Social media marketing for small businesses has become a game-changer, offering a platform for startups and small businesses to reach a global audience. It’s time to unlock the potential of your business with the power of social media.
Social media marketing is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. As Neil Patel, a renowned digital marketing expert, puts it, “Social media is the fastest growing trend in the history of the world.” It’s a trend that small businesses can’t afford to ignore.
But why is social media marketing so important for small businesses? The answer lies in the numbers. According to a report by Oberlo, there are 3.5 billion social media users worldwide. That’s a massive audience waiting to discover your business.
Social media marketing companies for small businesses understand the unique challenges faced by startups. They offer tailored services to help businesses like yours navigate the digital landscape. With their expertise, you can leverage social media platforms to increase brand awareness, engage with customers, and drive sales.
A study by eMarketer reveals that people spend an average of 2 hours and 22 minutes per day on social media and messaging platforms. That’s a significant amount of time that businesses can utilize to engage with their audience. As Gary Vaynerchuk, a serial entrepreneur and industry expert, says, “Content is king, but context is god.” Social media marketing services for small businesses help you create content that resonates with your audience.
However, managing social media can be time-consuming. As a small business owner, you have a multitude of tasks to handle. That’s where small business social media marketing companies come in. They take the burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on what you do best – running your business.
The Benefits of Outsourcing Social Media Services for Small Businesses
As a small business owner, you’re likely juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. From product development to customer service, there’s a lot on your plate. And when it comes to marketing, especially in the fast-paced world of social media, it can feel overwhelming to stay on top of the latest trends and strategies. That’s where outsourcing your social media management and promotion can be a game-changer.
Outsourcing your social media management to a professional company can offer numerous benefits:
- Expertise: Social media companies are experts in their field. They stay up-to-date with the latest trends, algorithm changes, and best practices, ensuring your business is always ahead of the curve.
- Time-saving: Managing social media effectively requires time – something most small business owners are short on. Outsourcing frees up your time so you can focus on other aspects of your business.
- Cost-effective: Hiring a full-time social media manager can be expensive. Outsourcing provides you with a team of experts at a fraction of the cost. DIY social media marketing costs can range from $100-$300 per month, while outsourcing on a small budget can cost approximately $500-$1000 per month. For larger budgets, outsourcing costs can range from $1,500 to over $10,000 per month.
- Consistent branding: A social media company can help maintain a consistent brand voice across all your social media platforms, enhancing your brand recognition and trust.
- Performance tracking: Social media companies provide regular reports and analytics, giving you a clear understanding of your social media performance and ROI.
- Improved customer service: With a team dedicated to managing your social media, customer queries and complaints can be handled promptly, improving your customer service and satisfaction.
Types of Social Media Services Available for Small Businesses
- Content Creation and Curation: This service involves creating and sharing engaging content that aligns with your brand’s voice and message. It’s crucial for keeping your audience engaged and interested in your brand.
- Example 1: A social media company could create engaging Instagram posts for a local bakery, showcasing their daily baked goods. The result? Increased foot traffic and sales.
- Example 2: For a tech startup, the company could curate relevant industry news and articles on Twitter, positioning the startup as a thought leader. The value? Enhanced brand reputation and credibility.
- Social Media Strategy Development: This service includes identifying your target audience, setting goals, choosing the right platforms, and planning content and engagement strategies. It’s the roadmap to your social media success.
- Example 1: A small business social media company could develop a strategy for a fitness center, identifying the target audience, setting goals, choosing the right platforms, and planning content. The result? Increased brand awareness and new memberships.
- Example 2: For an online clothing store, the company could devise a strategy to engage with the audience on Pinterest by sharing fashion tips and outfit ideas. The value? Increased website traffic and sales.
- Account Setup and Optimization: This service involves setting up and optimizing your social media profiles to ensure they are complete, professional, and branded. It’s the first step to making a good impression online.
- Example 1: A social media company could set up and optimize a new restaurant’s Facebook page, ensuring it’s complete, professional, and branded. The result? An appealing profile that attracts customers.
- Example 2: For a freelance graphic designer, the company could optimize their LinkedIn profile with a comprehensive portfolio and client testimonials. The value? Increased visibility and potential client inquiries.
- Social Media Management: This service includes regularly posting content, responding to comments and messages, and overall management of your social media accounts. It’s key to maintaining an active and engaging online presence.
- Example 1: A small business social media company could manage a local bookstore’s Facebook account, regularly posting about new arrivals, author events, and book recommendations, while also responding to customer inquiries. The result? Engaged customers and a vibrant community.
- Example 2: For a travel agency, the company could manage their Instagram account by regularly posting stunning travel photos and responding to comments. The value? Increased brand engagement and potential bookings.
- Social Media Advertising: This service involves creating and managing advertising campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. It’s a powerful way to reach a larger audience and drive sales.
