In-house social media manager or agency: Which is better for you?

I’ve got a burning question to discuss with you today. If a business plans to hire a social media manager, why wouldn’t they consider letting my team and me handle it for them at the same cost? Let’s dive in and explore the real reasons behind this dilemma, explains Emily-Rose Hills, founder of The Social Media Coach.

The cost misconception

One major stumbling block is the misconception that outsourcing social media management comes with a higher price tag. But guess what? It’s not true! The cost is practically the same – monthly or yearly. However, instead of relying on a single person to handle all aspects, outsourcing offers the benefit of having a team of specialists.

When you hire a full-time employee, it’s not just their salary and superannuation you need to think about. Consider the backup plan for when they’re sick or on vacation. Additionally, there are capital expenses associated with providing the necessary equipment and software subscriptions for content creation. On the other hand, when you outsource, all these aspects are already covered by the fee.

Before you dismiss the idea and resort to the common excuse of ‘It’s too expensive’, take a moment to calculate the actual cost of hiring someone in-house. Don’t limit your perspective; consider the comprehensive expenses involved.

The power of specialisation

When I posed this question on my LinkedIn channel, it generated a lively conversation, but one underlying theme was that many businesses still fail to understand the importance of hiring a social media specialist. Often business owners will hand over the reins of their social media platforms to university students, or what we often refer to as ‘Instagram cowboys’ (people who think because they have a social media account and get likes that they instantly become experts).

It’s essential to recognise the value of expertise and specialisation in social media management. Honed skills and a deep understanding of the ever-evolving social media landscape are not cultivated by simply knowing how to post a beautiful picture with Monday vibes #coffee.

Embedding in the company’s DNA

Another crucial aspect that tended to repeat in the comments across my LinkedIn was that there are unspoken fears that outsourcing your social media doesn’t provide the level of involvement and connection with the company.

When you outsource, you gain access to a dedicated team that becomes an extension of your business. If you connect with the right social media expert, they are more than willing to attend morning meetings, listen closely, and embed themselves within the DNA of your business.

The hunt for the marketing unicorn

Let’s say you want to hire someone in-house – finding someone with the necessary experience is like trying to find a unicorn in a petting zoo.

A friend on the Gold Coast recently told me about her journey of trying to hire in-house. Among the candidates – many of whom simply never turned up for the interview with no phone call or email to say they weren’t coming – the number of recent university graduates with no real-world experience and demanding a salary of approximately $80-90k, she described as mind-blowing. The candidates offered the job seemed to want to renegotiate an even higher wage or work from home.

To me, it’s a clear choice: outsourcing can save countless hours typically spent on job advertising and unsuccessful interviews.

Personalised value proposition

While I’m generalising based on my career experience, it’s crucial to highlight that each business has unique needs. By personalising our approach, if you outsource to the right team they can still establish a tailored value proposition that aligns with your specific business objectives.

Outsourcing your social media management is a strategic move that offers the expertise of a dedicated team, comprehensive skill sets, and a cost structure comparable to hiring an in-house, single social media manager. Don’t let misconceptions or limited resources hinder your social media success. Consider the true value of outsourcing, and unlock the full potential of your online presence.

Reach out to me today to explore how I can elevate your social media game to new heights. It’s time to make a no-brainer decision and take your business to the next level!

Join the conversation: I’m genuinely intrigued to hear your reasons for (or against) outsourcing. Let’s continue the conversation on LinkedIn and shed some light on this topic.

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