DIY Social Media vs. Hiring an Agency: Which is Right for You?

In case you hadn’t realised, we live in a digital world, and social media is no longer optional. Think of all the times you’ve gone onto a business’ social media to find posts from two Christmases ago and a TikTok effort from last year. It’s not a great look. However, many small business owners face a common dilemma when aiming to solve this problem: should they manage their social media in-house (i.e. do it themselves) or hire an agency? The allure of control and cost savings often clashes with the reality of time constraints and the need for professional expertise. 

This is where Start Social steps in, offering an effective and affordable social media management solution that bridges the gap between DIY and full-scale agency services. We understand the challenges businesses face, and today’s blog aims to provide a balanced comparison, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your unique needs and goals.

The DIY Social Media Experience: Control and Cost, But at What Price?

The DIY approach to social media management appeals primarily due to the perceived control and potential cost savings. You retain complete authority over your brand's online presence, ensuring your voice and vision are accurately represented. Avoiding agency fees is a key financial decision for businesses operating on tight budgets… cough we’re super budget friendly cough.

However, the DIY route has significant trade-offs, most notably the required time commitment. Managing social media effectively is not part-time; it demands consistent effort and dedication. Content creation, scheduling, and basic analytics tracking can quickly consume valuable hours that could be better spent on core business activities. 

Furthermore, successful social media management requires a specific skill set, including copywriting, graphic design, and an understanding of platform-specific best practices.

Maintaining consistent content creation and engagement is a significant challenge for DIY social media. Posts can become sporadic and inconsistent without a structured strategy and dedicated resources, leading to decreased engagement and a diluted brand presence. Engaging with followers, responding to comments and messages, and participating in relevant conversations require time and effort that many business owners simply don't have.

Inconsistent branding and messaging are also common pitfalls of DIY social media. Without a clear brand style guide and a strategic content calendar, posts can lack cohesion and fail to reinforce the brand's identity. This can confuse followers and weaken the overall brand message.

Finally, the ever-evolving nature of social media platforms requires constant vigilance. Algorithms change, new features are introduced, and best practices shift regularly. Staying up-to-date with these changes requires continuous learning and adaptation, which can be challenging for busy business owners. While DIY offers control and potential cost savings, it also demands a significant investment of time, skills, and consistent effort.

So as you might be gathering, the DIY approach saves you money… and that’s really about it.

Start Social: The Key to Affordable Expertise and Strategic Growth

Start Social offers a simple and sustainable alternative to the DIY approach. We provide professional social media management services at an affordable price, starting at just £149 per month. We understand the budget constraints of small businesses, and our pricing is designed to deliver exceptional value without breaking the bank.

Our comprehensive service package includes everything you need to maintain a consistent and engaging social media presence. We handle scheduling, ensuring your content is posted optimally to maximise reach. We create high-quality content that resonates with your target audience, capturing your brand's voice and vision. Our team crafts compelling captions that drive engagement and encourage interaction. We also provide access to a Buffer portal, allowing you to review and approve all content before it goes live and ensuring complete transparency and control. Doesn’t that sound so much easier than sitting in front of a computer for hours trying to come up with content?

At Start Social, you gain access to the expertise and efficiency of a dedicated team of social media professionals. We possess the skills and experience to create and implement effective social media strategies. We understand the nuances of each platform and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.

One key benefit of working with Start Social is the assurance of consistent, professional content. We maintain a regular posting schedule, ensuring your audience is consistently engaged. Our content is strategically planned and expertly crafted, reinforcing your brand's identity and message.

Outsourcing your social media management to Start Social frees up valuable time, allowing you to focus on core business activities. We handle the time-consuming tasks of content creation, scheduling, and basic analytics, freeing you to concentrate on strategic planning and business growth. Working with us is probably one of the easiest and most affordable ways to reclaim your schedule.

It's important to clarify that community management (such as responding to direct messages and comments) is intentionally left to the business owner. We believe genuine engagement is best achieved through direct interaction with your audience. This allows you to build authentic relationships and foster a stronger community around your brand. Start Social provides the tools and content to ensure your community grows.

Setting the Record Straight About Social Media Agencies

Small business owners may have some misconceptions about social media agencies, so we’d like to take this opportunity to clarify some things. At least, about us.

First things first; many people think that agencies are expensive. Start Social offers affordable packages for small businesses, starting from just £149 monthly. That’s because we believe professional social media management should be accessible to all businesses, regardless of size.

The second is that DIY is cheaper in the long run. While yes, DIY may seem cost-effective initially, the hidden costs of time, missed opportunities, and quality of content can outweigh the perceived savings. Inconsistent posting, poor-quality content, and lack of engagement can lead to lost customers and diminished brand reputation.

We started so we’ll finish; another concern is that agencies take away the business's voice. At Start Social, we work closely with our clients to understand their brand's unique voice and vision. We craft content that reflects their identity and resonates with their target audience. We act as an extension of your team, not a replacement. You’ll experience this first hand when you receive our onboarding materials where we get to know all about your business.

As you can see–Start Social isn’t your usual agency. We’re here to make a big difference for a little cost.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business: A Strategic Decision

Choosing between DIY social media management and hiring an agency like Start Social requires careful consideration of your business's unique needs and resources. To help you make an informed decision, consider the following checklist:

Time Availability

• How many hours per week can you realistically dedicate to social media?

• Are you willing to sacrifice core business activities for social media management?

Budget Allocation

• What is your monthly budget for social media marketing?

• Can you afford the potential costs of inconsistent DIY efforts?

Expertise Level

• Do you have the necessary content creation, copywriting, and analytics skills?

• Are you comfortable staying up-to-date with platform changes and best practices?

Strategic Goals

• Do you have a clear social media strategy aligned with your business objectives?

• Do you need help creating a strategic plan?

Scenarios

• DIY: It may be suitable for businesses with severely limited budgets and ample time, or those with the skills to manage their social media professionally and effectively.

• Start Social: Ideal for businesses seeking professional expertise, consistent content, and time savings without breaking the bank. It is also suitable for those who need help with strategy and high-quality content creation.

Considering these factors will help you determine which approach best aligns with your business's needs.

The long-term benefits of strategic social media management are undeniable. Consistent, professional content and targeted engagement can significantly enhance brand awareness, drive customer acquisition, and boost revenue. Investing in a well-crafted social media strategy through DIY or an agency is an investment in your business's growth and success.

Final Thoughts: Choose the Path That Fuels Your Success

Both DIY social media management and hiring an agency offer distinct advantages. The key is to choose the path that best aligns with your business goals, resources, and long-term vision. Whether you opt for the hands-on control of DIY or the strategic expertise of an agency like Start Social, remember that consistent, high-quality social media is an investment in your business's growth.

If you're looking for an affordable, effective way to elevate your social media presence and reclaim valuable time, we're here to help. Contact Start Social for a free consultation and discover how we can help your business thrive.

Or even better yet, if we’ve written a convincing enough blog, you might fancy checking out our social media plans.