- Example 1: A social media company could create a Facebook ad campaign for a pet supply store, targeting local pet owners to promote their new product line. The result? Increased product awareness and sales.
- Example 2: For a B2B software company, the company could use LinkedIn ads to target decision-makers in related industries. The value? Increased brand visibility and potential leads.
- Influencer Marketing: This service involves identifying and partnering with influencers in your industry to expand your reach and credibility. It’s a modern way to reach new audiences and build trust.
- Example 1: A small business social media company could identify and partner with beauty influencers on Instagram on behalf of a cosmetic brand. The result? Increased product visibility and sales.
- Example 2: For a health food company, the company could collaborate with fitness influencers on YouTube to promote their protein bars. The value? Expanded reach and credibility.
- Community Management: This service involves building, growing, and managing online communities around your brand.It’s a way to foster a sense of belonging among your customers and turn them into loyal advocates.
- Example 1: A social media company could build and manage an online community on Reddit for a gaming company, sharing updates and engaging with gamers. The result? A loyal community and valuable user feedback.
- Example 2: For a craft supply store, the company could manage a Pinterest community where customers share their DIY projects using the store’s products. The value? Customer engagement and user-generated content.
- Social Listening and Reputation Management: This service involves monitoring mentions of your brand, responding to reviews and comments, and managing any potential crises. It’s essential for maintaining a positive brand image and addressing customer concerns promptly.
- Example 1: A small business social media company could monitor reviews and comments on TripAdvisor for a hotel, responding promptly to both positive and negative feedback. The result? Improved customer satisfaction and reputation.
- Example 2: For a tech company, the company could use social listening tools to monitor brand mentions on Twitter and address any issues or concerns in real-time. The value? Crisis prevention and improved customer relations.
- Analytics and Reporting: This service involves tracking key metrics, analyzing performance, and providing regular reports to show the effectiveness of your social media efforts. It’s crucial for understanding what’s working and what needs improvement.
- Example 1: A social media company could use Instagram analytics to track key metrics for a fashion retailer, informing decision-making and improving content strategy. The result? Improved social media performance.
- Example 2: For a restaurant, the company could use Facebook Insights to analyze the performance of their posts and ads, adjusting the strategy based on the data. The value? Optimized ad spend and increased ROI.
- Competitor Analysis: This service involves monitoring your competitors’ social media activities to gain insights and stay ahead. It’s a smart way to learn from others in your industry and find new opportunities.
- Example 1: A small business social media company could monitor a coffee shop’s competitors’ social media activities, gaining insights into their marketing strategies and customer engagement tactics. The result? Competitive advantage and unique selling propositions.
- Example 2: For a software company, the company could analyze their competitors’ LinkedIn activities to understand their B2B marketing strategies. The value? Insights to improve their own strategy.
- Social SEO: This service involves optimizing your social media profiles and content for search engines to increase visibility. It’s a way to reach more people and drive more traffic to your website.
- Example 1: A social media company could optimize a travel blog’s Pinterest pins with relevant keywords, increasing their visibility in search results. The result? Increased website traffic.
- Example 2: For a local business, the company could optimize their Facebook page info to improve their visibility in Facebook search. The value? Increased local discovery and foot traffic.
- Employee Advocacy: This service involves leveraging your employees’ social networks to increase your brand’s reach and authenticity. It’s a way to humanize your brand and reach new audiences.
- Example 1: A small business social media company could develop an employee advocacy program for a tech company, encouraging employees to share company updates on LinkedIn. The result? Increased brand visibility and potential talent attraction.
- Example 2: For a retail store, the company could guide employees in sharing their personal experiences on Instagram. The value? Authentic content and increased customer trust.
- Event Promotion: This service involves using social media to promote events and engage with attendees. It’s a way to boost event attendance and create buzz.
- Example 1: The social media company could use Facebook Events to promote upcoming concerts for a musicvenue, engaging with attendees. The result? Increased ticket sales.
- Example 2: For a non-profit, the company could use Twitter to promote a charity run event, engaging with participants and supporters. The value? Increased event participation and donations.
- Lead Generation: This service involves using social media platforms to attract and convert potential leads. It’s a powerful way to fill your sales funnel and find new customers.
- Example 1: The small business social media company could use Facebook lead generation ads to collect inquiries for a real estate agency. The result? Increased leads and potential sales.
- Example 2: For a B2B company, the company could use LinkedIn’s lead gen forms to collect leads for their new product. The value? High-quality leads and potential conversions.
- Customer Service: This service involves providing customer support through social media platforms. It’s a modern way to meet customers where they are and resolve issues quickly.
- Example 1: The social media company could use Twitter to provide prompt customer support for an e-commerce store, addressing queries and resolving issues. The result? Improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Example 2: For a telecom company, the company could use Facebook Messenger for customer service, providing real-time support. The value? Reduced customer service costs and increased customer satisfaction.
