Just because you’re a great business person doesn’t mean you know the ins and outs of marketing. Social media can be a tough nut to crack, especially for small hotels. If you’re having trouble, it might be time to hire a hotel social media agency.
Even picking the right social media agency can be harrowing. With so many options out there, how do you narrow down which ones will be right for your business?
While everyone’s business plan is different, there are a few questions you should ask before you hire an agency.
What is their specialty?
There are so many different companies out there that say they specialize in social media. In reality, many of them have a lot of specialties. Here are three company types you might come up against.
- Digital Marketing Companies – Digital marketing companies specialize in all things digital marketing (content, SEO, social media, PPC, email, etc.). This can be good if you want them to bring a little more expertise to the table than just social media.
- Content Marketing Companies – Content marketers focus on producing content that creates engagement and boosts SEO. They often use social media as a distribution channel and know how to create content for this channel that supports the bigger picture.
- Social Media Marketing Company – Social media marketers ensure their focus and expertise is in social media marketing.
Now that you know the distinction, you know where to start looking for a company that will be best for you.
Do they have case studies?
You never want to hire anyone without references or examples of the work they’ve done in the past. You wouldn’t do that with your employees, and you definitely don’t want to do that for your hotel social media company.
Ask to see case studies that highlight projects they’ve worked on. If it puts your mind at ease, it’s even worth asking for references at one of their past or current clients. If they’ve done a great job, people are going to want to tell you about it. And when it comes to social media, the proof is usually right in front of your eyes.
Have they done business in your industry?
Hotels require a specific type of marketing and the industry comes with its own set of obstacles. Anyone who wants to take on your social media initiatives should have an understanding of the hotel industry.
If they don’t have any case studies or references in the industry, ask if they’ve worked with similar companies. Other businesses in the hospitality industry might translate when it comes to marketing. Since you’re spending money on getting your social media right, you need to make sure you bring the right people on board.
Do they buy likes and followers?
Some social media companies cheat and purchase followers and likes, instead of working for it. Users can see this from a mile away. You definitely don’t want to get caught doing this when you’re trying to authentically engage or it could damage your reputation.
Usually, you can use social media analytics to see if this is the case. If there’s a steep gain followed by a sharp decline, chances are they purchase followers. In that case, move on to the next option.
Choosing the right hotel social media marketing agency is a big decision for your company. Asking the right questions will ensure you get the right company on your side.
