What it’s really like to work with a social media agency.
So - you want to work with a social media agency.
Great! You’ve come to the right place.
But what does working with a social media agency actually entail?
Well, let’s lay out the process for you, from start to finish.
When you enquire with us here at Melbourne Social Co, you will speak to a member of our strategy team, who will ask all the right questions of you, including;
- A little about your business (we want to know what you’re selling, who you’re selling it to, and what sets you apart from the rest?)
- What are you looking to achieve through a social media campaign? Brand awareness? Conversions? Foot traffic to stores? All of the above? Great. Fill us in!
- What is your ideal monthly spend? We need to know an approximate figure that you have to spend monthly so that we can tailor our recommendations to suit and pitch you something realistic and actionable.
From there, our team will go away and put together a tailored proposal for you. We’ll go through it together, make tweaks as needed, and once we’re all aligned on what needs to be done, it’s time to get started.
Depending on your campaign, you will most likely begin with a Social Media Strategy.
This is our favourite place to start with new clients, as it allows us to deep dive into your brand, you current social media output, your target audience, competitors and so much more. We align this information with your goals and objectives and strategically craft a campaign to roll out over a 3-6 month period.
Your Account Manager, along with our senior team will present your social media strategy to you on completion, and run through any questions you might have at this point.
From there, if you’re a retainer client with Melbourne Social Co, we roll into your monthly social media management plan. This might include undertaking your first photo/video shoot, as well as setting up your paid ads campaign if you’re running one of these.
You’ll be presented with your first fortnight of social media content that has been crafted under the close direction of our Head of Social Media, which once approved, will be distributed by our team.
Here begins a wonderful monthly cycle of content creation, distribution, shoots, paid ads and of course analytics and reporting. You will have a monthly catch-up with your Account Manager (but of course we’re only a call away during the rest of the month) where we analyse the month that’s been, and what we’ve got planned for the month ahead.
Here are Melbourne Social Co, client retention is one of our core objectives as a business. We pride ourselves on our close working relationship with our clients, and have had many clients spend 2, 5 and even 10 years with the agency.
We can’t wait to show you more about this wonderful social media agency that we’ve built, and the incredibly talented team that are ready to work with you.
Get in touch with us today and let’s chat further.
Do you have any questions about working with a social media agency? Let us know on Instagram.
Want to see what else we're up to? Visit us on TikTok for a behind the scenes peek at our agency.
Nailing the TikTok Game: Creating Content That Slays!
If you've got a hunch that TikTok is the place to be for content creators, you're absolutely right! It's not just a platform for dance challenges and lip-syncing anymore. TikTok has evolved into a powerhouse for content of all kinds.
So, let's break down what types of content are key when it comes to TikTok.
1. Short, Snappy, and Eye-Catching Videos
TikTok is all about short attention spans and quick fixes. The ideal video length? 15-60 seconds. Keep it concise! Your content should be a burst of excitement, making viewers go, "I need to see this!"
2. Trend-Hopping and Challenges
TikTok trends are the lifeblood of the platform. Jump on the latest dance, challenge, or trend, and you might just ride the wave to viral fame. It's all about being in the know and keeping your content fresh.
3. DIY and Life Hacks
Gen Z and Millennial audiences love to learn, and TikTok is the ultimate school of life hacks and DIY brilliance. From cooking hacks to home improvements, share your knowledge and make it visually captivating.
4. Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses
Peel back the curtain and show your followers the "real" you. Whether it's a sneak peek into your creative process, office BTS, or day-in-the-life vlogs, authenticity is 🔑.
5. Storytelling and Emotional Appeal
Social media users have a soft spot for storytelling. Share heartwarming tales, personal experiences, or relatable anecdotes. It's a surefire way to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
6. Humour and Memes
Laughter is the universal language, and memes are our currency. If you can make someone LOL in 15 seconds or less, you've got a winner!
7. Music Magic and Soundtracks
Music is the backbone of TikTok. Use catchy tunes and popular soundtracks to enhance your content. A good song choice can elevate your video to viral status.
