In today's digitally driven world, social media has become an essential platform for businesses to engage with their audience, build brand identity, and drive growth. However, managing social media effectively requires time, expertise, and a deep understanding of the target audience. We asked Louise Clarke, Happy’s Digital Content Manager to share the benefits of outsourcing social media management.
Q: As a digital content manager with extensive experience in social media, what would you say are the advantages of outsourcing social media management for scaling businesses?
A: Certainly! Outsourcing social media management offers several significant benefits for scaling businesses. It provides a comprehensive solution that encompasses the entire process, starting from ideation to posting and designing graphics. This means that businesses can focus on their core operations while leaving the social media aspect in capable hands. By entrusting skilled professionals with these tasks, companies can save valuable time and resources.
Typically organisations that outsource don’t have a dedicated resource inhouse. Social media may be part of a wider role and there may be other focusses or it could be that skills lie in copywriting for example, but not design. Outsourcing social media management provides companies with a whole team of professionals from designers to animators, copywriters to analysts – all are available to get the best out of each of the organisation’s platforms.
Q: How does social media management contribute to the wider communication strategy?
A: One of the key advantages is the deep understanding of the organisations’ target audience which is performed in the early stages of the relationship. Understanding personas is a key part of an effective strategy. When you understand the target audience you can create content that aligns with their interests and preferences. You have the expertise to write in the organisation's tone and style, ensuring that the content appeals to the intended audience. This level of understanding and expertise helps to establish a strong connection with customers and gives a sense of authenticity.
The key is building more personal connections with your customers at scale as part of wider strategy. The rapport you develop with them on social can build brand trust and more importantly loyalty.
Q: What are some of the activities involved with social media management?
A: Social media managers are responsible for developing strategies that align with the overarching business strategy as well as maintaining and growing a social media presence. This includes developing campaign strategies, content planning, content creation, post design, copywriting and analytics reporting. This takes time and expertise.
For effective social media management a multitude of other skills are required including adaptability, organisation, creativity, curiosity and quick thinking.
A social media specialist will know how to balance organic efforts - designed to maintain long-term relationships with existing followers – against a paid advertising strategy to help reach new audiences quickly and reliably through accurate and strategic targeting.
Q: Consistency is often a challenge for businesses when it comes to managing social media. How does outsourcing help bridge this gap and build a consistent brand image?
A: Consistency is indeed critical for any brand to build trust and recognition. Outsourcing social media management provides a solution by ensuring a consistent and regular flow of content. Specialists working on behalf of the business have the expertise to maintain a steady stream of relevant ideas, posts, and conversations tailored to the audience's interests. This consistency helps strengthen the brand's identity and establishes a reliable presence.
Q: If consistency and relevancy are vital aspects of successful social media management, how are these specific gaps filled?
A: The first significant gap that outsourcing fills is consistency. Many businesses struggle to maintain a constant flow of relevant ideas, posts, and conversations due to various operational demands. Outsourcing social media management ensures that there is a dedicated team working on these aspects, allowing businesses to focus on their core activities without compromising the quality and consistency of their social media presence.
The second gap that outsourcing addresses is relevancy. Creating content that resonates with the target audience is a skill that requires a deep understanding of the business's strategy, goals, and voice. An outsourced team brings this expertise to the table. By conducting thorough research and analysis, the team gains insights into the customers' needs and preferences, enabling them to craft content that is highly relevant and engaging.
Social media offer numerous benefits for businesses seeking to enhance their brand's digital presence as part of a growth strategy. Tapping into the expertise of professionals who understand the ever-evolving world helps organisations create social media content that inspires, engages and aligns with their strategy.