Social media is a valuable marketing tool that all businesses should utilise if they want to stand a chance at succeeding in the modern world of business. Although it is relatively simple to set up social media accounts, it takes a little more effort to efficiently manage them. Simply having the accounts set up will not provide any beneficial results for your company. If you do not have the time or resources to manage your social media accounts, you may want to consider outsourcing them to a professional agency. In this article we will explain how to effectively outsource your media without losing control of your business.
Don't have time to manage your company's Facebook account? Simply outsource the work to a professional agency!
Image source: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8077/8410429191_c89d57c46d.jpg
Concerns about outsourcing social media
Many business owners dislike outsourcing operations as they feel like they are losing an element of control. They worry about a number of possible outcomes such as losing control of their brand image, as they do not know what is being said on various social media channels. Another concern is that if mistakes are made by the agency, the brand's followers don't know that it is the agency's mistake, as they unaware of what is going on behind the scenes.
Carefully selecting an agency
In order to avoid losing control of your business when outsourcing social media, you will need to carefully select a professional agency to work with. The agency you choose should offer a personalised service and spend time getting to know more about your business, goals, strategies, products and clients.
They should be able to combine the information you provide about your business with their expert knowledge to create an effective social media strategy. A company like http://www.voodooagency.com/ social media may well be a good option.
In order to get a better idea of a social media management agency's success, you will need to take a look at their social media accounts and some of their other clients'. It is recommended that you ask for references and testimonials to ensure that previous and current clients are happy with the service they are receiving from the agency.
Setting up a strategy
It is important that the creation of your social media strategy is a combined effort between you and the agency you are outsourcing the work to. Whilst they will be able to guide you on various elements of your strategy, it is still ultimately up to you, the business owner, to make all final decisions. It is important to discuss your expectations and how the social media agency's work can be monitored using the various tools available. You will also need to set up processes for the agency to follow when interacting with customers, for example how to forward information to the sales team and how to escalate a customers' problem to the complaints team.
Although you are outsourcing the work, you still need to oversee the operation to ensure that the right brand message is being delivered at all times.
Social media management agencies can help you gain a presence on various social media channels including Google +, Facebook and Twitter.
Image source: http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6202/6076488268_92a643b5c8.jpg
Be clear about what you want the agency to do
If you are concerned about lack of control, then you can always set strict tasks that you require the social media management agency to perform. For example, you may want them to draft product status updates linking back to content, follow local people and manage direct messages, ensuring that customers receive speedy replies. If you are clear about what you want the agency to do, then you should not run into any issues in the future.
Conclusion
Although outsourcing can feel a little daunting for business owners, you need to keep in mind that you still have complete control over your business. Outsourcing social media management is the best solution for businesses with limited resources, time and expertise. It is much better to work with an expert and have the peace of mind knowing that your accounts are being managed effectively. Follow the guidelines above and you are sure to find a fantastic social media management agency to work with!
Don't have time to manage your company's Facebook account? Simply outsource the work to a professional agency!
Image source: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8077/8410429191_c89d57c46d.jpg
Concerns about outsourcing social media
Many business owners dislike outsourcing operations as they feel like they are losing an element of control. They worry about a number of possible outcomes such as losing control of their brand image, as they do not know what is being said on various social media channels. Another concern is that if mistakes are made by the agency, the brand's followers don't know that it is the agency's mistake, as they unaware of what is going on behind the scenes.
Carefully selecting an agency
In order to avoid losing control of your business when outsourcing social media, you will need to carefully select a professional agency to work with. The agency you choose should offer a personalised service and spend time getting to know more about your business, goals, strategies, products and clients.
They should be able to combine the information you provide about your business with their expert knowledge to create an effective social media strategy. A company like http://www.voodooagency.com/ social media may well be a good option.
In order to get a better idea of a social media management agency's success, you will need to take a look at their social media accounts and some of their other clients'. It is recommended that you ask for references and testimonials to ensure that previous and current clients are happy with the service they are receiving from the agency.
Setting up a strategy
It is important that the creation of your social media strategy is a combined effort between you and the agency you are outsourcing the work to. Whilst they will be able to guide you on various elements of your strategy, it is still ultimately up to you, the business owner, to make all final decisions. It is important to discuss your expectations and how the social media agency's work can be monitored using the various tools available. You will also need to set up processes for the agency to follow when interacting with customers, for example how to forward information to the sales team and how to escalate a customers' problem to the complaints team.
Although you are outsourcing the work, you still need to oversee the operation to ensure that the right brand message is being delivered at all times.
Social media management agencies can help you gain a presence on various social media channels including Google +, Facebook and Twitter.
Image source: http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6202/6076488268_92a643b5c8.jpg
Be clear about what you want the agency to do
If you are concerned about lack of control, then you can always set strict tasks that you require the social media management agency to perform. For example, you may want them to draft product status updates linking back to content, follow local people and manage direct messages, ensuring that customers receive speedy replies. If you are clear about what you want the agency to do, then you should not run into any issues in the future.
Conclusion
Although outsourcing can feel a little daunting for business owners, you need to keep in mind that you still have complete control over your business. Outsourcing social media management is the best solution for businesses with limited resources, time and expertise. It is much better to work with an expert and have the peace of mind knowing that your accounts are being managed effectively. Follow the guidelines above and you are sure to find a fantastic social media management agency to work with!