It all started when we, two social media marketers, got into a heated argument over IM. It went something like this:
agencyMouse99: I know that I work in an agency, but I cannot believe that companies and brands continue to outsource their social media to us. It's such a big mistake on their end!
DigitalDiva: What are you talking about? Agencies are best suited to handle social media campaigns. You don't want to leave that in-house, with people who don't know what they're doing.
agencyMouse99: In-house is definitely the way to go. Agencies just can't deliver the authenticity required.
DigitalDiva: Do you mean for maintaining branded profiles, or for short-term campaigns?
agencyMouse99: Both!
DigitalDiva: You're so wrong.
agencyMouse99: Oh yeah? Bring it!
It's a debate that likely rages on behind the closed doors of brand marketers on a regular basis, and it's likely the source of a lot of second guessing, and perhaps even regret from time to time. We've witnessed it ourselves on many occasions, and here's what we generally say to our clients. (agencyMouse99 will take the side of managing social media in-house, while DigitalDiva represents the pro-agency stance.)
Issue: Authenticity
agencyMouse99: What is social media if not about authenticity? And the sure-fire way to mess that up is by using multiple people from a third party to manage your social media channels. These channels are supposed to be your direct connection with your customers and consumers. Faking that authenticity takes time, energy, and a surprising amount of research from the part of the agency. Is it really worth hiring them, and paying them by the hour, to artificially create something that you already have?
DigitalDiva: Yes, it is. Why? You may understand your brand well, but are you sure you know how to optimize it within the social media sphere? This world has a set of its own rules, and you need people who are aware of them and who can optimize your brand experience in that sphere. They will not be faking the authenticity if you make them a part of your team. Request that there is one person dedicated to your account who is briefed on your brand and is in direct contact with you. As long as the communication channels are open, they will establish personal relationship with you, your product, and your audience. That will translate into informed and authentic voice of your brand within the social media sphere.
Issue: Timing
agencyMouse99: Conversation on social channels moves fast -- sometimes incredibly fast. Consumers' attention spans on these channels grow shorter every day. When an agency handles your social media, there is always a time-lag, especially when messaging and updates need to be run through an approval process. An agency will have time to monitor your brand buzz for maybe a couple of hours a day, at best. There's far less spontaneity and real-time conversation when you outsource that responsibility.
DigitalDiva: Let's be honest. Would you yourself be able to monitor the conversation online for longer than couple hours a day or stay on top of the online trends? Hire an agency that you trust and that understands your brand and your strategy. Make them create a list of updates at the beginning of the campaign so that they know what you are looking for. But then, let go. No need to micromanage them throughout the whole campaign. If you let them do their job they will develop a relationship with the account and treat it like the community is their own. Let them run the show, but monitor their performance. They're in this business because they know what they are doing. They are the social media experts. Not you. Remember, at the end of the day, if you don't like what they are doing you can always fire them, but first give them a try.
Issue: Passion
agencyMouse99: An agency rep juggles multiple clients a day, and may or may not care for your brand on an emotional level at all. That lack of passion will show through. It means less motivation to go one step above and beyond and really connect with your customers/ consumers. It will come across in the tone and voice of the communication. Maybe you'll be lucky, and really hit it off with the agency, which will care for and believe in your brand as much as you do -- maybe more. But let's be real here. How often does that happen?
DigitalDiva: People at agencies who work on your social media are most likely passionate and very knowledgeable about the social environment. By working on multiple accounts, they are exposed to various campaigns and have greater knowledge about the field. They can use that knowledge to create an innovative and fresh campaign for you that has nothing to do with internal office drama and politics. Worried that they are not passionate enough about your brand? Motivate them. I know you're paying them, but they are only human. As a good manager you will be able to inspire them as well. Take your time to make them feel that they are a part of your group. Be nice, dear client. Nothing works better on the agency folks than praise. Remember, they are your partners, not your indentured servants.
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