- Video Services: This service involves creating and promoting videos, including live streaming. It’s a way to engage your audience in a dynamic and engaging way.
- Example 1: The small business social media company could use Instagram Live to host workout sessions for a fitness trainer, engaging with followers in real-time. The result? Increased brand engagement and potential client sign-ups.
- Example 2: For a food brand, the company could create recipe videos for YouTube, showcasing their products. The value? Increased product awareness and potential sales.
- E-commerce Integration: This service involves integrating your e-commerce platform with social media for seamless product promotion and sales. It’s a way to make shopping easy and convenient for your customers.
- Example 1: The social media company could integrate a clothing brand’s Shopify store with Instagram, enabling users to shop directly from their posts. The result? Seamless shopping experience and increased sales.
- Example 2: For a book store, the company could integrate their e-commerce platform with Facebook Shop, allowing customers to browse and purchase without leaving Facebook. The value? Increased customer convenience and potential sales.
- Chatbot Services: This service involves implementing and managing chatbots for automated customer service and engagement. It’s a way to provide instant, automated support to your customers.
- Example 1: The small business social media company could implement a chatbot on a travel agency’s Facebook page to automatically answer common queries and provide travel recommendations. The result? Improved customer service and increased bookings.
- Example 2: For a pizza restaurant, the company could use a chatbot on their website to automate pizza orders. The value? Streamlined ordering process and increased sales.
- Verification Services: This service involves getting your business verified on social media platforms to increase credibility. It’s a way to show customers that your business is authentic and trustworthy.
- Example 1: The social media company could assist a public figure in getting their Twitter account verified, increasing their credibility and authenticity. The result? Increased follower trust and engagement.
- Example 2: For a news outlet, the company could help get their Facebook page verified, enhancing their credibility and visibility in search results. The value? Increased audience trust and readership.
- Google My Business Management: This service involves managing your Google My Business listing, including posting updates, responding to reviews, and optimizing for local SEO.It’s a way to improve your visibility in local search results and engage with your customers.
- Example 1: The small business social media company could manage a local salon’s Google My Business listing, regularly posting updates, responding to reviews, and optimizing for local SEO. The result? Increased local visibility and foot traffic.
- Example 2: For a restaurant, the company could use Google My Business to share menu updates, special offers, and respond to customer reviews. The value? Improved online reputation and customer engagement.
- TikTok Services: This service involves creating engaging short-form videos, participating in trends, and advertising on TikTok. It’s a way to connect with younger audiences and stay on top of social media trends.
- Example 1: The social media company could create engaging short-form videos on TikTok for a fashion brand, showcasing their products in creative ways and participating in trending challenges. The result? Increased brand awareness and engagement among younger audiences.
- Example 2: For a fitness influencer, the company could use TikTok to share quick workout tips and challenges, engaging with their followers and promoting their personal training services. The value? Increased follower engagement and potential client sign-ups.
Remember, not all services may be necessary or beneficial for every business. It’s essential to choose the services that align with your business goals and audience.
How Much Do Social Media Marketing Services Cost?
Understanding the cost of social media marketing services is crucial for small businesses and startups. It allows you to budget effectively and ensures you get the most value from your investment.
Social media marketing services can vary widely in cost, depending on the scope and complexity of the services provided. Basic social media management for small businesses might include setting up social media profiles and posting regular updates, can start from as low as $500 per month. Whereas it’s possible to pay $10,000 a month on the higher end of the price scale when hiring a full-service digital marketing agency that specializes in social media. Full-service agency solutions for larger businesses or corporations might include posting, photography, videography, graphic design, social engagement, follower building, influencer engagement, social media advertising and media buy, and social media contests. Comprehensive digital marketing strategies will integrate social media with other digital marketing tactics like blog writing, SEO, email list building, advertising, partnership development and collaborative promotions.
Social media marketing services for small businesses don’t have to break the bank, however. For example, Social Marketer offers small business social media management services for $249/mo and small business social media advertising services starting at $195/mo.
When it comes to determining how much social media services might cost your small business, there are several factors to consider. The size of your business can play a role, as larger businesses may require more extensive services. The number of social media platforms you’d like to post to, the number of monthly posts you require, the type of posts you want, and whether you choose to Boost (pay to promote) your posts or not can also affect the cost. Each platform may require a unique strategy and different types of content, increasing the complexity and cost of the service.
According to a Forbes article by Steve Olenski, companies should expect to spend between 9% and 12% of their revenues on marketing. Of this, a significant portion should be allocated to social media marketing, given its importance in today’s digital landscape.
