Table of Contents
What Is Social Media Outsourcing?
Key Factors to Consider When Opting for Social Media Outsourcing
Pros and Cons of Outsourcing Social Media Marketing
In-House Social Media Marketing
Important Factors for Selecting the Right Social Media Agency
How Much Does It Cost to Outsource Social Media Management?
Assessing Success After Outsourcing Social Media Marketing
Conclusions
FAQ
Key takeaways:
1. What Is Social Media Outsourcing?: Social media outsourcing involves hiring external individuals or agencies to manage tasks such as content creation, posting, and engagement for your company's social media presence.
2. How to Outsource Social Media Marketing: Clearly define your objectives, evaluate potential partners for experience and cultural compatibility, establish effective communication channels, and ensure scalability and flexibility in the arrangement.
3. Key Factors to Consider When Opting for Social Media Outsourcing: Set clear objectives and expectations, choose vendors carefully, ensure strong legal agreements, maintain open communication, and provide quality assurance and feedback.
4. Pros and Cons of Outsourcing Social Media Marketing: Pros include saving time, accessing specialized skills, and focusing on core activities, while cons include potential loss of control, communication challenges, and quality concerns.
5. How Much Does It Cost to Outsource Social Media Management?: Costs vary widely based on services, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 per month, depending on the scope of content creation, posting frequency, and platform management.
With social media platforms regularly updating their operating systems and changing the user interface, it can feel impossible to keep up! If you are running a business, it’s highly likely that you just don’t have the time to keep up AND manage all these social networks by yourself, or even in-house. It takes many hours to plan a successful social media strategy, paired with research, image generation, graphic design and creativity. With social media being such a crucial part of marketing in 2023, more and more brands are starting to outsource social media marketing. If you’d like to learn how to outsource social media marketing in the most effective way for your brand, keep reading!
Introduction
Are you considering whether you want to outsource social media management for your business? In this article, we’ll be exploring why so many businesses are now choosing to outsource social media, and what the benefits of outsourcing social media management are. From strategy, to saving time, to having a consistent, stunning feed, there are so many ways in which outsourcing social media can be an absolute game-changer for your brand.
What Is Social Media Outsourcing?
So, what do we mean by outsourcing social media management? Social media outsourcing refers to the hiring external individuals or agencies to handle specific tasks related to a company's or individual's social media presence. This often includes activities such as content creation, posting, engaging with followers and analysing performance metrics. Many brands also outsource their paid social media advertising, however this is often considered an individual service in itself.
Key Factors to Consider When Opting for Social Media Outsourcing
Successful social media outsourcing involves careful planning, communication, and management. Here are some critical considerations to ensure a successful outsourcing partnership:
1. Clearly Defined Objectives and Expectations:
- Clearly articulate your goals and expectations for the outsourcing arrangement.
- Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success.
- Consider implementing a social media marketing calendar to plan and organize your content in advance.
2. Thorough Vendor Selection:
- Conduct a thorough evaluation of potential outsourcing partners.
- Consider factors such as experience, expertise, reputation, and client testimonials.
- Ensure that the outsourcing partner aligns with your company culture and values.
- Explore how AI for social media marketing can automate tasks, analyze data, and optimize performance for maximum impact.
3. Legal and Contractual Agreements:
- Carefully consider the partnership contract, ensuring it clearly outlines the scope of work, deliverables, timelines, and any specific terms and conditions.
4. Effective Communication:
- Establish clear communication channels and protocols.
- Ensure regular updates and progress reports.
- Foster open and transparent communication to address issues promptly.
5. Scalability and Flexibility:
- Ensure that the outsourcing arrangement can adapt to changes in your business needs.
- Build flexibility into the contract to accommodate growth or changes in project scope.
6. Quality Assurance:
- Establish clear quality standards for the deliverables.
- Provide constructive feedback to ensure continuous improvement.
7. Cultural Compatibility:
- Consider cultural differences and ensure that the outsourcing partner understands and respects your company culture, while also being able to effectively speak to your target audience.
- Facilitate cultural integration to enhance collaboration.
8. Cost Management:
- Clearly understand the cost structure and ensure it aligns with your budget.
- Avoid hidden costs by addressing them in the contract.
By addressing these considerations, businesses can increase the likelihood of a successful outsourcing relationship and achieve their desired outcomes. Regular monitoring, feedback, and adaptability are key to maintaining a successful partnership over time.
