How to Write a Social Media Proposal
Here are some strategies for the social media marketer to help you draft out that social media proposal for your potential clients:
Some "potential clients" will be looking for a proposal to be a comprehensive social media strategy with specific ideas and tactics outlined. Beware of giving too much proprietary information away – many of these prospects will have no intention of hiring an agency, but are seeking high level strategy or ideas to guide their efforts. Be modest – don't give it all away on the first date.
2. Evaluate the Business - Look for quality
Before drafting the proposal – take a good hard look at the business and its current business model. Often times we have been approached by internet companies who are simply wanting to spam and sell links. Be sure to remember that even the best social media campaign cannot help a bad product or sleezy business model – use a level of discernment in choosing your clients. Ask the following questions: - Is the product or service offering quality? - How does the client make their money?
3. Get Clear - Ask Questions.
Many potential clients have come to us and said, "We'd like a social media proposal for our company". Before running to write, the following are some examples of the questions you need to ask: - What is the benefit you wish to gain from social media marketing? - What are the current external and internal communication needs within your business? - What type of internal resources do you have available? (content creators, technologists, etc?)
Finally, if an opportunity arises to ask about the allocated budget, ask. There is literally no end to what can be done for a client in social media. The budget can help determine how many hours should be allocated for content development can have a huge determinant on the tactics and strategies that are suggested in your proposal.
Additionally, no budget and just wondering "how much this is all going to cost me" likely means they aren't very serious about making an investment. It's not that you can't start with some things and ramp up, but not even being willing to react to a range of costs (or react to a specific list of services) may send red flags up for you.
4. Tailor Your Proposal - One size does not fit all
Yes, it is tempting to shoot a list of your services and call it a proposal, but social media is not one size fits all and your services will not be the right fit for every client. A good rule of thumb we've used in tailoring our proposals is to outline 3-5 services we provide that "make sense" for the client and the client's needs. We don't put everything and the kitchen sink – but show select services that take into account the social media readiness of the company, internal resources, and company objectives.
5. Client Goals and Expectations
Ask the client what they expect from a social media investment and, importantly, how quickly they want it. Good social media marketing is patient. You give things away (information, games, whatever) and build a following with it. It's not a banner ad campaign that starts on date certain and should be generate X clicks 2 days later. It could take 90 – 180 days to gain traction (depending, of course, on which tactics you've chosen and how they are otherwise supported). Does the client understand that?
Finally - this list is intended to be dynamic. If you are a social media marketer please offer your expertise, and if you are more of a potential client then we'd also be curious to hear your candid feedback.
Article By Lisa Braziel, Ignite Social Media
1. Be modest - Don't give it all away.
Some "potential clients" will be looking for a proposal to be a comprehensive social media strategy with specific ideas and tactics outlined. Beware of giving too much proprietary information away – many of these prospects will have no intention of hiring an agency, but are seeking high level strategy or ideas to guide their efforts. Be modest – don't give it all away on the first date.
2. Evaluate the Business - Look for quality
Before drafting the proposal – take a good hard look at the business and its current business model. Often times we have been approached by internet companies who are simply wanting to spam and sell links. Be sure to remember that even the best social media campaign cannot help a bad product or sleezy business model – use a level of discernment in choosing your clients. Ask the following questions: - Is the product or service offering quality? - How does the client make their money?
3. Get Clear - Ask Questions.
Many potential clients have come to us and said, "We'd like a social media proposal for our company". Before running to write, the following are some examples of the questions you need to ask: - What is the benefit you wish to gain from social media marketing? - What are the current external and internal communication needs within your business? - What type of internal resources do you have available? (content creators, technologists, etc?)
Finally, if an opportunity arises to ask about the allocated budget, ask. There is literally no end to what can be done for a client in social media. The budget can help determine how many hours should be allocated for content development can have a huge determinant on the tactics and strategies that are suggested in your proposal.
Additionally, no budget and just wondering "how much this is all going to cost me" likely means they aren't very serious about making an investment. It's not that you can't start with some things and ramp up, but not even being willing to react to a range of costs (or react to a specific list of services) may send red flags up for you.
4. Tailor Your Proposal - One size does not fit all
Yes, it is tempting to shoot a list of your services and call it a proposal, but social media is not one size fits all and your services will not be the right fit for every client. A good rule of thumb we've used in tailoring our proposals is to outline 3-5 services we provide that "make sense" for the client and the client's needs. We don't put everything and the kitchen sink – but show select services that take into account the social media readiness of the company, internal resources, and company objectives.
5. Client Goals and Expectations
Ask the client what they expect from a social media investment and, importantly, how quickly they want it. Good social media marketing is patient. You give things away (information, games, whatever) and build a following with it. It's not a banner ad campaign that starts on date certain and should be generate X clicks 2 days later. It could take 90 – 180 days to gain traction (depending, of course, on which tactics you've chosen and how they are otherwise supported). Does the client understand that?
Finally - this list is intended to be dynamic. If you are a social media marketer please offer your expertise, and if you are more of a potential client then we'd also be curious to hear your candid feedback.
Article By Lisa Braziel, Ignite Social Media
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