Social media digital assistants are becoming increasingly popular in 2023, whether we are talking about hiring a distant worker or employing software and apps.
As a business owner or marketing professional, you understand the importance of an active social media presence to build brand awareness and connect with your target audience.
However, managing multiple social media profiles across various platforms requires a significant time commitment to create engaging content, post regularly, monitor activity, and respond to comments and messages. For many companies, hiring a full-time social media manager is not feasible. A solution is to outsource these tasks to a freelance social media digital assistant or VA.
What Exactly Is a Social Media Digital Assistant?
A social media digital assistant, also known as a social media VA, is a professional who helps manage a company’s marketing and advertising efforts. They execute and optimize social media strategies to increase brand awareness, drive traffic, generate leads, and boost sales.
Social media VAs typically handle tasks such as:
- Developing and implementing social media content calendars to plan and schedule posts across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
- Creating and curating content, including blog posts, images, videos, and other media to post on company social media profiles.
- Engaging with followers by liking and commenting on their posts and responding to messages and comments on the company’s social media profiles.
- Analyzing social media insights and metrics to optimize content and strategies. This includes evaluating what’s working, what can be improved, and making data-driven recommendations.
- Staying up-to-date with changes in social media platforms and trends to leverage new features and ensure content and strategies are current and effective.
- Potentially managing social media advertising campaigns, including creating ads, choosing target audiences, and analyzing campaign performance.
In summary, a social media digital assistant helps build and maintain a professional and engaging social media presence for a business. Handling the day-to-day social media marketing tasks allows business owners and teams to focus on other high-level priorities. The role of a social media VA will only become more important as platforms and strategies continue to evolve.
10 Scheduling Tools to Use as a Social Media Virtual Assistant:
Make your life easier and have a content plan to batch schedule your client’s posts.
here’s a table of some of the most popular scheduling tools used by Social Media Virtual Assistants, along with their hyperlinked names:
| Scheduling Tool | Social Media Virtual Assistant Functionality |
|---|---|
| Hootsuite | Hootsuite is a comprehensive tool that allows you to schedule posts, monitor engagement, and track the performance of your content across multiple social media platforms. |
| Buffer | Buffer provides an intuitive interface for scheduling posts, with features for managing all your accounts in one place and analyzing your social media performance. |
| Later | Later is a visual social media planning and scheduling tool that is especially popular for Instagram, but also supports other platforms. |
| Sprout Social | Sprout Social offers a range of social media management tools, including scheduling, monitoring, and reporting. |
| CoSchedule | CoSchedule is a robust tool for managing and scheduling social media content, blog posts, and more. |
| Planoly | Planoly is a visually-oriented planning system for Instagram, allowing you to preview and arrange posts. |
| MeetEdgar | MeetEdgar offers features for scheduling, recycling content, and automatically posting your content at optimal times. |
| AgoraPulse | AgoraPulse offers scheduling, social inbox, and detailed analytics. It also allows for competitor analysis. |
| SocialPilot | SocialPilot provides social media scheduling, analytics, and collaboration tools for teams. |
| ContentCal | ContentCal is a content planning and scheduling tool that helps teams create and publish social media content. |
What exactly does a Social Media VA do?
A Social Media VA primarily assists with Facebook and Instagram social media responsibilities. However, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Pinterest may also be included.
I refer to Facebook as the “Facebook Monster” since it must be fed new information daily… That becomes old quickly, especially for a business owner focused on running their company. When a business owner is immersed in running their business, it’s difficult to keep up with the daily posting requirements! They understand that in order to be seen, visible, and grow, they need to be active online.
A social media VA can lighten your load and “feed the Facebook monster.” This colleague can fill in for the owner or enhance their personal voice with additional strategic content… or simply manage the entire social media account. And, as a result, social media posts necessitate follow-up conversations – a business owner cannot be online all day and needs to manage their time.
Many business owners also rent it out because they don’t know what to post! It is not their expertise, and they do not wish to be drawn into it.
You might begin with scheduling posts written by the client and progress from there. This is a terrific way to get your foot in the door at this level because there is A LOT OF WORK, and some companies aren’t ready or have the cash for a full-time dedicated social media manager or strategist.
Key Responsibilities of a Social Media VA
As a Social Media VA, your key responsibilities will be managing a company’s social media profiles and online presence. This includes:
- Developing and implementing a social media strategy aligned with the company’s goals. You will determine which platforms to focus on, ideal posting frequency, and the types of content to share to engage the target audience best.
- Creating and curating content. You will develop social media posts, blogs, images, video, and other media to share on the company’s social networks. The content should be optimized for each platform and focused on educating and engaging followers.
- Monitoring social media platforms and staying up-to-date with trends. You must closely monitor comments, reviews, and direct messages to respond promptly to followers. You also must stay on top of changes to social networks and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Analyzing key metrics and optimizing campaigns. You will track metrics like impressions, reach, engagement, clicks, and conversions to determine what’s working and not working. Then make changes to improve the performance and ROI of social media efforts.
- Reporting on results and insights. You should provide regular reports on social media activities, metrics, and key takeaways. Share optimization recommendations and get input on new initiatives to improve outcomes.
With the right skills and experience, a Social Media VA can be an invaluable resource for managing a company’s digital presence and social media marketing. The role requires both strategic and hands-on capabilities to truly make an impact. If this sounds like an exciting opportunity, you may have found your ideal career path.
