Is Outsourcing Social Media Management Right for Your Business?

If you're contemplating whether to give your business the social media attention it deserves, you're not alone. Many entrepreneurs and marketers face this dilemma. Managing social media effectively requires significant time and expertise—resources you may not have. But is outsourcing social media management the right move for you?

What should I consider before outsourcing my social media?

At the outset, it's important to note that our intention here is to recommend Willow as your social media partner. We genuinely set ourselves apart from typical tools and agencies. Explore our services to learn more.

To help you evaluate your options, we've created a checklist that addresses key considerations for outsourcing social media management.

Are you selling a consumer product or a service?

Is your business focused on consumer products? If so, collaborating with a creative social media team is crucial. Whether you choose to build an in-house team or work with an agency, clear communication is vital. Agencies often bring fresh perspectives, but messages can get confused through emails. Decide how much control you want over your messaging.

On the other hand, what if you're offering a service? Service-based businesses—like accounting firms or consultancy agencies—need to showcase their expertise. A social media agency can’t fake your knowledge; that authenticity has to come from you. Therefore, you must weigh your options:

• Maintain full control over your social media, provided you possess the skills or resources to manage it.
• Consider using a service like Willow, which allows content creation that reflects your expertise, helps organise your social media strategy, automates scheduling, and offers tailored education.

How much time and effort can I dedicate to social media?

What is your time availability? The success of any project correlates with the effort you invest—social media is no exception. Dedicating even an hour daily to building your social media presence can result in a stronger following and enhanced engagement.

However, do you truly have an hour each day to create quality content, connect with followers, and network with industry influencers? If you can spare a few hours weekly, continue doing so until you hit a roadblock. For example, if you're unsure how to navigate social media effectively, it might be time to reconsider.

Do I have social media marketing expertise?

Are you knowledgeable about social media marketing? While social media isn’t rocket science, it can quickly become complex. Various platforms have evolving algorithms, and comprehension of ad platforms can be daunting. Thus, what seems simple can often turn into a challenging rabbit hole.

If you feel confident and have time to spare, you may not need to outsource social media management. A scheduling tool or Willow can automate your posts, providing monthly training and support to keep you updated on trends. Alternatively, if you're overwhelmed with posts and KPIs, consider hiring a social media expert or agency.

Can I afford to outsource social media?

What’s your budget for social media? Your financial constraints and desired return on investment will significantly guide your outsourcing decision. Here’s a breakdown of potential outcomes based on various budget categories:

From $0-100

As a startup, finances may be tight. With a minimal budget, you might invest in scheduling tools. However, this still requires you to be somewhat adept at social media.

What can you expect in return?

• A few hours saved weekly.

From $100-500

With a more substantial budget, you can upgrade to sophisticated scheduling tools and analytics or choose Willow for a comprehensive solution that combines planning, scheduling, monthly training, and support.

What kind of returns can you anticipate with Willow?

• More consistent growth with less time input.
• Improved engagement rates with equal effort.
• Consultation: monthly performance reviews and tailored advice via video call.

From $1000-2000

Expanding your budget allows you to hire a freelancer or social media manager. Though hiring fees may not be included, you gain access to various benefits.

What can you expect?

All the benefits mentioned previously.

From $2000-10k

If you're operating a larger enterprise with a generous marketing budget, you can identify and recruit top social media marketing agencies to handle your strategy.

What kind of return on investment can you expect?

• Complete social media management.
• Custom content creation.
• Strategically planned social media campaigns.
• All-encompassing service.

A final word of caution: If an agency or tool promises extraordinary growth in follower count overnight, ask critical questions. Consider the longevity of tactics like using bots. Will this approach sustain your growth over the next five years?

As indicated in the checklist, there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution to outsourcing social media management. If you still have concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!