The importance of using social media to brand and build authority cannot be overemphasized. However, most entrepreneurs do not have the time and/or creativity that social media marketing requires.

Remember, you don’t even have to do everything yourself, especially the tasks outside your expertise. Outsourcing social media to a social media expert is a smarter move to make. But then, there’s always a concern about who to entrust your brand’s social media presence with.

Choosing a Social Media Marketing Consultant

It is important to find and choose an expert you can trust, bearing in mind that the expert will be in charge of your brand’s social marketing messages. In essence, whatever message the personal puts across will be representing your brand, whether good or bad. Now, the big question is, how can you identify a trustworthy social media outsourcing expert?

Do you really want an honest answer? Start by researching authentic testimonials of their previous clients. And, how can you go about such research? Check the testimonial section of the social media consultant to know what clients are saying about them. If a testimonial section doesn’t exist, that could be a red flag.

Also, in researching a social media consultant, search for the name or company’s name on Google to see if they exist on the web. There should be a mention of them and their work on the web, whether good or bad. Use Google Maps to search for the consultant’s website or name – this should reveal local reviews on the company. Also, if the consultant is on LinkedIn, you will find reviews.

Another way to research and choose a social media outsourcing expert is to find out who your industry colleagues are consulting for their social media marketing. A colleague in your industry or niche may have a referral for you on LinkedIn.

Don’t Leave Your Social Media Outsourcing Partner all Alone

In essence, you should work closely with the expert. This is beyond just having occasional meetings with the expert. It requires complete availability so that you can always have access to the expert when you have questions or matters arising from your social media marketing. You also have to be available whenever your consultant needs you.

For instance, social media comes with lots of things. An issue may come up, requiring your urgent and immediate attention. You must be available to respond to your social media consultant as soon as possible. For instance, you may be required to directly communicate with a customer on a complaint or problem.

Another important aspect of working closely with the consultant is to monitor what they do. When they send updates, peruse such updates to see if they are both relevant and timely. Make sure the expert has a good grasp of what you do and your industry as a whole.

Daven Michaels is a New York Times Best Selling Author and CEO of premiere global outsourcing company, 123Employee. The company employs hundreds of young bright individuals on three continents. His International event, Beyond Marketing Live! Inspires entrepreneurs to build & grow their business with revolutionary new theories and systems allowing them to design the business and personal lifestyle of their dreams