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By Christina Metcalf, Writer/Ghostwriter Social media is a Hulk-size time suck, but it is also one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience. That’s also why it’s so dicey to freelance that kind of thing out. But there are a lot of really talented folks out there who can help you expand your reach and connect. You just have to find the right ones. And since everyone thinks they can post to social, there are a lot of ineffective people posing as social media superheroes. Here’s how you can separate the talent from the try-hards:
Ways to Tell a Social Media Trixter from a SuperheroIt’s tempting to hand your social media over to an intern or the nearest teenager in your life. After all, they’re on the platforms all the time. But they’re connecting in a social way, amassing followers and likes and not concentrating on conversions. You need someone who understands how to nurture a relationship to end in a sale. That’s not to say a teen can’t do that. But you need to have a conversation with them to make sure you are on the same page about your ultimate goals behind social media. Additionally, you’ll want to talk about the following things: ● Stats and KPIs. If you’re working with someone to help you reach more people and increase your sales, you’ll want to know they have a track record of doing so already. If you’re their first client, make sure they can show you how they will gather the analytics and tell what’s working and what isn’t. Identify KPIs. If they tell you “Let’s try this and see.” That’s not enough. How will you “see”? If they guarantee 100 new followers before the end of the month, ensure you know what kind of followers they are. Speaking of… ● Know the target. Make sure your social media person understands audiences and the value of a like as it equates to your business goals. My TikTok is beginning to finally amass some likes. But guess what? They’re all from my teenage sons’ friends who enjoy making fun of my videos. They may “like” my stuff, but they will never buy from me. These are bogus numbers from a business perspective. Make sure your guru understands who you’re trying to target. ● Understand the offerings. Social media is not a science. What works for your ideal audience may not work for others. That’s why social media packages vary as much as restaurant food prices. Some people do retainers, some monthly and some hourly fees. Know what you’re paying for. After you’ve narrowed down your list of social media people who seem capable, dig deeper into understanding how you would work together. Ask them to draw up a proposal or editorial calendar. Pay them for their time. Examine their ideas on how they plan to reach a larger audience. You’re looking for creativity here as well as things you may have already tried that didn’t work. No reason to work with someone who’s doing exactly what you’ve already done. If They’re Going to Be You, They Must Know YouFinally, communication is key when looking for someone who will be representing you on social media. While a good social media person should ask you the following things about your business, if they don’t, make sure you communicate these important details.
The hardest part of handing your social media over to someone else is making sure their efforts fit your goals and remain authentically “you.” Don’t expect that putting someone else in charge means that they will take it off your hands in a “set it and forget it” kind of way. You want to remain a part of the social side of your business. After all, the success in that area is about building relationships and you don’t want to pay someone to do that for you. They can assist with the day-to-day posting, but the relationship should remain yours. Christina Metcalf is a writer/ghostwriter who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She loves road trips, hates exclamation points, and talks to her dog like she can understand every word. _______________________________________ Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking Medium: @christinametcalf LinkedIn: @christinagsmith By Jordyn Cantalope & Jess Ptacek, Hello Neighbor Committee  Hello Neighbor is an Alexandria area initiative dedicated to helping new and existing residents integrate into the community. Finding friends and making connections, especially when you’re starting a new job in an unfamiliar city, can feel daunting. But, through Hello Neighbor, the Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission and the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce have a simple goal: to help you make connections and “find your people”.
So why does Hello Neighbor matter? Adapting to a new environment extends beyond merely unpacking boxes or settling into your new workspace. It’s about finding your place, making friends, and feeling at home. We understand that building those connections is essential for a fulfilling life here in the Alexandria Area. What Hello Neighbor Offers: Monthly Events: Mark your calendars for the second Tuesday of each month! These events are designed to bring people together. Whether you are a long-time resident or a recent arrival, these gatherings provide an opportunity to meet fellow community members working or supporting their partners in the Alexandria Area.
Community Connections: In June, our annual Community Connections event takes center stage. This event features live music, food trucks, yard games, axe throwing, face painting, and a variety of informational booths. These booths cover a wide range of extracurricular activities – things you’ve always wanted to explore but didn’t know how to get involved in. Supporting Hello Neighbor: Sponsorship Opportunities: Businesses can play a vital role in promoting community cohesion. Consider becoming a Great Neighbor with a $1000 sponsorship or a Good Neighbor with a $500 sponsorship. The benefits extend throughout the entire 2024 calendar year. Employer Support: Employers are encouraged to stay connected with Hello Neighbor on Facebook, subscribe to text and/or email alerts, and share important information with their employees. By doing so, employers can retain and support their employees, helping them connect with and appreciate the area just as much as we do! Partnership Opportunities: If you own a business and have creative ideas on how it could contribute to a Hello Neighbor monthly event, we invite you to get in touch with us at [email protected]. Share your thoughts and let us know how you’d like to support our initiative! Individual Support: If you resonate with our vision, you too can play a vital role in the success of Hello Neighbor. Spread the word about our initiative to new neighbors, co-workers, or friends, and together, let’s keep forging meaningful connections! Visit HelloNeighborMN.org to learn more about this program! |
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