8. Collaborate and Duets
Team up with fellow creators for duets and collaborations. It's a fantastic way to cross-pollinate audiences and create engaging, shareable content.
9. Relatable Content
The more relatable your content, the better. Address everyday challenges, pet peeves, and "adulting" struggles. We all love content that makes us feel seen and understood.
10. Call to Action (CTA)
Don't forget to tell your viewers what you want them to do! Whether it's "Like and Share" or "Tag a Friend," a clear CTA can boost engagement.
11. Consistency is Queen
To truly conquer TikTok, consistency is key. Regularly post content to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
If you're looking to succeed on TikTok, remember these content types. Keep it short, trendy, educational, and, most importantly, authentic. TikTok is your stage, so get out there and let your creativity run wild. Who knows, the next viral sensation could be just a tap away!
Need help with your brands' TikTok strategy? Get in touch with us today.
Want to check out what we're up to on TikTok? Visit us here.
The Power of People: Boosting Your Retail Brand's Social Media Content with a Human Element
In today's digital landscape, social media plays a vital role in connecting retail brands with their audience, showcasing products, and driving engagement. While product images are crucial, incorporating a human element in your social media content can elevate your brand's online presence. Discover the benefits of featuring people in your social media content and how it enhances engagement, authenticity, and brand appeal.
- Relatability and Emotional Connection: When your social media content features real people, whether employees, customers, or influencers, it instantly becomes more relatable. Humans are drawn to faces and stories, forging emotional connections with your brand. Highlighting experiences, emotions, and stories of people associated with your products builds a powerful bond, increasing engagement and fostering customer loyalty.
- Authenticity and Trust: Authenticity is crucial in today's influencer-driven market. By incorporating a human element, you showcase the real people behind your brand and products. This transparency builds trust with your audience, driving engagement and conversions. Authentic content cultivates strong relationships, encourages customer advocacy, and enhances brand credibility.
- Storytelling and Brand Narrative: Storytelling captivates audiences, making it an effective tool for retail brands. Featuring people in your content allows you to tell compelling stories about your brand, products, and associated individuals. Whether sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, customer testimonials, or employee spotlights, these narratives humanise your brand, differentiate you from competitors, and leave a lasting impression on followers.
- Social Proof and User-Generated Content: Including people in your content leverages social proof. When your audience sees real people engaging with your products, it validates your brand's value and quality. User-generated content (UGC), such as customer photos, showcases genuine experiences, building trust and credibility. UGC not only increases engagement rates but also fosters a sense of community and the potential for viral content.
- Increased Engagement and Virality: Social media algorithms prioritise engaging content. Incorporating a human element increases the likelihood of likes, comments, and shares. People are more inclined to interact with content featuring individuals, sparking conversations and virality. Cultivating a sense of community through the human element drives engagement and expands your brand's reach.
So, while integrating a range of content pillars is essential, integrating a human element into your retail brand's social media content significantly enhances your online presence. Relatability, authenticity, storytelling, social proof, and increased engagement associated with featuring people in your posts elevate your brand, foster connections with your audience, and drive business success. Embrace the faces, stories, and experiences behind your products—it's the human touch that sets your retail brand apart in the digital world.
Want to know how you could incorporate a human touch into your social media strategy? Reach out to us today.
Want to see what goes on behind the scenes at MSC? Follow us on TikTok.
Why Australian Food Brands Should Embrace the Social Media Feast
Social media is a must-have ingredient for success, especially for Australian food brands. With its vast reach and engagement potential, social media platforms are essential for connecting with customers, building brand awareness, and driving business growth. In this blog post, we'll explore why Australian food brands should embrace social media and provide insights into creating engaging content for maximum impact.
- Wide Reach and Targeted Audience: Social media platforms offer a vast audience for Australian food brands. By strategically using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, food brands can reach their target audience effectively. Tailor your content to specific demographics, such as health-conscious individuals or local communities, amplifying your reach and connecting with the right audience.
- Mouth-Watering Visual Delights: Visual content is the secret sauce for success on social media. Capture attention with high-quality, captivating visuals of your dishes, products, and recipes. Utilise platforms like Instagram to showcase the artistry and flavors of your offerings. Experiment with engaging videos, professional images, and different angles to entice followers and make them crave your delectable creations.
