What social media services can $500 get you

If you read my previous blog post, what social media costs and why, you're probably not interested in working with professionals in social media. When you're a small business owner, and a social media strategy costs $2,550-$3,200 before tax, including the content strategy, if you can't justify the expense, it's not worth it.

Small social media budget? Okay

Your social media budget is likely less than the cost of that social media strategy, including expertise, time and expenses! That may be true. Still, how do you get the other aspects of your business in order when you can't afford the expert? You learn.

Social media consultations

One social media service that you can get for $425 is one (1) month of strategy consulting. Successiory, and several other professionals, offer this service. If you are prepared, monthly consulting sessions can help you to develop your own social media strategy or identify the right performance criteria. The key is to be prepared. Before making an appointment, research the basics of a social media strategy and start building. When you meet the consultant, you're just asking how to fill the gaps. At Successiory, click here to see which package suits you.

Social media workshops

Speaking or presentations and workshops is a second social media service that you can get for under $500. Why would you pay for training when there are so many free online webinars? The secret? Free webinars are always just an introduction to the person and the problem. They rarely provide actionable solutions. Personalized training can guarantee sessions focused on you and your business' needs. Again, preliminary research helps. If you know what you don't know, the consultant can deliver more targeted training to give you a lot more in one hour, than if they delivered a generic session on everything. Plan ahead. (Testimonials)

What about professional social media services?

As you grow and earnings increase, you will realize that maintaining social media community requires more in-depth analysis and agility. Your social media strategy should evolve to suit. 1-hour sessions won't get you to the next stage. At this stage, you need support so you can maintain community while focusing on your business. This is when, you invest in in-depth social media strategy development with a solid content strategy, annual social media audits and more.

A good social media consultant, genuinely interested in your business' success on social media, will help you determine where you are in this process. Research consultants too!

Just one question

Do you have $500 and a few 30-minute sessions to spare every two (2) to three (3) months?