If you want to start a social media business, now is a great time. More and more businesses are realizing the importance of social media and they don’t want to become social media experts – they want to hire someone to do it for them. That is why creating a social media business is a huge opportunity.
If you are thinking of starting a social media business, there are a few things that you’ll want to consider as you get started:
1) How Will You Package Your Services?
Selling a package of services will get you further than billing hourly. Businesses don’t want to know how many hours they get – they want to know what you will do. Create packages to streamline your sales process – this makes it easier for client to say yes. It is important to clearly state exactly what you will deliver.
2) How Will You Find Clients?
Finding clients is always a challenge. Consider your background and figure out what unique skills or market knowledge you have that you can combine with social media to create a niche for yourself. Think about businesses that you could naturally run social media for based on your unique knowledge, or the businesses that you frequent.
3) What Are Your Credentials?
Some small businesses are inundated by social media and search engine experts pitching their services day after day. Many of these are overseas or large social media companies that don’t really get to know their customers. Have a clear idea of why you are different, how your unique background qualifies you as well as your experience and education in social media marketing. You may also consider getting social media certified.
4) Do YOU Have A Business Presence?
If you want to be taken seriously you’ll need to have a business presence for yourself – at least a basic one. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but you need something. You’ll need a logo, business cards and a website. It also helps if you are active on social networks yourself.
5) What Is Your Client Management Process?
Once you’ve landed clients, you’ll want to have a streamlined on-boarding and management process to appear experienced and save time. Create processes to outline how you will on-board clients as well as how you’ll manage their accounts. Many social media managers struggle with delivering social media content – not because they don’t know how to manage social media but because they don’t have a process in place to consistently meet client expectations.
Hi Krista. Good advice. I like the saying “Never trust a skinny chef”. If I was looking for someone so assist me with my social media, I will set my sights on those who “walk the talk”. If they have managed to use the very methodology, tools and processes they sell in order to get noticed, they will be on top of my list. Your thoughts?
David
Great question. I would definitely look for someone who is using the tools and methods that they talk about. While there is something to be said for “the cobblers kids wear no shoes” the reality is that someone who isn’t at all active on social media will probably have a challenging time showing businesses how to use it.
Someone with demonstrated experience (either personally or professionally) will generally have a better handle vs. those who can talk the talk.
Thanks for commenting!