What to look for when outsourcing social media

Many companies nowadays are ignorant when it comes to social media, they take the approach of "i just want to be on it" but not really have any input into the running of said sites, nor do they focus themselves on making these successful. So where am i going with this? Well, these people are exactly the type who outsource their social media to external agents to be run for them. We in the industry call this a management package. And in this article, i'll try and outline the benefits and drawbacks of such and attempt to give you an insight into the type of company you should be outsourcing to.

There are several different types of package that outsourcing companies offer. These can range from the most basic of packages to what companies including the likes of Vayner Media and my own company offer.

The first being your standard package which would include;

• Number of posts per day
• Set number of sites
• Grow follower and fan base
• Account creation

These can cost anything from the most basic at around £25/site/month up to around £1000/site/month at the top end of the spectrum, depending upon area and company. 

Then you get the more advanced packages which include;

• Content creation
• Strategy
• Marketing incorporation
• Customer service application
• As well as everything you'd find in a normal package
• And so much more

The most expensive i've come across is $16,000/month, in Vayner Media, however they only deal with forbes 500 companies so that sort of limits their clientel. Similar packages are available from around £1000/month in the UK.

If i were a marketing director or CEO, there are a lot of things i'd be looking for in outsourcing my social media. Some of which are possible, some aren't. It all depends what you want from your social media, and how much you're willing to invest to get it. 

What I as a business owner would be looking for when it comes down to outsourcing social media is;

1. How do they intend to know my company, keeping my social marketing strategy in-line with my marketing strategy, i.e. one full marketing package
2. Do they have a proven track record
3. Are they specialists in social media or classic marketing
4. How much is it going to cost me and what will i get for my money
5. Are they reactive and open to change

Ideally, what a social marketing agency will offer is all of the above. However very few do. My recommendation would be to shop around, find a company that is willing to invest time into your company and get to know you, so that they can provide a service suitable to you. Otherwise, your social output will fail. And your investment will be lost. However if done correctly the results can be outstanding through the right agents. 

Good luck in choosing, 

Jordan Mason 

CEO & Co-founder

The Social Evolution

www.thesocialevolution.co.uk

www.twitter.com/thesocialev

ww.facebook.com/socialevolutionmedia