If you’re constantly reaching for the road-map when it comes to navigating today’s social media landscape, then it might be time to hire a social media manager.
The question is, how much should you pay a professional to tweet and post your online presence into the digital spotlight?
Here are just a few things to keep in mind when choosing a social media manager as well as some of the going rates for social networking know-how.
Socially-Savvy Background Should Come First
Whether you need a social media manager for your personal website or a growing company, the candidate’s background should always come first. Besides, the last thing you want is a manager who sells you on networking dreams that will never become reality.
While hunting for the perfect social media manager, consider the following qualifications:
Your Industry vs. Their Expertise – If you want to increase the social presence of your fashion brand, yet you choose a social media manager with expertise in the food industry, some networking signals might cross. In other words, make sure the manager you choose has relatable background experience in the industry you’re trying to promote.
Existing Online Presence – The proof is in the social pudding when it comes to media managers, so once you’ve narrowed down your candidates, do a bit of research into their online presence. A candidate with tons of friends and followers likely has a passion for social media and would make an ideal candidate.
Consistent Customer Service – For social media managers, customer service works on two levels: catering to your needs and the needs of your current and potential followers. So, make sure the candidate you choose has a follow-up plan in place for all the potential social media traffic created by their service. A manager that doesn’t respond to comments and questions will lose followers faster than they’re found.
Quality vs. Quantity – It’s nice to think that a social media manager will produce both quality and quantity. But, this isn’t always the case, so make sure you know where your social media budget is going. A constant flow of content is great, but not if that means sacrificing quality. Figure out what you can afford and then find a manager that can provide a level of quality and quantity to fit your budget.
The Cost of Being Social
Getting what you pay for is simply a part of life, which is something you need to consider when choosing a social media manager to run your online livelihood.
So, if you’re looking for a return-on-investment, here’s what you can expect to pay for social media gurus and their services:
• Built-from-scratch Blog – $1,000 to $8,000 a month depending on the level of upkeep and continued outsourcing.
• Blog Posts – $50 to $600 a month depending on quantity.
• Twitter and Facebook – If the accounts are built from the ground up, $1,000 to $5,000 a month including continued support.
• Social Media Consulting – $50 to $200 an hour depending on experience and services rendered.
• DIY Social Media Managing – Time and a steep learning curve.
As you can see, being social isn’t cheap, but as long as you take the time to find the right manager, you’ll get the best bang for your networking buck.