Pros and Cons of Outsourcing Social Media Marketing
When considering the option to outsource social media marketing, it’s important to look at the pros and cons compared to in-house social media management.
Pros of Outsourcing:
1. Time Savings:
- Outsourcing tasks can save time, allowing businesses to meet deadlines and respond more quickly to market demands.
2. Access to Specialised Skills:
- Companies can tap into a pool of specialised talents and expertise that may not be available in-house, improving the quality of work.
3. Focus on Core Competencies:
- Outsourcing non-core functions allows businesses to concentrate on their core activities and strategic priorities.
Cons of Outsourcing:
1. Loss of Control:
- Handing over certain tasks to external partners may result in a perceived loss of control over critical business processes.
2. Communication Challenges:
- Differences in time zones, languages, and communication styles can lead to misunderstandings and hinder effective collaboration.
3. Quality Concerns:
- There may be concerns about the quality of work delivered by an outsourcing partner, particularly if standards are not aligned.
In-House Social Media Marketing
Pros of Managing Social Media In-House:
1. Direct Control:
- Managing social media in-house provides direct control over the content, messaging, and overall strategy, ensuring alignment with the company's vision and values.
2. Immediate Response:
- In-house teams can respond quickly to emerging trends, customer enquiries, and industry developments without the need for external approvals or coordination.
3. Cohesive Brand Voice:
- Internal teams have a deeper understanding of the brand, enabling them to maintain a consistent and cohesive brand voice across social media channels.
- Learn how to leverage Instagram for business to showcase your brand, engage with your audience, and drive conversions.
Cons of Managing Social Media In-House:
1. Resource Intensive:
- Managing social media internally can be resource-intensive, requiring dedicated personnel, time, and tools for content creation, posting, and engagement.
2. Limited Expertise:
- In-house teams may lack the specialised skills and expertise of external agencies, especially in rapidly evolving areas like social media algorithms and analytics. At Born Social, our team consists of degree-qualified marketers to ensure our clients get the best value out of their social media marketing.
3. Potential Burnout:
- The constant demand for social media updates and engagement may lead to burnout among in-house teams, affecting creativity and overall performance.
When deciding whether to manage social media in-house or outsource, it's essential to weigh these pros and cons against the specific needs and resources of the organisation. When you choose the right agency or individual for your brand’s needs, you should feel a sense of trust that they will be able to accurately convey your brand’s messaging, values and vision as well as you could.
As a boutique social media marketing agency, Born Social are lucky enough to have close relationships with our clients. With dedicated account managers assigned to your brand based on their skills and passions, you’ll have an individual working on your account who will immerse themselves in your brand to the point they feel like they’re really a part of your in-house team.
Outsourcing Social Media Marketing to an Agency
Benefits of Agency Outsourcing for Social Media:
1. Expertise and Specialisation:
- Agencies often have a team of specialists with expertise in social media strategy, content creation, analytics, and advertising, providing a high level of skill and knowledge. Furthermore, some agencies specialise in certain social media management for specific industries, giving you the benefit of deep industry knowledge and insights.
2. Cost Efficiency:
- Outsourcing to agencies can be cost-effective, as businesses can access a range of skills without the expenses associated with hiring and training an in-house team.
3. Scalability and Flexibility:
- Agencies offer scalability, allowing businesses to adjust their social media efforts based on changing needs without the constraints of managing an internal team.
4. Access to Advanced Tools and Technologies:
- Social media agencies typically have access to cutting-edge tools and technologies for analytics, scheduling, monitoring, and campaign management, enhancing the effectiveness of social media strategies.
Drawbacks of Agency Outsourcing for Social Media:
1. Loss of Immediate Control:
- Businesses may experience a loss of immediate control over day-to-day social media activities, as there is a reliance on the agency's workflow and timelines.
2. Communication Challenges:
- Communication may be challenging, especially if there are time zone differences or if the agency does not fully understand the company's brand voice and values. Effective collaboration requires clear communication channels and regular updates.
Important Factors for Selecting the Right Social Media Agency
Choosing the right agency partner is crucial for the success of your social media efforts. Here are five tips to help you make an informed decision:
1. Define Your Goals and Expectations:
- Clearly articulate your social media goals and expectations. Whether it's increasing brand awareness, driving website traffic, or boosting engagement, a well-defined set of objectives will guide your search for an agency that aligns with your vision.
