If you’re in the process of boosting your brand’s social media game, you might be wondering: should I hire a full-time social media manager, or bring in someone on a freelance or consulting basis?
I’ve been in the social media world for over a decade, and I’m here to tell you there are some great reasons to consider hiring an independent consultant like me.
Here’s why it might just be the perfect solution for your business!
1. Top-Notch Expertise Without Breaking the Bank
Let’s talk money. When you hire someone full-time, their salary is only part of the cost. You also have to factor in benefits, (don’t forget the dreaded Auto-Enrolment thats on it’s way folks!!) training, software, and equipment expenses, as well as the time (and sometimes money) it takes to recruit the right person.
This can add up quickly, making an in-house role much more expensive than anticipated. You’re looking at around €35,000 annually, if not more depending on location.
With a consultant, you get all the skills and experience (sometimes even more specialised) for a fraction of that cost, without any of the extra overhead or stress. It’s high-impact expertise at a fraction of the price – what’s not to love?
2. Flexibility to Suit Your Business Needs
One of the best things about working with an independent consultant is the flexibility it brings. Need to ramp things up for a big launch? I can do that. Just want steady support month-to-month? No problem. When you work with a consultant, you get to tailor the level of service to what’s right for you – and adjust as things change.
With an in-house role, you’re paying a fixed salary regardless of actual demand, whereas a consultant can provide the flexibility to scale services up or down.
3. Experience Tailored to Your Industry
I’ve had the pleasure of working with some incredible brands in hospitality, entertainment, and tourism, so I know what works (and what doesn’t!) in those spaces. From creating captivating visuals to building engaged communities, my strategies are fine-tuned for industries that thrive on experience and storytelling. That kind of specialised knowledge can make a huge difference when it comes to seeing real results.
4. Risk of Skills Gaps
Social media is a broad field and is constantly changing. Platforms update, new tools emerge, algorithms shift – it’s a lot to keep up with.
Because I’m constantly learning and adapting to stay competitive, you benefit from the latest and greatest in social media without needing to spend time and resources on in-house training. I’ve got my finger on the pulse, so you don’t have to! (Seriously, I live on Social Media because I have a genuine passion for it! It’s not just a job for me.)
An in-house social media manager may be great at writing captions or posting consistently, but might lack the specific skills needed for things like video production, analytics, or platform-specific strategies. When you work with a specialised consultant, you’re hiring someone who brings a full, well-rounded skill set that’s harder to find in a single employee.
5. Fresh Perspective and Honest Feedback
One of the benefits of working with an outside consultant is that you get a fresh set of eyes on your brand. I’m here to help you find what’s working, improve what isn’t, and come up with new ideas to keep things exciting. Having that outside perspective means no “brand tunnel vision” – just honest insights and a focus on what will actually move the needle.
6. Focusing on Results – Every Single Time
At the end of the day, my goal is to deliver results. That means regular reports, tracking key metrics, and always looking for ways to improve. You’ll know exactly how social media is impacting your brand and where we’re headed next. When you work with a consultant, it’s all about making sure you’re getting real value and seeing the growth you want.
So is a Consultant Right for You?
If you’re looking for social media support that’s flexible, cost-effective, and laser-focused on driving results, a consultant might just be your perfect match.
I’m passionate about helping brands stand out and connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.
Curious to learn more?
Let’s chat and see how I can help take your brand’s social media to the next level – denise@thesocialmediadepartment.ie
