You know what keeps me up at night?
Watching small businesses flush thousands of dollars down the drain on ineffective social media marketing. Last month, a local client admitted they’d spent $4,000 on social media “management” with zero measurable return.
As someone who’s helped businesses achieve real results (like that 43% ROI boost for a furniture store), let me share what actually works – and what doesn’t – when it comes to managing your social media presence.
The Real Cost of Social Media Management
Before you decide between DIY or outsourcing, let’s look at what you’re really investing:
- Time: 10-15 hours per week minimum for basic management
- Tools: $50-250 monthly for scheduling and analytics
- Content Creation: 3-5 hours per platform, per week
- Community Management: 1-2 hours daily
Why Most In-House Social Media Fails
Having trained with direct-response marketing expert Ian Stanley, I’ve learned that successful marketing isn’t about posting random content. Here’s what typically goes wrong with in-house management:
- Inconsistent posting schedules
- Lack of strategic direction
- Poor understanding of platform algorithms
- No clear ROI tracking
- ZERO Call-to-Action
Assessing Your Team’s Capabilities
Before deciding, answer these critical questions:
- Does anyone on your team have professional social media experience?
- Can you dedicate consistent daily time to social media?
- Do you have a content creation process?
- Are you familiar with social media analytics?
When Outsourcing Makes Sense
Based on my experience working with businesses in the Freeport area and around the entire globe…outsourcing works best when:
- Your team lacks specialized social media expertise
- You need consistent, professional content creation
- You want access to advanced marketing tools
- You require detailed performance reporting
The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds
Here’s what I’ve found works best for most small businesses:
- Core Strategy: Developed by professionals
- Daily Posts: Managed by agency
- Customer Interaction: Handled in-house
- Crisis Management: Collaborative approach
Making Your Decision
Whether you choose to outsource or keep it in-house, success comes down to having a clear strategy and consistent execution. If you’re unsure which path is right for your business, I offer free consultations to help you make an informed decision.
Need help figuring out your social media strategy? Call us at 815-281-5152. For a personal strategy session, book directly at our consultation page.