- Storytelling through Recipes and Cooking Tips: Engage your audience through storytelling using recipes and cooking tips. Australians are passionate about cooking and love trying new recipes. Share your signature dishes, highlight seasonal ingredients, and provide step-by-step instructions. Incorporate interactive elements like videos, GIFs, or live streams to enhance engagement. Encourage your followers to recreate your recipes and share their experiences, fostering a community of food enthusiasts.
- Behind-the-Scenes Sneak Peeks: Unveil the magic behind your brand by sharing behind-the-scenes content. Australians appreciate transparency and want to see the dedication and passion that goes into creating mouth-watering food. Showcase your team, sourcing processes, and quality control measures. This transparency builds trust and fosters a deeper connection with your audience.
- User-Generated Content and Competitions: Harness the power of user-generated content (UGC) and competitions to boost engagement. Encourage your audience to create content related to your brand and run competitions that encourage participation. Ask followers to share their food experiences, recipes, or food styling using your products or dishes. Repost and feature UGC, giving credit to the creators. This not only increases engagement but also provides social proof and authentic testimonials.
- Collaborations and Influencer Partnerships: Supercharge your reach by collaborating with food influencers, bloggers, or local chefs. Partnering with influencers allows you to tap into their dedicated followers and generate authentic content. Seek influencers who align with your brand values and target audience for genuine endorsements and recommendations.
Social media is the secret ingredient that elevates Australian food brands. Embrace the wide reach, visual appeal, storytelling, and user-generated content opportunities offered by social media platforms. Serve up mouth-watering visuals, share recipes, provide behind-the-scenes access, and foster a sense of community. By leveraging social media, your food brand can create a delectable digital feast that engages customers and drives business success.
Want to work with our team? Reach out to us today.
Want to see what goes on behind the scenes at MSC? Follow us on TikTok.
Social Media Marketing for Hospitality Businesses
Check out some of our best tips for using social media marketing to promote your hospitality business.
Social media marketing has become an essential tool for hospitality businesses looking to grow and reach new customers! With over 4 billion people using social media worldwide, there's no denying that it's a powerful marketing channel for the hospitality industry; after all, everyone loves to eat!
Here are our top tips when it comes to Social Media Marketing for Hospitality Businesses.
Define Your Target Audience
The first step in creating a successful social media marketing strategy for your hospitality business is to define your target audience. Are you targeting millennials and young adults, families, high-income diners and foodies, tourists, business travellers, or luxury travellers - the list goes on! Once you've defined who your target audience really is, you can create content that speaks directly to them.
Use High-Quality Visuals
At its core, social media is a visual medium, so it is essential to use high-quality visuals to showcase your hospitality business. Include photos of your location, key menu items (food and drinks) and amenities. Using professional, high-quality imagery and video that showcases your business's assets, customer appeal, and point of difference will help to build a strong visual presence.
Showcase Your Brand Personality
Effectively showcasing your brand personality and values is greatly favoured in the social media landscape. This can include highlighting your business' unique features and amenities, such as best-selling dishes, aesthetic interiors or unique services. Do this alongside sharing stories about your staff, customers and brand ethos to create rapport, differentiate from competitors and brand loyalty.
Respond to Customer Feedback
Social media is a two-way communication channel, and it's essential to respond to customer feedback promptly. Whether it's a positive review or a complaint, make sure to acknowledge it and respond professionally and constructively. This process will help build trust and loyalty with your customers, leading to repeat sales and valuable word-of-mouth marketing.
Leverage Influencers and User-Generated Content
Think about how many times you've been out for a meal and seen someone take a picture of their lunch (maybe even you did too!). The power and availability of user-generated content can be cleverly leveraged to promote your business to a greater audience. Featuring and posting UGC alongside partnering with influencers in your industry effectively and affordably advertises and promotes your business. Resharing this customer-created content can have a flow-on effect and encourage others to share their experiences at your venue on social platforms, creating a continual cycle of authentic independent advertising whilst encouraging new customers to visit.
