Should you outsource social media management? Pros and cons

By Claire Sakaoka, Owner, Chief Strategist

Hey there, busy business owners and solopreneurs! Are you feeling overwhelmed with the never-ending task of social media management? Are you tired of trying to juggle content creation, graphics, and scheduling all by yourself? You’re not alone!

Many entrepreneurs struggle to keep up with the demands of social media, but the question is, should you outsource it or keep it in-house? 

Fear not, because I’m about to help you make an informed decision by weighing up the pros and cons of outsourcing social media marketing, so you can figure out what’s right for you!

First up, the pros: Why outsourcing social media can be a lifesaver.

Never having to mess around with social media graphics, agonize over captions, or worry about replying to your follower’s comments ever again? Bliss!

With 83% of small businesses planning to maintain or increase outsourced business services in 2023 - let’s see what all the fuss is about.

Save time and reduce stress

As a busy entrepreneur, time is your most valuable asset, and outsourcing your social media management can free up a ton of valuable hours in your week.

You can focus on other aspects of your business by delegating your social media tasks to a skilled social media consultant or agency, such as product development, customer service, or strategy.

Access to professional expertise

By outsourcing social media management, you’ll access a team of experts who can help you stay ahead of ever-evolving trends by implementing the latest tools and techniques for content creation, graphics, and scheduling.

They can help you adapt your social media strategy and give you sound advice on what trends are just a passing fad and what you need to jump on immediately. 

Shape a powerful online presence

Consistent and engaging social media content is essential for building brand awareness, attracting new customers, and retaining existing ones.

By outsourcing your social media management, you can ensure that your profiles on social platforms are active and that your content is optimized for each platform.

Once your various social media platforms reach a good place, you can enjoy increased engagement, followers, and ultimately, sales.

Stay consistent and credible 

When you’re already spinning many plates at once, it can be tricky to keep up with a consistent posting schedule. And if your own social media account goes dead for a few weeks, it’s not a good look.

Outsourcing your social media management ensures that your accounts are always active and engaging, even when you’re too busy to do it yourself – giving your business more credibility. 

Save money in the long run

The average salary of a social media manager in the US is $57,994, so hiring in-house may not be an option. And if you go the DIY route, it can cost you in the long run.

Think about it - the time you spend on social media is time you could be spending on other aspects of your business. And if you’re not an expert in social media, you might be missing out on potential customers or opportunities.

So, what’s the solution? Outsourcing social media management might seem like a luxury, but it can actually save you time and money in the long run. The pros will complete tasks faster than you can, freeing up your time to focus on the big picture.

Psst… Want to learn more? Check out our other blog, “How to build a personal brand by knowing your superpower.”

Okay, now for the cons of outsourcing social media…

Though it certainly has its advantages, social media outsourcing isn’t the right solution for everyone. It all depends on your circumstances. Look at the cons below to help you decide if this is the right choice for you!

Loss of control

When you outsource social media marketing, you’re putting your brand’s reputation in someone else’s hands.

This can be a scary thought for some business owners who want to maintain control over their social media presence.

However, by working with a reputable social media agency or contractor, you can set clear guidelines and expectations to make handing over the reins a little easier!

Investment in a quality

As with any professional service, you get what you pay for, and social media management is no exception.

While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a quality contractor or agency can make all the difference in the success of your social media strategy. However, this can come at a higher cost than doing it in-house.

Involvement in the process

Outsourcing your social media management doesn’t mean you can completely wash your hands of it. You will still need to be involved in the process by providing guidance, feedback, and approvals.

This can take up some of your time, but it’s essential to ensure that your brand is being represented accurately and effectively. You’ll also need to be prepared to plan content with your agency or contractor at least a month in advance. 

Unlike going the in-house route, you can’t expect your social media partner to execute last-minute requests or urgent posts. They likely have a bunch of other clients to keep happy, which is why planning and organization are essential.

Lack of personal touch

Outsourcing your social media can sometimes lead to a lack of personal touch. The social media agency or contractor may not know your brand as well as you do, resulting in generic or impersonal content.

However, you can easily avoid this by providing clear guidelines and expectations and working with an agency that takes the time to understand your brand’s unique voice and tone.

Communication challenges

When you outsource your social media management, communication can sometimes be a challenge as you may need to work with a team in a different time zone or coordinate with a contractor who has multiple clients. 

Unlike managing social media in-house, you can’t expect an immediate response all the time. Having said that, most social media agencies and contractors have processes in place to ensure effective communication, such as regular check-ins and progress reports.

So, is outsourcing social media the right choice for you? 

After weighing the pros and cons, is outsourcing your social media management right for you? The answer is, it depends! 

If you’re a busy business owner or solopreneur who values your time and wants to focus on other aspects of your business, then outsourcing your social media management could be a great solution.

However, if you want complete control, aren’t willing to invest in qualified professionals, or expect a hands-off experience, outsourcing may not be the best option for you.

Ultimately, the decision to outsource your social media management should be based on your unique business needs, goals, and budget.

If you do decide to outsource, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable contractor or agency with experience in your industry – like me!

At engage5w, we tell your story through customized branding solutions. We’re here to help you shape your brand identity online, find your voice, and maintain a solid reputation with content, brand building, and training solutions tailored to your needs. 

Why not take our short interactive quiz to discover your superpower and get started on your personal branding statement today? Or, get in touch with our brand builders and begin your journey towards a bigger, better brand.