Last updated on November 1st, 2023 at 09:49 am
Are you thinking of either hiring a freelance social media manager or a social media agency to manage your social media accounts? With the growing recognition of the value that social media can bring to businesses, it is important to choose the right person or team for the job. While some entrepreneurs still rely on interns, administrative staff, office assistants, or even family members in unrelated professions to handle their social media updates, this approach may not lead to optimal results for scaling your brand. Alternatively, you could choose to engage a digital and social media agency, a consultant, an in-house employee, or a freelance social media manager to help elevate your brand awareness to the next level.
For entrepreneurs still struggling to determine the best way to allocate their resources for social media, the question remains – what is the most suitable option for their business? The answer may vary depending on your specific needs and circumstances, but there are some general guidelines you can consider before making a decision. Let’s examine each one of these options in more details – a social media agency, an inhouse social media manager, a social media consultant or a freelance social media manager carefully.
Which Option Should You Invest In?
Social Media Agency
Is it worth hiring a social media agency to do what you think an intern or family member can handle? The answer depends on whether you can recognise the added value that an agency can bring to your business. A reputable agency is well-equipped to help you achieve a higher return on investment (ROI) than what you may be able to accomplish on your own or with someone lacking social media expertise.
Social media agencies cater to brands looking to save valuable time. If your budget permits and you can find a reputable agency in your area, this may be the best option for you. One of the primary advantages is that you won’t have to provide job benefits such as insurance or annual leave to the agency.
However, it is important to be cautious of inexperienced agencies that are primarily focused on securing your business rather than adding genuine value. Additionally, many agencies may not be affordable for solopreneurs, early-stage entrepreneurs, or small businesses. On average, social media management costs for small to mid-range agencies can vary from USD1,000 to USD2,000 per month. For larger agencies, the cost can go up to USD7,000 per month.
Inhouse Social Media Manager
Another option to consider is to hire an in-house social media manager who can work directly from your office. This allows for better communication with other team members and departments, and a better understanding of your business and social media objectives, values, target audience and overall marketing strategy. This direct access can lead to a more cohesive social media strategy that align with your business goals.
For example, if the in-house manager is able to better understand your customers, their preferences and pain points, he or she will be able to create more relevant and engaging social media content that resonates with your audience, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates.
Having an in-house social media manager also provides an opportunity for real-time monitoring and quick responses to customer feedback and enquiries that come in through different social media channels, making your business more responsive to social media conversations. Your brand can also address any customer complaints or concerns immediately, which can help initiate customer loyalty and help your build brand image.
Different social media platforms also need different skills, so you can actually find an employee who has the necessary skills and experience for that specific platform(s) that your company is using. He or she will be able to adapt your social media strategy accordingly to those platform(s).
However, statistics show that the average annual cost for hiring one is approximately USD 57,802, excluding any additional perks. Hiring an in-house social media manager also come with other costs such as benefits, equipment like laptop, software subscriptions and overhead costs. Also, it can be difficult to hire a social media manager that is versatile in all social media platforms, even if you are willing to pay competitively. It is therefore important to carefully consider the costs and challenges associated with this option before making a decision.
Social Media Consultant
Another viable option is to hire an external consultant who can offer guidance and advice on social media strategy, rather than executing the work for you. Consultants can provide strategic insights and recommendations based on their experience and expertise, helping you to stay up-to-date about social media trends and make informed decisions for your social media strategy.
This arrangement is similar to training, but you have the freedom to seek advice and guidance from your consultant as needed, rather than being confined to a structured class. You can access their expertise whenever you need it, which can be very useful in fast-paced social media environments where trends change at the blink of an eye.
This option can be flexible and cost-effective. One advantage of this approach is that you can hire consultants based on the specific gaps in your knowledge or skills. For instance, if you need guidance on Pinterest, there are Pinterest experts available to hire. Social media consultants can help you develop a marketing approach that will deliver the best ROI.
This arrangement can also offer you a fresh perspective on your social media strategy as the consultant can also conduct a social media audit, identify strengths and weaknesses and provide recommendations for improvement. What is best about this is that their feedback is unbiased and can help you sieve out problems and identify new opportunities where you might have overlooked due to blind spots.
It’s worth noting that consultants can be expensive, depending on their expertise, experience and reputation. Rates range from USD600 per month upwards and costs can add up over time. However, if you have both the budget and the time to invest, this option may be a good fit. Be aware that consultant skill levels can vary, so it’s important to look for consultants with a proven track record, testimonials or case studies and also relevant industry experience. You can also ask for recommendations before making a decision.
Freelance Social Media Manager
A freelance social media manager is an excellent option for starting solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, as they are generally more affordable than agencies, consultants, or in-house help. Additionally, as they are not full-time employees, you do not need to provide them with any perks or employment benefits. Hiring a freelance social media manager also allows you to customise their services based on your specific needs and budget.
However, it is important to be cautious as the quality, credibility, and skill sets of freelance social media managers vary. It is recommended to review the portfolio and testimonials of the freelance social media manager that you are considering to hire. It is also advisable to inquire about the freelancing experience of the freelance social media manager. If he or she has only been a freelancer for a short period, this may indicate he or she is just transiting between jobs and may not be able to provide your business with the attention it requires once they find full-time employment.
Despite the potential cost savings, you should carefully evaluate the suitability of a freelance social media manager for your business because some freelancers may not have the same level of resources or support as an agency or in-house team.
With so many different options available, including a social media agency, a consultant, an in-house social media employee or a freelance social media manager, it can be challenging to decide which option is the best fit for your business’s needs and provides the best return on investment (ROI). Conducting thorough research, reviewing portfolios and testimonials and taking into account the objectives of your business can help you make a more informed decision that could save you time, money and unnecessary work.
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If you’re interested in taking your social media to the next level, I’d love to work with you. Contact me today to learn more about how I can help you grow your business on social media. Don’t wait – take the first step towards success now! You can get in touch with me at +65-9622-8824 or bei@beithoven.com.
Bei, a bilingual (English/Chinese) Singapore content strategist, has over 20 years of experience in marketing for small businesses. She mostly writes about visual storytelling, AI art, SEO, social media and China marketing.