Use Paid Advertising
When it comes to social media marketing, oftentimes you need to 'pay-to-play.' Meaning you will see greater results when you put funding behind your online advertising. Monetizing ads on social media can be an invaluable tool for hospitality businesses. Consider using Facebook or Instagram ads to target your ideal audience based on demographics, interests, and behaviours. You can also use Google Ads to target customers who are searching for related industries or businesses such as hotels or activities in the area.
Ready to get started?
Without a doubt, social media marketing is an essential tool for hospitality businesses looking to grow and reach new customers! By defining your target audience, creating and posting high-quality visuals, showcasing your brand personality, responding promptly to customer feedback, leveraging influencers and user-generated content, and using paid advertising, you can create a highly successful social media marketing strategy for your hospitality business.
However, we always remind our clients that social media marketing is just one component of a comprehensive marketing strategy, and your businesses should also focus on other marketing channels to achieve the greatest ROI.
Want to chat to us about social media marketing for your hospitality business? Click here.
Want to get a feel for our work? Visit us on Instagram.
Want to be a social media manager? Here's 5 tips to secure an interview at a creative agency
We’re currently recruiting for a number of Social Media Manager roles at Melbourne Social Co. Each role we advertise tends to get hundreds of applications. Which, to be honest, is kind of amazing. To think that hundreds of people want to work at this wonderful business that we’ve created is a bit of a thrill really.
But, on the flipside, unfortunately it’s impossible for us to reach out to and interview every candidate that applies, as much as we’d love to.
So what makes a Social Media Manager application stand out from the rest? Here are a few things that I look for when reviewing applications.
1. A well designed resume.
If you want to be a Social Media Manager at a creative agency, you’ll need to have an eye for aesthetics, formatting and be confident with design platforms like Canva. It’s not difficult to put together a great looking resume in 2023, and unfortunately a word doc no longer cuts it - sorry!
2. No typos!
Attention to detail is so important. If there are typos or grammatical errors in your cover letter and resume, I’ll pick up on them straight away. When you’re working in a creative agency, every piece of content you put together for a client needs to be of an incredibly high standard. So guys, pop your cover letter and resume through Grammarly before you hit send!
3. Don’t copy and paste your cover letters.
It can be pretty obvious when a cover letter is just copy and pasted across multiple job applications. Sure, I understand that you might be applying for lots of jobs, and you don’t have time to write a cover letter from scratch for each application. And that’s fine! But, I want to know that you’ve taken the time to check out our business, know a little about who we are, and can tell us why you’re the right fit for the role. A quick, customised first paragraph can make the world of difference.
4. Spell check key names!
If you’re reaching out to a key person, or addressing your application to the agency, make sure you spell our names right. Honestly, I don’t mind being called Shelly (it happens 20+ times a day) but these little mistakes really speak to attention to detail.
5. Share examples of work
Aside from the above, what we really need to see from an application is that you can do the ‘doing’. Please share examples of your work with us, or tell us about some of the things that you’re working on. We want to know that you’re across the latest trends for social media, are excited about our industry, and have a passion for creating/collaborating on great work that you will bring to our agency.
Have I missed anything? What do you think makes a Social Media Manager job application stand out from the rest?
Want to know more about our team? Check us out here.
How much does a social media agency charge?
You’ve decided that you want to work with a social media agency - great!
One of the first questions on your mind is no doubt - how much is it going to cost me.
Great question, we’re glad you asked.
There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach to social media management. (Hint - be wary of agencies with standard packages!)
A great agency will jump on a call (or ask you to share a detailed brief) to understand your goals and objectives, target audience, current pain points, preferred ways of working and approximate budget. From there, the agency will go away and put together a custom quote that balances what you’re wanting to achieve with what you have available to spend.
The best agencies will share flexible retainer options, that can be scaled up and down as budget and business activity require.
But that’s not helpful right? You want to know the figures.
Here’s a quick breakdown.
- Smaller agencies or freelancers may cost from $1,000 - $3,000 per month.
