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Hiring a Social Media Manager vs. Social Media Certification

Because social media has become so ingrained in most people’s daily lives, any company that wants to get grow should be utilizing the appropriate social media channels. Not only does social media provide a way to get in front of new potential customers, but it also provides a way to increase engagement with existing customers.

If you’re in the position of deciding how to better integrate social media into your business, you may be thinking about whether to focus on hiring a social media manager or invest in social media certification for your entire team.

Since this is a topic we’ve discussed with numerous business owners over the last year, we want to share our thoughts on it.

The Value of a Social Media Manager

If you’re in a position to hire a social media manager on a contract, part-time or full-time basis, you can definitely reap tangible benefits from doing so. The key to getting the most out of a social media manager is hiring someone with a track record of getting results from social media. While there are times when it makes sense to hire a candidate who’s inexperienced but enthusiastic, that approach generally doesn’t work out with a social media manager.

There are several ways that a social media manager can help your business. Not only can they make it possible for your business to actively market itself through multiple social media channels, but they can also stay on top of your existing social media following. Having the ability to engage more frequently with existing followers is a great way to increase referrals and overall brand awareness.

Why Social Media Training is So Important

While having someone managing your presence across social media platforms can be very helpful, that doesn’t mean their efforts should exist in a vacuum. On the contrary, the majority of companies that are most successful with social media are those that get their entire team involved.

Since worrying about a team member doing something wrong or inappropriate via social media is a valid concern, the good news is this problem can be prevented by having everyone go through social media training. Not only will this type of training prevent embarrassing snafus, but it will also empower every member of your organization to utilize social media to the fullest.

The Bottom Line

If you already have employees, investing in social media training is a smart choice that will yield results. And if you’re currently in a position to hire a social media manager or will be in the future, doing so will also bring benefits to your business. So as you can see, it’s not a matter of choosing between the two. Instead, this topic demonstrates just how much can be gained from social media when it’s utilized correctly.

Web Media University offers 3 great ways to earn your Social Media Management Certification!

On-Demand – Get Instant Access so you can train at your own pace!

In-Person – Join your peers in a classroom in your local city!

Live Virtual – Login to screen-sharing software and learn in real-time virtually!

Looking to learn even more? Consider becoming a member of Web Media University.

What Your Web Media University Membership Includes:

• unlock 2 individual courses of your choice each month
• Attend members-only monthly training webinars
• Access to the must-have social media tools directory
• Calendar of must-attend social media events
• Free training in your local Social Media Enthusiast’s group
• Access to our social media bookstore with must-read books
• BONUS: One free 1-hour personal coaching session, a $349/value
• BONUS: 50% off the Send Social Media Posting tool, a $24/mo value
  
• BONUS: $100 credit to be used toward a Social Media Certification Class of your choice

Cancel online anytime. All for $99 per month!

Could you or your company benefit from social media training? Book a free consultation with our expert teacher who can assess your current skill level and recommend the best training program for you or your team!

Michelle Hummel is the CEO of Web Media University. She was recently nominated for the Woman-Owned Business of the Year! CEO of Web Strategy Plus, a full-service digital marketing agency. She’s a passionate Social Media Trainer with 15+ years of successful online business development, sales, and marketing experience. She also holds a valuable Internet Marketing Degree however in the ever-changing world of web marketing she strives to learn something new every day.

She travels Nationwide visiting the 26 Social Media Enthusiasts Chapters she developed Nationwide delivering in-depth social media training. A current contributing editor to The Franchise Dictionary Magazine and she has written 3 books in her series called, “The Social Media Magnet: Everything You Need to Know to Attract Customers with Social Media”, where she shares her best-kept secrets to success. She also specializes in helping Franchisors and Franchisees develop an integrated web marketing program to drive leads. She’s available for interviews via email, telephone, Skype video, news segments on location, and more. Just let her know how she can help!