Hiring a social media marketing VA can help business leaders ease the burden of juggling multiple responsibilities. Busyness does not always equate to productivity and growth. The demands of social media management are sometimes consuming most of our time and resources, leading to an unproductive busyness that should have been allocated to more important tasks. By understanding and developing the scope of work for a social media marketing virtual assistant, business leaders can get a much-needed breather.
Growth of Small Businesses in the US
Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, employing nearly half of the private workforce. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses employed two out of three net new jobs from 1995 – 2021. However, with limited resources, many small business owners struggle to keep up with all facets of marketing, especially maximizing the benefits of social media.
A 2022 survey by Visual Objects found that 70% of small businesses increased their social media marketing budgets. As small businesses continue to grow, having a dedicated social media marketing VA can be an affordable way to maintain an active online presence.
Related article: Gen Z Soft Skills: Bridging the Virtual Workplace Gap
Cost Comparison of Recruiting Talent, Working with an Agency, and Hiring a Remote VA
According to ZipRecruiter.com, the average annual salary for a social media manager in the US is around $31/hour plus benefits. Hiring a full-time in-house employee can be costly, especially for small businesses. Working with a social media marketing agency is another option, but agency fees typically average $3,500 per project depending on scope.
In contrast, hiring a remote social media marketing virtual assistant through a dedicated VA agency, WeGrow VA, can cost $500 to $1,600 per month for 20-60 hours of dedicated work. A VA provides personalized support at a fraction of the cost of an agency or full-time hire. This affordable solution allows small businesses to access specialized skills while operating lean.
Related article: How Can Solar Companies Benefit From Remote Work
Addressing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hiring a Social Media Marketing VA
Taking that leap and hiring a Social Media Marketing VA (SMM VA) can be the biggest investment to pivot for busy business owners. But before you start searching for virtual assistant talents, you might have some questions. By addressing these FAQs comprehensively, we can offer clarity and guidance to our audience, positioning ourselves as trusted experts in the field.
What is the Scope of Work for an SMM Virtual Assistant?
Scope of Work in Content Creation
When it comes to content creation, an SMM VA plays a role in developing engaging content formats tailored to the brand’s messaging and target audience. This involves crafting compelling text posts, captivating images, and attention-grabbing videos.
Additionally, conducting thorough keyword research ensures that content is optimized for search engines, enhancing its visibility and reach. Knowledge in developing content calendars to maintain consistency across platforms, ensuring a steady stream of valuable content for followers.
Scope of Work in Scheduling & Posting
Efficient scheduling and posting are part of social media management. SMM VAs should at least have know-how in utilizing social media management tools such as:
| Tool Name | Pricing | Scheduling & Posting Features |
| Buffer | Free plan with limited scheduling, paid plans start at $6/month | Schedule posts to Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Bulk scheduling available. Queue evergreen content for automatic posting. Preview posts before publishing. |
| Hootsuite | Free plan with limited scheduling, paid plans start at $49/month | Schedule posts to major social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube). Calendar view for visualizing your social media content. Team collaboration features for managing multiple accounts. Bulk scheduling and post variations. |
| Sprout Social | Free trial, paid plans start at $99/month | Robust scheduling features for various social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube). Drag-and-drop calendar for scheduling and post visualization. Approval workflows for team collaboration. Advanced features like social listening and engagement reporting (paid plans). |
| CoSchedule | Free trial, paid plans start at $59/month | Drag-and-drop calendar for scheduling and managing social media content across platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn). Social media queue for evergreen content. Integrates with project management tools for streamlined workflow. Paid plans offer advanced analytics and reporting. |
| Crowdfire | Free plan with limited scheduling, paid plans start at $7.48/month | Schedule posts to various social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, YouTube). Curate content from RSS feeds and social media channels. Identify optimal posting times based on audience engagement. Paid plans offer advanced analytics and competitor tracking. |
Whether free or paid tools, having a strategy to maximize its feature in scheduling posts in advance, optimizing efficiency, and allowing for strategic planning is an advantage.
By identifying optimal posting times based on audience behavior and platform algorithms, SMM VAs maximize engagement and amplify the brand’s online presence. Continuous monitoring of industry trends enables them to adapt strategies accordingly, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
Related article: How to Choose a Project Management Tool for Virtual Assistants
Scope of Work in Community Management
Effective community management fosters meaningful connections with followers and maintains a positive brand image. SMM VAs actively engage with the audience by responding to comments and messages promptly and professionally
Social media VA experts moderate online communities to ensure respectful discourse and address any issues or concerns that may arise. By nurturing conversations and building relationships with followers, SMM VAs cultivate a loyal and engaged online community.