- Fees to work with a medium sized experienced social media agency typically start from $3,000 per month and scale from there, dependant on your requirements.
- To work with large well-known agency, fees will typically begin at $20,000 per month and head upwards from there.
So what can you expect for your spend?
When you work with a low-cost small social media agency or freelancer, you’ll typically get lots of hours dedicated to your account. Great! Lots of hours means lots of output.
On the flipside, you’ll often (but not always!) be working with a relatively inexperienced team, who only have a few clients on their books. Expect lots of attention but a little hand holding will be required. The old saying ‘you get what you pay for’ generally applies here.
When you work with a large agency (you know the ones, these are the guys with a top floor of a St Kilda Rd office building, or a warehouse in Cremorne, BIG brands on their books, hundreds of staff) you get the benefits that come with working with an industry heavy weight. They’ll often have a direct line into Meta, thought leaders in the creative department and a seriously impressive folio.
There are plenty of perks with working with the ‘names’. However, alongside the perks often come the red flags. Hundreds / thousands of clients mean your business will be one amongst MANY. Expect to have regular account manager turn over and a low amount of hours dedicated to your campaign.
Reactiveness is not a strong suit of these agencies. Because of their size, there are more layers and processes involved. So if you’re after a campaign that plays to trends and latest platform changes, this is not the place for you.
And of course, $20,000+ per month is not realistic for every business.
That brings us to the happy middle ground.
Now - please keep in mind we’re biased because this is the space we play in.
When you work with a medium sized social media agency, you’re typically working with a team of 15-30. These agencies are generally experienced businesses with a big mix of clients, from start ups, through to global businesses. In the great medium sized agencies (of which there are a few REALLY great agencies in Melbourne - and if MSC isn't the right fit for you, we can give you a few names of other agencies we love) there is typically really low staff turnover, meaning a consistent, dedicated Account Manager on your account.
Because these agencies have around 50-100 clients on their books at any given time, your business is not a number but a very important piece of the agency’s puzzle.
The cost is always going to be higher than a small agency or freelancers - expect an hourly rate of somewhere between $100-$200. But with that fee, you gain access to the skills of the entire team, which includes the senior team closely overseeing your campaign. So while the dedicated hours to your campaign might be slightly lower than what you’ll gain access to with a freelancer or small agency, the quality of work, attention to detail and expertise is much greater.
The medium sized agency is still small enough to be able to work really dynamically and reactively, as they’re not bogged down with procedures and red tape. (Typically, content can be produced within 24 hours, so that trends are still relevant by the time your work goes out.) But they're large enough to be well versed in strategy, and know what works for different business types and industries.
The team working on your account generally only works with around 5-10 clients, they’re not overloaded and they REALLY care about your business.
Perhaps the biggest perk? If you think about it - at an investment of $5,000 per month, you’re looking at paying $60,000 per year for your experienced agency team, which is equal to (but generally less than) what you would be spending on a single employee. So really - you’re saving money.
Have we convinced you?
If you’d like to chat further or request a bespoke proposal from our team, please reach out.
Or, check out what we're up to on LinkedIn.
Should my business be on TikTok?
Here are the reasons businesses should integrate TikTok into their social media strategy.
You’ve avoided it long enough! It’s time. Your business now needs to start thinking about using TikTok.
Why?
With over 1 billion users worldwide, TikTok is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms, with no signs of slowing down.
With its high engagement rates and creative features, TikTok presents a huge opportunity for businesses to reach a wide audience and grow their brand.
Here are some tips on how to succeed on TikTok as a business:
- Understand the platform and its audience: To succeed on TikTok, you need to understand the platform and its audience. TikTok is a platform that celebrates creativity, humour, and authenticity. It's important to create content that resonates with the platform's young and diverse audience.
- Be authentic and transparent: TikTok users value authenticity and transparency. Avoid using scripted or overly polished content, and instead showcase your brand's personality and values (and humour if you can!)
- Use creative visuals and music: TikTok is a visually-driven platform that encourages users to be creative with their content. Use eye-catching visuals, creative transitions, and trending music to make your content stand out from the crowd.
