The Small Business Guide to Working With a Social Media Agency

Hiring a social media agency is a big decision for a small business. It's an investment of money and trust. Get it right and it transforms your marketing. Get it wrong and you've wasted months and budget.

What a Good Agency Should Offer

• Strategy first - Any agency worth their fee will start with strategy, not posting. If they jump straight to "how many posts do you want?" - run.
• Clear reporting - You should receive monthly reports with metrics that tie back to business goals, not just vanity numbers.
• Proactive communication - You shouldn't have to chase your agency. Regular check-ins and updates should be standard.
• Content approval process - You should see and approve content before it goes live, at least initially.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Guaranteeing specific follower numbers
• Refusing to share their strategy or reasoning
• Long lock-in contracts (more than 3 months initially)
• No case studies or references
• One-size-fits-all packages with no customisation

Questions to Ask Before Signing

1. What does the first 30 days look like?
2. How do you measure success?
3. Can I speak to a current client?
4. What's your content creation process?
5. How do you handle negative comments or a PR issue?

The right agency feels like an extension of your team, not a vendor you barely hear from.