Scope of Work in Social Media Analytics
Understanding analytics helps summarize historical content performance. Being knowledgeable in extracting and interpreting critical KPIS aids in creating a strategy for expanding and growing the digital visibility of your brand.
SMM VAs track key metrics such as engagement, reach, and website traffic using sophisticated analytics tools. Generating comprehensive reports and providing valuable insights, help clients gain a deeper understanding of their audience and the effectiveness of their campaigns. Analyzing competitor performance also offers critical insights and identifies opportunities for improvement.
Essential Skills & Experience for Your Social Media Marketing VA
In the previous section, we explored the various tasks an SMM VA can handle to elevate your social media presence. As a seasoned business owner, you know that effectively managing your company’s marketing platforms is crucial, yet it can be incredibly time-consuming. Hiring the right social media marketing virtual assistant (SMM VA) can be a game-changer, freeing your valuable time to focus on core business operations.
When evaluating potential SMM VA candidates, it’s important to look for specific skills and experience that will benefit your organization. Here are the priorities to consider:
Proven Social Media Expertise
Your ideal SMM VA should be a true digital native, living and breathing the ever-evolving social media landscape. Look for individuals with:
- Mastery of Major Platforms: In-depth experience with the key social networks your business utilizes, like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
- Paid Advertising Acumen (if applicable): For businesses utilizing paid social media ads, seek an SMM VA with a solid understanding of best practices in this area
- Analytics Savvy: The ability to leverage social media analytics and reporting tools to track performance, analyze data, and optimize your approach.
Compelling Content Creation
Engaging, high-quality content is the lifeblood of a thriving social media presence. Your SMM VA should possess:
- Strong Writing Skills: The ability to craft compelling captions, blog posts, and other written content that resonates with your audience.
- Multimedia Mastery: Experience creating content in various formats, from text posts to eye-catching visuals and videos.
- Optional: Graphic design skills or knowledge of design tools to enhance the visual appeal of your social media presence.
Effective Communication
Clear, effective communication is crucial for building relationships with your audience and maintaining a positive brand image. Your SMM VA should demonstrate:
- Polished Professionalism: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact with you and your customers.
- Engaging Personality: Ability to maintain audience interest and engagement by striking the right tone.
- Community Management Expertise: Experience responding to comments and messages promptly and professionally.
Organizational Prowess
Managing multiple social media accounts and deadlines requires exceptional organizational skills in an SMM VA.
- Project Management Expertise: Familiarity with project management tools and social media scheduling platforms.
- Time Management Mastery: Demonstrable ability to prioritize tasks, plan workflows, and meet deadlines consistently.
In addition to technical skills, consider soft skills like adaptability, creativity, and a strong work ethic. These qualities will ensure your SMM VA can think outside the box, adapt to changing trends, and manage their time effectively – qualities that are especially valuable for mature business owners like yourself.
When evaluating potential candidates, request portfolio samples, references, or even social media certifications to verify their expertise. By prioritizing these key skills and experience, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect SMM VA to elevate your established business’s social media presence.
Related article: Max, Your Marketing VA
Let Our VA Talent Agency Find Your Social Media Marketing Superstar
As a growing business, leaders know the value of a skilled social media marketing professional, but finding the right fit can be a daunting task. That’s where our WeGrow VA talent agency comes in.
We specialize in connecting entrepreneurs like you with experienced, vetted social media marketing virtual assistants who can elevate your online presence while freeing up valuable time.
Here’s how we can help:
Tailored Matching: We’ll work closely with you to understand your unique business needs, goals, and preferences, then handpick the perfect SMM VA candidate from our talented pool.
Streamlined Hiring: Say goodbye to the hassle of sifting through endless resumes. We’ll handle the entire hiring process, from screening to interviewing, so you can focus on running your business.
Ongoing Support: Even after your SMM VA is on board, we’ll provide continuous supervision and management to ensure a seamless, productive working relationship.
Ready to take the next step? Request a virtual assistant today, and let us find your social media marketing superstar.
Don’t let social media management hold you back any longer. Partner with WeGrow VA team and watch your online presence soar.