2. Evaluate Experience and Expertise:
- Assess the agency's experience in managing social media for businesses in your industry. Look for case studies, client testimonials, and examples of successful campaigns. Ensure that the agency has expertise in the specific platforms and strategies relevant to your goals.
3. Check for a Proven Track Record:
- Look for agencies with a proven track record of delivering results. Request references from past or current clients to get insights into their satisfaction with the agency's performance. A history of successful partnerships is a strong indicator of reliability.
4. Assess Communication and Collaboration:
- Effective communication is vital for a successful partnership. Evaluate the agency's communication style, responsiveness, and transparency. Ensure that they understand your brand voice and values. Consider factors like time zone differences and how the agency plans to keep you updated on progress.
5. Understand the Team and Resources:
- Get to know the team that will be working on your social media account. Enquire about the qualifications and experience of the individuals involved. Assess the agency's resources, including tools and technologies they use for social media management. Ensure that they have the capacity to handle your account effectively.
Remember that the right agency partner is not necessarily the biggest or most expensive one but the one that best fits your specific needs and aligns with your business goals. Take the time to thoroughly vet potential agencies to make an informed decision that will contribute to the success of your social media strategy.
Selecting the Ideal Social Media Agency
When selecting a social media agency, it's essential to look for qualities that align with your business goals and expectations. Here are five key qualities to seek in a social media agency:
1. Strategic Thinking:
- A top-quality social media agency should demonstrate strategic thinking. This includes the ability to align social media efforts with your overall business objectives, develop a comprehensive strategy, and adapt to changes in the digital landscape. Look for an agency that understands the bigger picture and can provide a roadmap for achieving your goals.
2. Creativity and Content Excellence:
- Social media success often hinges on creative and engaging content. Seek an agency with a strong track record of creating high-quality, shareable content that resonates with your target audience. Creative campaigns can set your brand apart and drive meaningful engagement.
3. Analytics and Data-Driven Approach:
- A good social media agency should be proficient in leveraging analytics tools to measure and analyse the performance of campaigns. Look for an agency that emphasises data-driven decision-making, regularly provides performance reports, and uses insights to optimise strategies for better results.
4. Adaptability and Industry Knowledge:
- Social media trends and algorithms are constantly evolving. Choose an agency that stays abreast of industry changes, emerging trends, and platform updates. Adaptability is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge and ensuring that your social media strategy remains effective over time.
5. Transparent Communication:
- Effective communication is key to a successful agency-client relationship. Seek an agency that communicates clearly, is responsive to enquiries, and provides regular updates on campaign progress. Transparency is crucial, so you should feel confident that you understand the agency's approach, methods, and any challenges that may arise.
By prioritising these qualities, you increase the likelihood of finding a social media agency that not only meets but exceeds your expectations, contributing to the success of your social media marketing efforts.
How Much Does It Cost to Outsource Social Media Management?
When it comes to the price of outsourcing social media management, there are so many factors that need to be considered. Depending on what your brand needs, the cost can change significantly.
Some key deliverables that will impact pricing include: number of posts per week, whether content creation is included (graphic design & photography/videography) and, if so, how much and how regularly content is captured, as well as the platforms used - are they primarily video content platforms?.
Here is a (very rough) example of what you might expect to pay when outsourcing social media management of Instagram and Facebook:
| Tier 1 |
Tier 2 |
Tier 3 |
Social Media Strategy
Post Scheduling: 4 Posts/Week
Community Management
Basic Stories
No graphic design
No photography/videography
Monthly Reporting
|
Social Media Strategy
Graphic Design
90 Day Photo/Video Shoots
Post Scheduling: 3-4 Posts/Week
Custom Stories: 3/Week
Community Management
Monthly Reporting
|
Social Media Strategy
Graphic Design
30 Day Photo/Video Shoots
Post Scheduling: 5-7 Posts/Week
Custom Stories: 5-7/Week
Community Management
Monthly Reporting
|
| $2,000 - $3,000 |
$3,000 - $5,000 |
$5,000 - $10,000 |
*Monthly fee in AUD.
**Pricing not accurately reflective of Born Social’s fees.
As you can see, the cost can vary significantly according to your needs, and you may not always know exactly what it is that you need. You may even need help deciding what are the best social networking platforms for business.
