Social Media Virtual Assistant vs. Social Media Consultant

Navigating the digital age requires savvy social media management, and businesses are increasingly turning to experts to boost their online presence. But when you’re faced with the choice between hiring a Social Media Virtual Assistant (VA) and a Social Media Consultant, which should you choose? 🤔

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Having a strong social media presence is vital for businesses of all sizes. It’s a powerful tool for building brand awareness, engaging with customers, and even driving sales.

However, managing social media effectively can be time-consuming and requires specific skills from both a Social Media VA and a Social Media Consultant. Let’s dive in and uncover the best fit for your business needs!

Let’s get to it! 💪

What is a Social Media Virtual Assistant?

A Social Media VA handles the day-to-day management of your social media accounts. Think of them as the hands-on support that keeps the wheels of your social media strategy turning 🔄

Key Responsibilities:

• Content Creation & Scheduling: Crafting posts, creating graphics (using tools like Canva), and scheduling them across platforms.
• Engagement: Responding to comments and messages, and engaging with your community to build relationships.
• Analytics: Basic monitoring of social media performance and generating reports.

👉 Related: Why hire a Social Media VA from the Philippines?

What is a Social Media Consultant?

On the other hand, a Social Media Consultant acts as your social media strategist. They’re the brains behind the operation, focusing on big-picture planning and optimisation 🧠

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategy Development: Creating a comprehensive social media strategy tailored to your business goals.
• Brand Voice & Positioning: Ensuring your social media aligns with your brand identity and market position.
• Advanced Analytics & Reporting: Deep diving into analytics to refine strategies and achieve better results.

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Training & Guidance: Providing training and advice to your team on best practices and emerging trends.

How is a social media consultant different from a social media manager?

While a Social Media Consultant offers high-level insight and strategy, the Social Media Manager is on the ground with your VA, executing your plans and interacting with your audience.

Our amazing Social Media Manager Victoria Nelle (right) started as a social media virtual assistant and works with our Managing Director Richard Phu (left) and the marketing team.

Some businesses may start with a consultant to create a strategy and then hire a manager to implement it. Others might need a manager to take charge of their existing strategy to enhance engagement and growth 🧑‍💻

Consultants are ideal for businesses that already have the manpower for day-to-day social media tasks but need a robust strategy to guide their efforts. In other words, they help lay the foundation upon which all your social media activities will be built! 🏗️

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Social Media Managers, meanwhile, work hand in hand with your VAs. They should be your go-to if your business needs someone to:

• actively manage your social media channels
• execute strategies effectively
• and engage with your audience.

In short, social media managers ensure the day-to-day upkeep of your social media presence with the support of VAs 🚀

5 Tips: Choosing Between a VA and a Consultant

Now you know what a Social Media Virtual Assistant is, and how they differ from Social Media Consultants and Managers. But how do you choose between a VA and a Consultant? 🤔

The choice between the two depends on your specific needs:

If you are…

• overwhelmed with the daily tasks of social media management, and your strategy is set but just needs to be executed, a Social Media Virtual Assistant is the way to go 👍 They can take the load off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on other critical aspects of your business.
• uncertain about your social media direction, lack a coherent strategy, or aren’t seeing the results you hoped for, a Social Media Consultant can help. They can provide the expertise you need to navigate the social media landscape successfully!
• looking for someone to revamp your existing social media strategy or create a completely new one from scratch, a Consultant is your best option💡They’ll deep dive into your business and what didn’t work in your previous campaigns in order to create a customised solution for you.
• on a limited budget, VAs tend to be more affordable and are ideal for businesses looking to outsource routine social media tasks without breaking the bank 💸

Can Social Media Virtual Assistants and Consultants work together?

Absolutely!

In fact, for many businesses, having both can be the golden ticket. A Social Media Consultant can develop a robust strategy tailored to your business goals, while a Social Media Virtual Assistant can ensure its effective execution. This combination can lead to a powerful social media presence that drives engagement and growth.

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Sometimes, the best approach is a combination of both. A Consultant can set up a strategy, while a VA executes the day-to-day tasks 🤝

Social media is now non-negotiable for businesses

We’re now in the digital era, and social media has become a non-negotiable part of business marketing. Whether you choose a Social Media Virtual Assistant, a Social Media Consultant, or both, depends on where you are in your social media journey and where you aim to go.

By understanding the unique value each brings to the table, you can make an informed decision that best suits your business needs 💯

Whether you opt for a Social Media VA or a Consultant, the goal is to enhance your social media presence and engage effectively with your audience. Remember, the right choice varies from business to business, depending on your current capabilities, goals, and budget 👌