I’ve been working with one of the largest social media marketing agencies for several months now. I was never a skeptic of outsourcing social media efforts, however i never knew the benefits to outsourcing either. These past few months have shown me several reason why companies, brands and individuals should consider outsourcing their efforts or, at the very least, consider getting a social media consultant.
Social Media ThinkTank: People that devote their time to social media marketing are passionate about what they do. Agencies that focus specifically on social media are able to collaborate ideas with a larger team, share relevant news with one another and have connections to people at the major social networks. Companies that do social media in-house usually only have one person dedicated to the efforts and that person usually can only spend part of their day enhancing and optimizing social media campaigns. The benefit of having a team creates a think-tank of social media gurus and we all know two (or more) heads is better than one.
Agencies are the First to Know: Often social media agencies get beta tests and inside information on when social networks are launching new products and features before anyone else. This gives agencies time to figure out how to best utilize new features and networks to promote your brand before these features are even made public whereas in-house social media marketers will not know about these features until they are launched to the public and it is too late. For instance, I received a Google+ account in the first hour it was announced before invites where even available. That little bit of a head start allowed me to figure out how to increase effectiveness on Google+.
Exclusive Data and Research: Agencies don’t just work with one brand or one industry, they work with brands of various sizes in different industries with varying target markets. With access to all of these social accounts, agencies are able to figure out what works and what doesn’t work and they are able to adjust their marketing methods in real time. Agencies are the first to pick up on trends such as what is most likely to be retweeted. If social media marketing efforts are kept internally, the only benchmark and data being gathered is from a single brand’s campaign.
Industry Secrets: Sure blogs and books reveal a ton of secrets about being successful in social media. Though there are many industry secrets posted, no one truly posts all of their tricks and tactics. They would have no upper hand. All agencies have tips, tricks and secrets that you cannot find no matter how hard you search. You’d simply have to start working at an agency to get the clearance to some of these secrets. Though an agency won’t tell you their secrets, they will implement them throughout your campaigns to make your brand more successful.
Discretion and Etiquette: It is crucial to make sure that you have a good brand image. Keeping tight reigns on content that is posted is important. However, some people keep the reigns too tight by keeping social media efforts locked up internally. Often, when a company does this, you can tell right away because they are lacking simple things like social media etiquette. They say things that shouldn’t be said on social media. The abbrv wrds whn thy shldn’t b shrtnd. Social media agencies are very careful that they are on the up and up in terms of content and social media etiquette because they want their clients to be successful. After all, client success=agency success.
Those are just a few of the tips and tricks and benefits to outsourcing your social media efforts. Do you outsource or keep efforts internally? I’d love to hear.