In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, social media has become a key component of any successful marketing strategy. However, not all organizations have the resources or need to maintain a full-time, in-house social media team. This is where the concept of hiring a fractional social media team member, or fractional social pro, comes into play.
“Fractional employment allows businesses to tap into the expertise of experienced social media professionals on a part-time basis, reaping a multitude of benefits that contribute to their overall success,” says Shon Christy, President of Shon Christy Social Media. “Companies have been leveraging this concept in their finance, accounting and human resources departments for years. Now the time has come to see it in a social media department.”
Smart Business spoke with Christy about the fractional social pro role and how it can help companies reach their marketing goals.
Why should companies work with a fractional pro rather than hire a full-time employee?
One of the primary advantages of hiring a fractional social media employee is the cost-effectiveness it offers to businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. Maintaining a full-time, in-house social media team or hiring a marketing agency can be financially burdensome, considering salaries, benefits and other associated costs. Fractional employment allows companies to access top-notch social media talent without the hefty price tag, ensuring optimal resource allocation.
Further, social media is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, requiring specialized knowledge to navigate successfully. Fractional social pros come with a depth of experience and expertise gained from working with various clients and industries. By hiring a fractional professional, businesses can benefit from the latest trends, strategies, and best practices in social media marketing without having to invest time and money in training an in-house team member.
Fractional social pros also provide businesses with the flexibility to scale their social media efforts according to their needs. Whether it’s a short-term campaign, seasonal overflow, ongoing social media management, or even plugging a hole for a team member who left while the company looks to replace them, companies can adjust the hours and workload of their fractional social media employee accordingly. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for businesses with fluctuating social media demands, allowing them to adapt to changing circumstances without the constraints of a fixed, full-time team or agency.
How might fractional social pros help keep companies focused on their core competencies?
Outsourcing social media responsibilities to a fractional social pro enables businesses to focus on their core competencies. Instead of diverting valuable time and resources towards social media management, internal teams can concentrate on core business activities, such as product development, customer service and strategic planning. This specialization enhances overall efficiency and productivity, leading to improved business outcomes.
Unlike the time-consuming process of hiring and onboarding a full-time employee, bringing on a fractional social pro is a quicker and more straightforward process. Businesses can tap into the expertise of these fractional social pros almost immediately, accelerating the implementation of their social media strategies and campaigns. Moreover, an experienced fractional social pro not only accelerates proficiency but also minimizes the learning curve, demanding minimal or no training. This expertise translates into immediate contributions, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness within the social media team.
In embracing the untraditional approach of using a fractional social pro, companies can seamlessly navigate the dynamic landscape of social media with speed and efficiency.
This innovative staffing solution not only offers strategic and cost-effective advantages but also ensures adaptability to diverse organizational needs. Tailoring the approach unlocks untapped potential, fostering a vibrant social media presence that aligns perfectly with each company’s unique identity and objectives.