Why Hire a Social Media Virtual Assistant?
Increased Productivity
As a business owner or social media manager, your time is valuable. Hiring a social media VA allows you to delegate routine social media tasks so you can focus on other high-priority areas of your business. A social media VA can handle tasks like:
- Scheduling social media posts in advance
- Engaging with your followers by liking and commenting
- Monitoring trends in your industry and audience interests
- Suggesting content ideas to keep your social feeds active and engaging
Fresh Perspective
A social media VA brings a new set of eyes to your social strategy. They can provide an objective analysis of what’s working and not working, and suggest innovative ways to improve your social media marketing. An outside perspective can help identify opportunities you may miss if you’re too close to the day-to-day management of your social profiles.
Expertise
While you may dabble in social media, a social media VA has the expertise and experience to skillfully manage your social media marketing. They stay up-to-date with the latest social media best practices and tools to maximize your reach and engagement. A social media VA can also help ensure your social media profiles maintain a consistent, professional brand image.
Cost-Effective Solution
For many small businesses, hiring a full-time social media manager is not feasible. A social media VA offers an affordable alternative. You only pay for the specific services you need, whether it’s a few hours a week or a more comprehensive monthly retainer. This allows you to get the benefits of social media marketing at a fraction of the cost of an employee.
In summary, hiring a social media virtual assistant can increase your productivity, provide a fresh perspective on your social strategy, leverage expert knowledge, and offer an affordable solution for your business. With their support, you’ll have more time to focus on high-level initiatives to grow your company.
How to Find and Hire a Great Social Media VA
Define the Role and Responsibilities
A social media VA, or virtual assistant, helps manage a company’s social media marketing and advertising. Their core responsibilities typically include:
- Developing and implementing social media strategies aligned with business goals
- Creating and curating content for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
- Engaging with followers by posting, commenting, and messaging
- Analyzing metrics and insights to optimize content and strategies
- Staying up-to-date with changes in social networks and digital marketing
Determine Your Needs
Do you need help with content creation, community management, advertising, or all of the above? Defining your specific needs will help you find a VA with the right experience and skills. Think about which social networks are most important and how many hours of support you require each week or month.
Search on Relevant Websites
Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are popular for hiring social media VAs. Browse profiles of candidates, read reviews from their other clients, and find those with experience in your industry or target audience. Some VAs specialize in certain platforms or types of content, so look for someone whose expertise matches your priorities.
Review Portfolios and Set Up Interviews
Once you’ve found some promising candidates, check out their online portfolios to see examples of their work. Reach out to set up phone or video calls with your top choices. Come prepared with a list of questions to determine if they will be a good fit for your team and work style. Discuss their approach, availability, and rates to find an option that suits your budget.
Provide Training and Feedback
Even the most experienced VA will need guidance on your brand voice, audience, and business goals. Provide initial training to set them up for success, and give regular feedback as they get started. An open line of communication is key to building an effective partnership with your new virtual assistant. With the right match and proper onboarding, a social media VA can become a valuable member of your digital marketing team.
FAQ: Common Questions About Social Media Digital Assistants
What does a social media digital assistant or social media VA do?
A social media digital assistant, also known as a social media VA, helps manage a company’s social media marketing and advertising efforts. Their main responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing social media strategies to increase brand awareness and generate leads or sales.
- Creating and curating content for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. This includes writing posts, taking photos, creating graphics, and editing video.
- Engaging with followers by liking and commenting on their posts, and responding to messages and comments.
- Analyzing social media insights and metrics to optimize content and strategies.
- Staying up-to-date with changes in social networks’ algorithms and features.
Why would a business hire a social media digital assistant?
There are several benefits to hiring a social media VA:
- Save time. Managing social media marketing is time-consuming. A social media VA handles it for you so you can focus on other areas of your business.
- Gain expertise. Social media VAs have the skills and experience to effectively build brand awareness and generate leads through social media.
- Increase productivity. With a social media VA on your team, your social media marketing will become more consistent and impactful. They can also train your staff on best practices.
- Reduce costs. Hiring a freelance social media VA is often more affordable than hiring an in-house social media manager. They charge by the hour or project, so you only pay for the work that’s done.
How do I hire a social media digital assistant?
When hiring a social media VA, look for candidates with a proven track record of success in social media marketing for businesses similar to yours. Review their profiles on websites like Upwork or Fiverr, check their references, and interview a few top candidates. Be prepared to provide access to your social media accounts and marketing goals so they can develop the best strategy and content for your needs. With the right social media VA on your team, you’ll gain a valuable partner to help build your brand and connect with customers online.
Conclusion
As you have learned, a social media digital assistant or social media VA can be an invaluable resource for your business. They have the expertise and experience to efficiently manage your social media marketing so you can focus on running your company. While hiring an in-house social media manager is one option, working with a freelance social media VA is often more affordable and flexible.
They can help with tasks like content creation, community management, analytics, and advertising. If you want to improve your social media presence and engagement but don’t have the time or skills to do it yourself, consider partnering with a social media VA. They can help take your social media marketing to the next level and allow you to reclaim your time. The investment in an experienced social media VA is well worth it for the benefits to your business and brand.