Mar 13 2012

How to Delegate Social Media Responsibilities Within A Company

You might have just the person in mind, someone who loves working online, feels comfortable navigating the social media jungle and is as engaging and enthusiastic online as they are off. Or you might all be sat trembling behind the keyboard tentatively wondering if Twitter is for you and whether you can take those first steps in engaging a new audience.

First and foremost, social media is for everyone, and once you have the hang of it, it can be the easiest way to reach a global market and to network with likeminded customers and companies. This is your chance to authentically communicate with people, increase brand awareness and build a community around your product or cause.

Remember, you want to become an authority in your industry, so your company must work together to provide an authentic voice and representation that will be trusted and respected.

There are different ways of delegating social media duties, it all depends on what works for your staff and your company.

  1. Ask - If you are not aware of it already, ask if there is someone in your company who is a real social media whiz. Perhaps they use sites to keep abreast of their hobbies, perhaps they want to develop their social media skill and are willing to learn. The best thing to do is give them a try and watch their success. Just make sure that this volunteer has access to those other members of staff who can answer, questions, offer advice and be the authority behind your organisation.
  2. Outsource - If you really are overwhelmed, or convinced like many that social media will not come naturally or is too time consuming, use a specialist company. You have two different options; ask them to guide and teach you – there are many tricks of the trade to make social media simple and effective, or hand over all duties to a professional who will make things happen and support the role with other internet marketing practices.
  3. Collaborate - By sharing the task at hand, colleagues can overcome barriers. The person willing to take the helm online can be supported by staff who know the company well, can answer questions and help develop ‘the voice’ of the brand online. Even if two staff members want to undertake the project, this shares the responsibility and takes some pressure off. Ask your staff and see what they think.
  4. Combination – All of the above. This way those who wish to learn can and soon enough someone will be expert enough to lead your company into social media success.

If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. Remember things move very quickly on the social media landscape and any minor mistakes can be rectified. Always bear in mind that what you are doing with these platforms is extending your brand’s reach and building your community. Be honest, authentic and represent your company’s true voice and you won’t go far wrong.

Carla Marshall is the Managing Director Sorbet Digital limited, the Video SEO Marketing company.

2 Responses to “How to Delegate Social Media Responsibilities Within A Company”

  1. Kevin says:
    March 13, 2012 at 2:49 pm

    Thank you for these great tips. The combination is my favorite one!

  2. Nick Stamoulis says:
    March 16, 2012 at 7:01 am

    A good social media strategy involves different people in different departments. People follow a business in social media for different reasons. You want to try and appeal to all types.