The Role of Different Social Media Platforms
Understanding the unique characteristics of different social media platforms is crucial for small businesses looking to optimize their social media marketing strategy. Each platform has its primary audience, type of content that performs well, and specific ways it can be used effectively by small businesses. Let’s delve into the major platforms: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Facebook: As the largest social media platform, Facebook is a versatile tool for businesses of all sizes. Its broad demographic reach makes it a great platform for reaching a wide audience. Facebook is particularly effective for sharing company updates, promoting events, and running targeted ad campaigns. For example, a local restaurant could use Facebook to share daily specials, promote upcoming events, and target ads to local food enthusiasts.
Instagram: Owned by Facebook, Instagram is a visually-focused platform ideal for businesses with strong visual content. It’s particularly popular among younger demographics and is great for brand building and engagement. Businesses can leverage Instagram’s features like Stories, IGTV, and Shopping to engage users. For instance, a clothing boutique could use Instagram to showcase their latest collections, share behind-the-scenes content in Stories, and enable users to shop directly from their posts.
LinkedIn: LinkedIn is the go-to platform for B2B marketing and professional networking. It’s an excellent platform for sharing industry-related content, company news, and job postings. Businesses can use LinkedIn to position themselves as industry leaders and connect with other businesses. For example, a software startup could share blog posts about industry trends, company milestones, and open positions to attract potential employees and clients.
Twitter: Twitter is a fast-paced platform ideal for sharing timely content, engaging in conversations, and providing customer service. It’s also a great platform for monitoring trends and what’s being said about your brand. A coffee shop, for example, could use Twitter to share daily specials, engage in local conversations, and respond quickly to customer inquiries.
Pinterest: Pinterest is a unique platform that acts as a visual search engine. It’s great for businesses related to food, fashion, home decor, and other visual industries. Businesses can use Pinterest to share product images, DIY ideas, and more. For example, a home decor store could share home styling tips and product photos to inspire users and drive traffic to their website.
How to Choose The Best Social Media Marketing Company For Your Small Business
Navigating the world of social media marketing can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to choosing the right company to handle your business’s online presence. The right company can make a significant difference in the success of your social media marketing efforts.
When selecting a social media marketing company that specializes in serving small business, it’s crucial to consider several key factors. First and foremost, the company’s experience and expertise in the field should be a top priority. A company with a proven track record in your industry is more likely to understand your business’s unique needs and challenges.
Customer service is another critical factor. A company that is responsive and attentive to your needs will be more likely to provide a positive experience. A good social media marketing company should be able to provide clear and regular communication, including updates on your campaign’s progress and answers to any questions you may have.
Pricing is also an important consideration. While it’s tempting to go with the cheapest option, remember that you often get what you pay for. A company that charges more may also provide more comprehensive services, including strategy development, content creation, and analytics.
When interviewing potential companies, don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. Ask about their approach to social media marketing, their understanding of your industry, and their process for measuring and reporting results. These questions can give you a better sense of whether the company is a good fit for your business.
Choosing the right social media marketing company is a crucial step in your business’s online success. By considering the company’s experience, customer service, and pricing, and by asking the right questions, you can find a company that aligns with your business’s needs and goals. Remember, the goal is to find a company that can provide effective “social media marketing services for small businesses” and become a valuable partner in your business’s growth.
Next Steps For Your Small Business
If you’re looking for a trusted partner, reach out to at least 3 different small business social media management companies and ask for estimates for the services you need. Tip: Don’t be tempted to sign up for the bottom-of-the-barrel $99 services as you’ll get what you pay for.
We’d love it if you also reached out to us here at Social Marketer. We offer comprehensive social media management services tailored to the needs of small businesses. And we’re friendly :). Our small business social media services include content creation, account setup and optimization, regular social media management, social media advertising, analytics and reporting, lead generation, Google My Business management, and TikTok services. We help you create engaging content that resonates with your audience. We also manage your social media ads to ensure you reach your target audience.
Social Marketer is a top social media marketing agency in Chilliwack, BC, Canada: Discover Social Marketer on DesignRush, as top social media agency in Canada on Sortlist, LinkedIn, Google Places, and on Yelp.
Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what Brian Dean, an SEO expert and the founder of Backlinko, has to say about social media marketing, “If you’re not meeting your visitors where they are online, you’re missing the boat.” And where are your visitors? They’re on social media.
So, are you ready to meet your customers where they are? Are you ready to take your business to the next level with social media marketing? Sign up for a free trial of SocialMarketer.com’s small business social media management services today and watch your business grow.
But what if you’re looking for a full-service social media marketing strategy and management? That’s where Stir Marketing comes in. Request a free estimate from Stir Marketing, a leading full service digital marketing agency in Vancouver Canada.
Related Reading:
- 2023 Social Media Management Platforms for Small Businesses
- Do You Need Someone To Help Manage Your Social Media?
- Affordable Social Media Management Packages for Small Business
- The Power of Outsourcing: Transform Your Business with Social Media Management
- Social Media Management FAQ’s
- See our latest Social Marketer Instagram posts
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.
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