Assessing Success After Outsourcing Social Media Marketing
Measuring the success of outsourced social media efforts involves assessing various key performance indicators (KPIs) and aligning them with your business goals. Here are some common metrics to help gauge the success of outsourced social media:
1. Engagement Metrics:
- Likes, Comments, Shares: These metrics reflect the level of audience engagement with your content. Higher engagement often indicates that your content is resonating with your target audience.
2. Reach and Impressions:
- Reach: This metric measures the number of unique users who see your content. It gives you an idea of how many people your social media efforts are reaching.
- Impressions: The total number of times your content is displayed. High impressions indicate that your content is being seen frequently.
3. Follower Growth:
- New Followers: Tracking the growth in your social media followers provides insights into the effectiveness of your content and outreach efforts.
4. Conversion Metrics:
- Click-Through Rate (CTR): Measures the percentage of people who clicked on a link in your post. A high CTR indicates that your content is compelling and encourages action.
- Conversion Rate: If your social media goals include driving specific actions (e.g., signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase), tracking conversion rates helps measure the effectiveness of your campaigns.
5. Brand Sentiment:
- Sentiment Analysis: Monitoring social media for mentions and sentiment analysis helps gauge how your audience perceives your brand. Positive sentiment is an indicator of a successful social media strategy.
6. Customer Retention and Loyalty:
- Repeat Business: If your social media efforts are contributing to customer loyalty, you should see an increase in repeat business or engagement from existing customers.
7. ROI (Return on Investment):
- Revenue Attribution: If applicable, track the revenue generated directly from social media efforts. This may involve using specific tracking links or promotional codes to tie sales back to social media campaigns.
Regularly monitoring these metrics and comparing them against predefined goals will help you assess the success of your outsourced social media efforts. Additionally, ensure clear communication with the outsourcing partner to align strategies and expectations, and to address any adjustments needed for better results.
Conclusion / Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the ever-evolving landscape of social media necessitates strategic decisions for businesses. The choice to outsource social media marketing comes with advantages, but also challenges, those of which can be overcome through clear communication and finding an agency that is the right fit for you.
When successful, outsourcing provides time savings, specialised skills, and a focused approach, demanding careful planning and transparent communication. In-house management offers control and immediate response but can be resource-intensive and may lack expertise.
Selecting the right agency involves assessing expertise, communication, and proven track records. Measuring success after outsourcing includes evaluating engagement metrics, reach, conversion rates, and brand sentiment.
In the end, finding the balance between advantages and challenges is crucial for propelling social media success. Make informed decisions, whether managing internally or partnering with an agency, to achieve your business goals in the dynamic realm of social media.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can You Outsource Social Media Marketing?
Yes, social media marketing can be outsourced. Businesses can hire external individuals or agencies to handle tasks like content creation, posting, engagement, and analytics. Outsourcing offers benefits such as time savings, access to specialised skills, and the ability to focus on core activities. However, careful consideration of objectives, vendor selection, communication, and cultural compatibility is crucial for a successful outsourcing partnership.
Why Outsource Social Media Marketing?
Outsourcing social media marketing is advantageous for several reasons. Firstly, it saves time, enabling businesses to meet deadlines and respond promptly to market demands. Secondly, it provides access to specialised skills and a pool of talents not available in-house, thereby improving the quality of work. Thirdly, outsourcing allows companies to concentrate on their core competencies and strategic priorities. Additionally, it offers cost efficiency, scalability, and flexibility, as external agencies often have advanced tools and technologies. Overall, outsourcing social media marketing enhances a business's ability to navigate the dynamic and competitive landscape of digital marketing.
Is It Better to Outsource Social Media Marketing?
Outsourcing social media marketing is superior to in-house management due to time efficiency, access to specialised skills, and cost-effectiveness. External agencies offer a diverse skill set, allowing businesses to focus on core competencies. Moreover, agencies often provide scalable solutions, adapting to changing needs without the resource-intensive aspects of internal management. This approach ensures a strategic, professionally executed social media presence, enhancing overall effectiveness and freeing up valuable internal resources for core business activities.
Transform Your Social Media Strategy: Discover Our Sales-Boosting Services Now!
Ready to take your social media game to the next level? Our expert team specializes in driving sales and traffic through strategic social media management. Click the link to explore our services and start your journey to social media success!