Throughout my time talking with business owners, whether it is sole 
proprietors, small businesses, or large businesses, the question of ROI, or ROE (return on engagement) as I refer to it in relation to social media, always comes up. More and more business owners are realizing the need to implement some sort of social media strategy whether they themselves fully understand the concept or not. They also, in these tough economic times are looking for ways to cut corners.
All too often I hear "I think I will try it myself" only to have that person call back in about 6 weeks, asking "how much did you say you charge?" While it appears simple in concept, the actual "doing" of a successful social media management is rather exhausting. So the questions all business owners on every level need to ask themselves are these. 1, do I need a social media presence for my business? 2, if I do, should I take on the task myself, and 3, if I hire someone...who and how do I know they know what they are doing? All good questions to ask; let's look at each one individually a little more in-depth.
1, do I need a social media presence for my business. In all honesty, not all businesses need a social media presence. I always meet with perspective clients to discuss what their needs are, and if what I do can be a service that would help them. Many times a piece of what I do is needed and not the whole realm of social media services. However, there are only a few businesses in today's world that would not benefit from a solid social media campaign.
2. The short answer here is yes and no. If you are talking a small, small business, and you have a lot of free time on your hands, and most importantly are well versed on social media strategies, by all means, go for it. But be prepared to hit road blocks, and be extremely careful to not commit a social media mistake that could cost your business its credibility. A business focused social media campaign is not the same as hanging out on FB sharing cool pics with your bros. A social media fopa in relation to your business could be fatal. See my post on how Dominos Pizza recovered from a near business ending social media disaster.
3. Hiring someone to handle your social presence is so much more than hiring a traditional marketing firm. Many of today's marketing firms will tell you that they are versed in social media, but after some digging, many times it is revealed they are not. Social media marketing is not traditional marketing or internet marketing. Read a book on the subject, maybe something by Chris Brogan, Guy Kawasaki, or Amber MacArthur. Learn a bit about the segment of your company that you are going to be putting in someone else's hands. You don't have to be an expert, but learn enough to ask the right questions.
A solid social media campaign can reap rewards for your business not only in the short term, but done correctly it can build relationships for continued clients and customers who return time and time again to you for service. Remember that social media is just what it says, SOCIAL, it takes time to build a solid social relationship.
If you are looking to embark on a social media campaign, Studmuffin Media has the tools, technology, and strategies to make your social media experience successful, and enjoyable. Contact us, whenever you are ready to talk.
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