on Instagram and Pinterest to attract high-end clients seeking unique landscape designs.
By enrolling in a month-to-month social media management plan, GreenScape benefited from a curated visual strategy that highlighted their creativity and expertise. The management service developed eye-catching posts, leveraging professional photography and engaging captions. This led to an increase in clientele and growth in overall revenue.
Case Study 4: Cleaning Services in Chicago, Illinois
Sparkle Clean, a cleaning service company in Chicago, Illinois, had been in business for five years with a team of 20 employees. They wanted to use Facebook and LinkedIn to create a professional online presence and connect with commercial clients.
After subscribing to an affordable social media management plan, Sparkle Clean saw remarkable results. The management service created informative and engaging content, targeting commercial clients and showcasing their attention to detail. As a result, Sparkle Clean experienced an increase in cleaning contracts.
Case Study 5: Pest Control Services in Denver, Colorado
BugsAway, a pest control service in Denver, Colorado, had been in business for eight years with a team of 15 technicians. They faced stiff competition and sought to improve their online presence on Facebook and Yelp to gain more residential clients.
After subscribing to a social media management plan, BugsAway saw a remarkable improvement in their online reputation. The management service focused on sharing informative content and testimonials from satisfied customers. This approach led to a noticeable increase in residential clients and a rise in positive Yelp reviews within six months.
Case Study 6: Electricians in Los Angeles, California
BrightSpark Electrical, a small electrical company in Los Angeles, California, had been in business for 12 years with a team of 10 electricians. They aimed to target commercial clients through LinkedIn and increase their brand recognition on Instagram.
By opting for an affordable social media management subscription, BrightSpark Electrical experienced a surge in online visibility. The management service created professional LinkedIn content that demonstrated their expertise and shared Instagram posts featuring their work on commercial projects. As a result, the company achieved an increase in commercial clients and an overall growth in Instagram engagement.
Case Study 7: Handyman Services in Miami, Florida
Fix-It-All, a handyman service in Miami, Florida, had been in operation for seven years with just three staff members. They wanted to use Facebook and Google My Business to increase their local reach and generate more leads.
After enrolling in a monthly social media management plan, Fix-It-All saw a significant boost in their online presence. The management service optimized their Google My Business listing, leading to more visibility in local searches. Additionally, they developed a content strategy for Facebook that focused on sharing helpful tips and highlighting customer success stories. As a result, Fix-It-All experienced an increase in new clients and an overall growth in website traffic.
Case Study 8: Home Remodeling in New York City, New York
DreamSpaces, a home remodeling company in New York City, had been in business for 15 years with a team of 25 employees. They aimed to showcase their luxury remodeling projects on Instagram and Houzz to attract high-end clients.
By subscribing to a social media management plan, DreamSpaces benefited from a tailored visual strategy that emphasized their design expertise and luxury projects. The management service crafted stunning posts that utilized professional photography and engaging captions. This approach led to an increase in new clients.
Case Study 9: Flooring Company in Atlanta, Georgia
FloorPros, a flooring company in Atlanta, Georgia, had been in business for 20 years with a team of 35 employees. They wanted to use Pinterest and Facebook to showcase their wide range of flooring options and attract both residential and commercial clients.
After enrolling in an affordable social media management plan, FloorPros saw impressive results. The management service created visually appealing pins on Pinterest that showcased their diverse flooring projects, and they shared engaging content on Facebook that emphasized their expertise and commitment to quality. As a result, FloorPros experienced an increase in new clients and growth in Facebook followers and engagement.
Case Study 10: Moving and Storage Company in Boston, Massachusetts
Movin’ On Up, a moving and storage company in Boston, Massachusetts, had been in business for 10 years with a team of 40 movers. They aimed to use Facebook and Twitter to increase brand awareness and generate more leads.
By subscribing to a month-to-month social media management plan, Movin’ On Up benefited from a targeted content strategy that highlighted their professional moving services and shared helpful moving tips. This approach led to an increase in website traffic and leads.
Case Study 11: Carpet Cleaners in San Francisco, California
Pristine Carpet Cleaners, a small carpet cleaning business in San Francisco, California, had been operating for five years with a team of eight employees. They wanted to use Google My Business to improve their online reputation and attract more clients.
After opting for a social media management subscription, Pristine Carpet Cleaners experienced a significant boost in their online presence. The management service optimized their Google My Business listings, resulting in increased visibility in local searches. Additionally, they encouraged satisfied clients to leave reviews, which led to a 20% increase in new reviews.
Case Study 12: Interior Design Company in Houston, Texas
Designs by Debra, an interior design company in Houston, Texas, had been in business for eight years with a team of five designers. They aimed to use Instagram and Pinterest to showcase their unique design projects and attract high-end clients.
By enrolling in a social media management plan, Designs by Debra benefited from a customized visual strategy that emphasized their creativity and expertise. The management service created stunning posts with professional photography and engaging captions, leading to an increase in website traffic from social media and an increase in social media leads.
Case Study 13: Lawn Care Services in Seattle, Washington
GreenLife Lawn Care, a lawn care service in Seattle, Washington, had been in business for six years with a team of 10 employees. They wanted to use Facebook and Instagram to showcase their landscaping projects and attract both residential and commercial clients.
After subscribing to a social media management plan, GreenLife Lawn Care saw impressive results. The management service created visually appealing content on Instagram that highlighted their diverse landscaping projects and shared engaging posts on Facebook that emphasized their commitment to sustainable practices. As a result, GreenLife Lawn Care experienced an increase in new bookings within the first 3 months.
Case Study 14: Roofing Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
TopNotch Roofing, a roofing company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, had been in business for 15 years with a team of 20 employees. They aimed to use Facebook and Google My Business to improve their online reputation and attract more clients in need of roof repairs and replacements.
By opting for a social media management subscription, TopNotch Roofing experienced a significant boost in their online presence. The management service optimized their Google My Business listing, resulting in increased visibility in local searches. Additionally, they developed a content strategy for Facebook that focused on sharing informative articles and customer success stories. As a result, TopNotch Roofing experienced an increase in new clients.
Case Study 15: Junk Removal Services in Dallas, Texas
ClutterBusters, a junk removal service in Dallas, Texas, had been in operation for ten years with just five staff members. They wanted to use Facebook and Twitter to increase their local reach and generate more leads.
After enrolling in a monthly social media management plan, ClutterBusters saw a significant boost in their online presence. The management service developed a content strategy for Facebook and Twitter that focused on sharing helpful tips for decluttering and highlighting customer success stories. As a result, ClutterBusters experienced a 20% increase in new social media followers and online word-of-mouth promotion.
Case Study 16: Painting Company in Phoenix, Arizona
ColorMeHappy Painting, a painting company in Phoenix, Arizona, had been in business for 12 years with a team of 15 painters. They aimed to target both residential and commercial clients through Facebook and Instagram, showcasing their unique painting projects and techniques.
By subscribing to a social media management plan, ColorMeHappy Painting benefited from a tailored content strategy that emphasized their artistic skills and high-quality work. The management service crafted engaging posts that utilized professional photography and captivating captions. This approach led to an increase in new clientele and Instagram engagement.
Do You Need Someone to Manage Your Social Media?
— Social Marketer - Social Media Management (@socialmrktr) May 23, 2023
As a small business owner, have you ever caught yourself saying, “I need someone to manage my social media” or “I’m looking for someone to run my social media”? You’re not alone.
https://t.co/WgYiwopV1X #socialmediahelp pic.twitter.com/Ae3Z1IgJhR