How to Trust a Social Marketer (After You’ve Been Burned)

So you’ve been burned by a self-proclaimed marketing expert… They really seemed to know what they were doing at first, but after endless emails that lead to several headaches and more work than it was worth, they completely missed the mark. The worst part about it is that you still need some sort of social media presence. But how are you supposed to trust the next group of so-called social media professionals?

We get it. And it’s a major bummer.

Unfortunately, we hear it all the time.

The social media industry has changed and grown in so many ways over the past few years. It’s expanded the marketing industry and opened up exposure and revenue-growth opportunities for millions of businesses around the globe. On the other hand, the industry has developed a reputation of so-called professionals *gasp* overpromising and under-delivering.

Not anyone with a Facebook account is a social media expert.

Not everyone with a marketing background is qualified to manage your social strategy.

So, how do you spot a phony who knows just the amount of jargon to sound like they know what they’re talking about?

Look for Data-Driven Results

Ask how success will be measured. The beauty of digital is in the data. How will they measure if your social strategy is working or not? Have them explain their content and advertising optimization process. How will results be communicated and delivered to you? At Matchstick, we provide an in-depth monthly report to every client and review it with them whenever needed. This way our clients are never wondering what we are doing and how it is working. Additionally, the reports should be somewhat customizable based on your needs and what you would like to see.

Look Over that Contract with a Fine-Tooth Comb

Some agencies try to get you on the hook as quickly as possible for as long as they can. They also sometimes have language that allows them to own whatever content, channel or advertising if you ever leave them. At Matchstick Social, we believe that trust is earned and takes time. That’s why we usually start with a smaller commitment to see how the partnership works for everyone. (Just keep in mind that most strategies take about 90-days before a “sweet spot” is found.)

Ask About Creative

You won’t realize how much content is really required for a strong social strategy until you’ve launched one. When it comes to social media, there is no such thing as too much content. Constantly updating creative is no easy task. 

How will creative be delivered? Who will be responsible for what? At Matchstick, we have an in-house graphic designer, as well as a professional photographer. This allows us to take more off of clients’ plates and handle as much of the content creation as possible.

Get References

Talk is cheap. Don’t be afraid to ask for references. Speak to clients who have worked with them. Don’t settle for a testimonial on their website. Get on the phone and ask questions. If you want a specific list of questions to ask social marketers before you hire them, we happen to have that, too! 

Lastly, ask about client retention. Matchstick’s client retention rate is one of the things we are more proud of. After six and a half years in business, we still have clients that we managed in our first year.