Navigating The Costs Of Social Media
Unveiling the Value Behind Social Media Services
In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of businesses marketing strategies. If your business does not have a strong online presence, chances are no one knows your business exists. Especially in our drive-through tourist-based Tahoe/Truckee economy.
With the potential to reach the 10’s of thousands of daily Tahoe travelers, it offers unparalleled opportunities for brand visibility, engagement, sales, and growth. However, effectively harnessing the power of social media requires expertise, creativity, and time, all of which are prime real estate on a small business’s to-do list. Despite the perception of high costs, an agency can provide valuable services that can significantly impact a business’s success. I’ll go over three main areas where hiring a pro could save you time and resources.
Social Media Management:
Social media management encompasses the day-to-day operations of a brand's social media presence. The range of services, includes content creation, community management, and performance analysis. Here are a few reasons why social media management justifies its cost:
Expertise: In social media platforms, algorithms, and trends. They stay up-to-date with the latest industry developments, ensuring your brand leverages the most effective strategies to achieve your goals.
Time Investment: Effective social media management demands constant attention and engagement. This is a daily check-in if engagement is your goal.
Brand Consistency: When these jobs are spared out to different employees the messaging can get muddled and confusion can affect your bottom line. Having overall management and strategy across platforms creates a cohesive brand voice, creates visually appealing content, and maintains a consistent posting schedule. This uniformity builds trust and recognition among the target audience.
Some articles to consider for more info on Social Media Management:
Brand vs. Direct Marketing
To Be or Not To Be - An Influencer
Social Media Advertising:
Do you know the difference between Paid vs. Organic? Social media advertising refers to paid promotions on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Google, and LinkedIn. Here's why the cost of social media advertising through agencies is justified:
Targeted Reach: Agencies possess the expertise to identify and target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors. By honing in on the right audience, like those who travel through Tahoe or people searching for a future visit, a business can maximize its ad spend and improve the return on investment (ROI). An agency will monitor and optimize campaigns, ensuring ads are seen by the most relevant users.
Ad Creativity: Crafting compelling and visually appealing ads requires creativity and expertise. Agencies have professionals skilled in designing eye-catching visuals, writing engaging ad copy, and employing persuasive techniques. Their ability to create ads that resonate with the target audience increases the likelihood of conversions. A local agency will have local relevant content creators.
Performance Analysis: Social media agencies use analytics tools to measure ad performance, track key metrics, and make data-driven decisions. They provide regular reports on campaign success, identify areas of improvement, and refine strategies accordingly. You need to know where your ad dollars are working and expand on those successes.
More on platforms and tracking:
Platform Exit? Which Road To Take
Platform Checklist
The Almighty Algorithm
Social Media Marketing:
Social media marketing involves strategic planning and implementation to achieve broader marketing goals. Here's why the cost of social media marketing through agencies is justifiable:
Strategic Planning: Agencies develop comprehensive social media marketing strategies aligned with a brand's overall objectives. They conduct market research, identify target audiences, and outline tailored tactics to engage and convert users. Strategic planning allows businesses to streamline their efforts and achieve tangible results.
Influencer Partnerships: Agencies often have established relationships with influencers and can facilitate collaborations on behalf of brands. Influencer marketing can amplify a brand's reach, build credibility, and generate authentic content. Agencies navigate the complexities of influencer partnerships, ensuring brands get the most value out of these collaborations. Even Tahoe is growing our own. From my personal favorites of Tahoe Truckee People to Truckee Bluegrass Jam to prolific posting individuals like Eric Smith of Truckee Parks and Rec. Notice the music theme I have going here.
Reputation Management: Leaving your voice as a business to a young inexperienced college kid can have its drawbacks. Yes, they are the first generation who have known nothing else but social, but do you really want them to be the voice of your business? Can they speak to your clientele? This is where online reputation comes into play.
It is important for businesses to recognize that effective social media management, advertising, and marketing require continuous effort, adaptability, and staying ahead of trends. Agencies are equipped with the tools and resources to navigate the dynamic world of social media, ensuring brands remain competitive and relevant in the digital space.
Questions to ask:
Are you big enough to dedicate in-house staffing?
Can your staff keep up with the platforms?
Is consistency a problem?
The cost of agencies or freelancers reflects the value they bring to the table, delivering measurable results and strategic guidance that can make a significant difference in a brand's online presence.
Just in case you're wondering where does Big Water Ci. fit in? I'm an Agency for the little guy. I run a small shop with a few local subcontractors that join in on the bigger projects. There's only one person who answers the phone because I work closely with my clients and their teams, taking on a limited number of contracts at any given time and only one of a category, such as a Realtor, a Brick and Mortar, or a Restaurant. The seasonal aspect of my business keeps me fresh and the work fun. I enjoy my work and purpose in helping small local businesses move the needle and compete in a Big Box world.
If there is a topic you’d like to hear more about by all means comment below or direct message and I’ll do my best. Nothing better than a good question to jump into.
For more on Content Creation, Posting Guidelines, and Tracking Tips for your Online Marketing subscribe to my Big Water Newsletter.
Reach out for a talk over coffee or a hike I give information freely. I only ask to be paid when I do the work. tgold@bigwaterci.com
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Trina Gold
Master Creator