Tips for Working with a Social Media Management Firm

Working with a social media management firm can be a game-changer for your small business or real estate operation. Let's face it - love it or hate it - social media is an operational necessity for any business in this technological age. Here are a few statistics to take note of:

• 90% of people maintain a profile on Facebook. 82% maintain an Instagram account.

• The average American spends 32 minutes a day on Facebook.

• Close to 78% of people now prefer to use social media short form video format to learn about new products and services.

• Data from the Yale Center for Customer Insights shows almost 90% of`consumers trust online reviews as much as they trust personal recommendations. And half of consumers 18-54 look for online reviews before deciding to visit a local business.

• Social media is a leading source of leads for real estate agents, according to NAR. 

Here is the clincher for most small businesses: social media, done well, takes time and strategy that many business owners just don't have. While there are many companies out there who will claim to grow your social media audience and online presence for "as little as $99/month" the reality is that marketing services are an important investment that you can't afford to skimp on. A cheap, basic and unbranded social media presence means lost opportunities, time and money. What's that old saying? "Go big or go home." If you are going to invest in social media management services, don't go with the cheapest option, go with the best option for your needs, goals and budget.

With these points in mind, here are a few tips for working with a social media management firm.

1) Create Your Branding - You can't raise awareness of your brand if you don't have a clear brand image and voice. An effective social media management strategy should always start with a branding consultation and creation of design elements. Always. A brand consultation typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of your current brand identity (if any), positioning, and strategy. The process starts with understanding your goals, target audience, and market landscape. At Rhema Strategic we will analyze your visual elements, messaging, and overall brand perception to identify strengths and areas for improvement. This may include a competitive analysis, identifying key differentiators, and uncovering opportunities for growth. The ultimate objective is to provide actionable insights, strategic recommendations and design elements that align your brand with your business vision, ensuring it resonates authentically with your unique voice and your target audience.

2) Allocate Time Initially. You can expect to be working closely with your social media management firm, especially through the branding process and initial 3 months of services, so plan to set aside time to answer questions and provide feedback. Communication is key to enable an authentic voice and brand to come through when posting to social media for you. Here is the great news: on average you can save up to 14 hours per week when working with a marketing firm. That is 14 hours you can spend on sales, operations and connecting with clients. Time is money.

3) Provide Updates. As your partner in raising brand awareness, your social media manager will need updates from you about your business. Events, sales, new listings/closings/pendings for real estate agents, staffing updates, etc... are all information we need to be able to communicate for you. We have our real estate clients provide an email or text once per week to give us updates on transactions, milestones and other information to highlight to their audience.

4) Don't Disengage Completely. It's tempting to completely step away from managing your social media channels, but staying engaged with your audience and sharing user-generated content is key. At Rhema Strategic, we encourage clients to keep their voice authentic by creating Stories or Reels from everyday moments. Alternatively, you can send us your content, and we'll remix it, add polished captions, and post it across your channels effortlessly.

5) Respond to Your DM's: Make sure to check your messages daily. Serious leads that come in through social media will likely be received through messaging. Responding within 24 hours (less, if possible) is key to turning a lead into a conversion.

6) Request Reviews: Customer reviews play a vital role in building awareness and credibility for your products or services. They not only help potential customers make informed decisions but also serve as a powerful tool for showcasing the value and quality of what you offer. Positive reviews can boost your reputation, attract new clients, and establish trust, while constructive feedback can provide valuable insights for improvement. Your social media management company will use these reviews to showcase your brand through customer feedback. Pro-tip: make it easy for people to provide reviews. Rhema Strategic can create a custom clickable review template for your company that can be utilized by text, messaging or email.

7) Plan Ahead: If you're planning to host events or run promotions, it's essential to plan ahead and collaborate with your manager. By informing them about your ideas early on, you can work together to create a cohesive and impactful social media campaign. This ensures that your messaging aligns with the overall brand strategy, maximizes audience engagement, and generates greater visibility for your event or promotion. Clear communication and early preparation are key to delivering a successful and well-coordinated campaign

The benefits of working with a social media management firm ultimately outweigh the cost if you are working with a manager who takes your brand strategy seriously. Partnering with the right firm can elevate your digital presence and drive meaningful results. From saving time and boosting brand awareness to generating leads and converting them into loyal clients, the benefits are clear. With the right strategy, you can unlock new opportunities for growth and revenue. Choose the right partner, and success is within reach.

Contact Rhema Strategic today to book your free social media management discovery call.

-Katie Thompson

Rhema Strategic Marketing Solutions