Why you should outsource your social media management
You know you should be growing on social— but you just can't find the time (or frankly, the desire).
But have you ever heard someone complain about ‘the algorithm’ and didn’t know what they meant? Do you constantly prioritize your clients’ needs over your own? Do you set a goal to post on social each week and not follow through?
You’re not alone. Every founder has had these same thoughts. Luckily, help exists for telling your story, generating brand awareness, and building your community. And most times, this comes in the form of a social media manager.
How to choose a social media manager
Social media managers live and breathe their practice. They have their finger on the pulse of platform changes, the Instagram algorithm, and trends. They are data-driven and know what variables to test and how to speak to your audience. And more than anything: they know what works (or will damn-well figure it out).
A good social manager:
- Is community-focused
- Has a strong marketing background
- Is endlessly curious about you and your brand
- Is organized, communicative, and dependable
- Is your biggest cheerleader
Social media manager red flags:
🚩 Primary goal is ‘going viral’
🚩 More interested in vanity metrics than building relationships with your customers
🚩 No mention of strategy
🚩 Always has a new hack
🚩 Fashion over function
Worry: Isn’t outsourcing less authentic?
Think of your social media manager as a creative project manager. You and your team are still the lifeblood of your business, an SMM is just giving you the tools, resources, and accountability to connect with your customers on the unrelenting landscape of social media.
Worry: Sounds expensive!
Social media management comes in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges.
While hiring employees has the benefit of focused time and familiarity with your brand, there are also added costs and responsibilities to the individual that small teams may not be ready to take on.
Agencies and freelancers can be more flexible and agile, and oftentimes more cost-effective.
Beware of Unicorns
Well-meaning hiring managers often look for a social media manager who can simultaneously create beautiful graphics and videos, write prose like one of the greats, create reports, and more. When hiring in-house, it’s important to know that even the most talented individuals rarely possess all the skills you need to have an active, engaging social media presence. So consider leaving room in the budget for additional resources to support your hire or go the agency route where the price is inclusive of creative development and execution.
Conclusion
If you're a Founder who wants to build your business, a 1-person marketing team, or a fractional CMO looking to help clients up their social media game, getting extra support from the right team will make you feel like you've doubled your marketing team overnight.
Keep up with Nuage Co-Founder, Emilie on LinkedIn here!