- Participate in challenges and trends: TikTok is known for its challenges and trends. Participating in relevant challenges can help your business reach a wider audience and increase engagement. Make sure to use trending hashtags to increase your visibility.
- Engage with your audience: TikTok is a social platform, so it's important to engage with your audience. Respond to comments, DMs, and user-generated content to build relationships with your followers and show that you value their feedback.
- Collaborate with other creators and brands: Collaborating with other creators and brands can help you reach new audiences and increase your credibility on the platform. Look for opportunities to collaborate with influencers or other businesses in your industry.
- Measure your success: To succeed on TikTok, you need to measure your success and adjust your strategy accordingly. Use TikTok's analytics to track your engagement rates, follower growth, and video performance. Use this data to identify areas for improvement and optimise your content strategy.
In some ways, TikTok is a great place to experiment with content, trends and authenticity, due to its less polished nature. And there’s no better time to start having a play than the present! One hot tip? Have fun, and don't take your brand too seriously.
Want some help putting a TikTok strategy together, or would you like to outsource the content creation to our team? We manage some of the largest TikTok accounts in Australia, and we’d love to assist. Get in touch today!
4 go-to tips for creating great social media content
Stuck in a content rut? Creating content that keeps falling flat?
Social media management can be a tricky job (speaking from experience here!) You need to constantly feed the hungry social media beast (read algorithm) with content. But creating content just for the sake of posting every day? It just doesn’t work. Particularly when you’re posting as a brand. Your content needs to have purpose and really resonate with your audience.
Easier said than done right? Well, to get you started, here are a few tips from our team on creating content that WORKS in 2023.
Here are our 4 go-to tips for creating great social media content this year.
- Be clear on your objectives
Every piece of social media content that you create should fit within a greater social media strategy, rather than creating for content’s sake. What are you try to achieve with your content? Be clear with your purpose and create with this in mind.
- Know your audience
Who are you speaking to on social media? Different audiences have different content preferences, and it’s important to create content that your audience will really resonate with. Figure out who you’re speaking to first, and then create content that suits.
- Create with authenticity
In 2023, authenticity is TRENDING. If your brand doesn’t have an authentic voice and content style, you’re likely to be left behind this year. Create content that really speaks to your brand and it’s values. Use a conversational tone and engage engage engage with your audience.
- Play to the platform
No more cross posting the same content across every platform guys! Look at each platforms’ specific algorithm preferences, and tweak your content to suit.
Want to learn more from our team? Get in touch to schedule a consultation session.
Want to see what we're up to? Visit us on Linkedin.
A guide to nailing social media trends
Every social media strategy in 2023 needs a pillar dedicated to social media trends.
While every business’ approach will vary, an awareness of trends and ability to adapt quickly to platform changes is so important in todays’ landscape.
Some key tips to nailing social media trends within your content strategy are:
💙 Make sure you’re staying on top of what’s trending every week. (If you subscribe to our Social Media Trends Report, this will magically land in your inbox weekly - no scrolling required!
💙 Identify when trends are relevant to your business. Some trends will work for your brand and your objectives, and some wont! There’s no need to try to jump on every trend that emerges - be selective and utilise trends that work best with your authentic tone of voice
💙 Act on trends quickly. There’s no time for a 4 week approval process here - if you’re not acting on a trend within 48 hours, you’re too late
💙 Create and edit your content within platform where you can. Stats are suggesting that native content created within app outperforms content designed and edited elsewhere
💙 Remember that trending content doesn’t need to be perfect. While it can be challenging for brands to move away from slick, professionally designed content that has been through months of revisions and approvals, we know that the audience today is craving authenticity. Not every piece of content you share needs to be perfect - it just needs to create positive sentiment with your audience
If you are keen to update your 2023 social strategy to include authentic, fast moving, native or trending content, subscribe to our Weekly Social Media Trend Report.
When you sign up you’ll receive:
💙 A report of trending content, magically landing in your inbox each week
💙 Actionable content prompts to tap into trends
The cost? $10 per week. No scrolling required, no minimum sign up, cancel anytime.
Sounds pretty good right?
Click here to learn more and subscribe!
