We are living in a world where social media touches all aspects of everyday life ranging from the news we consume to the products we buy, where we eat, what we strive to be and the list goes on. And because of that, companies are spending more and more by the day to market on social channels while at the same time social media marketers are popping up left and right – but who really has the expertise to guide you in the right direction?
Thinking back to the early days of social media when there weren’t any college courses on the topic, books, YouTube videos or other educational material, the social media marketing game was like the Wild West because things were evolving so quickly – the marketing strategies being implemented by companies as well as the social network algorithms and UI/UX – and that meant running new science experiments every day, which was both fun and challenging at the same time.
As social media marketing evolved and companies started to open their eyes to the power of actually interacting with past and potential customers on social channels as opposed to simply dumping money into PPC or other types of ads, the marketing industry was forever changed.
Fast-forward many years, today businesses realize the power of social media marketing and when complex initiatives come about (launching new campaigns, mitigating negative PR, etc.) they need top social media consultants to guide them in the right direction. And securing the best talent can sometimes be difficult, especially given all of the clutter.
When searching for a top social media consultant or consulting firm, be sure to ask questions about not only what they can do for you in the future, but more importantly what they’ve done in the past. My dad used to tell me “don’t tell me what you’re going to do, show me what you’ve done,” and that holds true here.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to speak to a variety of social media consultants to get their take on your business, goals and ways they can potentially help. Act like a sponge and suck everything in then make the best decision for your company.
May the force be with you!