How to Outsource Social Media (Without Losing Your Mind)

"The bad news? Social media is a full-time job. The good news? It doesn’t have to be yours."

Let’s be honest — social media is exhausting. It’s also one of the first things to fall through the cracks when you're running a business. And that’s okay. You’re not a content machine. You’re not supposed to be.

Outsourcing your social media can be a game-changer... if you do it the right way. I’ve seen businesses thrive by outsourcing, and I’ve seen others get burned. So let’s break down how to do it smart, what to look for, and how to find the right fit for your goals.

First Things First: What Does “Outsourcing Social Media” Even Mean?

This might sound obvious, but people mean wildly different things when they say “outsourcing.”

Some providers just post for you. They’ll write captions, maybe design a few Canva graphics, and queue up some content. No custom visuals, no strategy — just keeping the feed alive. That’s your entry-level option.

Others will do engagement too — liking, commenting, following people — basically interacting with your audience so you don’t have to.

Then you’ve got full-service teams (like ours) that actually create your content. We show up with cameras, shoot video, take photos, and build a library of real content you can use all year. Then we post it, schedule it, and sometimes even engage on your behalf. It’s not for everyone, but it’s for people who want to show up online in a meaningful way.

Check out our Social Media Management Packages 

Ask Yourself This Before You Hire Anyone

Before you even start looking for help, ask yourself one question:

How much control am I willing to give someone else?

If you're in a tightly regulated industry — health care, construction, finance, or franchising — you probably have compliance to think about. Maybe it’s HIPAA. Maybe it’s OSHA. Or maybe corporate marketing needs to sign off on everything.

We’ve worked with clients like this. One of our construction clients, for example, needs every post reviewed for safety concerns. We use multiple systems on site to make sure no content that opens our clients to exposure is used. We also build approval processes so nothing goes out without our clients' blessings.

If you need that level of care, make sure your provider knows what they’re doing. Don’t assume everyone does.

Are You Just Posting? Or Are You Building a Brand?

This part matters. A lot.

If you just need someone to fill your feed, you can probably find a cheap monthly service that uses stock photos and pre-written captions. And hey — that might be totally fine! No shame in that. I’d rather see a feed with simple, consistent posts than radio silence.

But if you’re trying to:

• Build trust with new clients

• Show people who you really are

• Highlight your work and your team

• Get actual results 

…then generic stock content isn’t going to cut it.

Let me give you an example. We work with a landscaping company that used to post generic quotes and lawn tips. Once we started filming their crews in action, posting behind-the-scenes videos, and showing off real jobs — engagement multiplied.

Here are some more tips for Businesses that Use Social Media

Be Clear on Your Goals (Or Find Someone Who Can Help You Define Them)

When we start with a new client, the first thing we ask is: What are you trying to get out of this?

More followers? More calls? Better leads? Just want to look legit when people Google you?

Your social media manager can’t help you hit a target if you haven’t picked one. And if you’re not sure what your goal is? That’s okay too. A good partner should help you figure that out.

Also — set expectations. Understand what your team can do and what they can’t. Some things just take time. Some platforms work better for your industry than others. Be realistic, and demand that your provider is too.

Try It Before You Commit Long-Term

Here’s the truth: outsourcing your social media is a long game. Not weeks. Not even a couple months. It takes time to build momentum and start seeing real results.

That’s why we ask for a six-month minimum, with most of our clients committing to a year. But even if you’re not ready for that, don’t go in blind. Ask for a trial period. Or a pilot project. Something small that lets you test the waters.

Worst case, you learn what doesn’t work. Best case, you find a partner who gets you.

Is Outsourcing Even Right for You?

Let me say something that might sound weird coming from someone who offers this service:

Sometimes, outsourcing social media isn’t the smartest investment.

If you’ve got a limited budget, and you’re choosing between buying a company truck or hiring a social team? Get the truck. If you're still figuring out your core services or your brand, wait. Build your foundation first. Then use social to amplify it.

But if you’re ready to grow, if you’re ready to show up consistently, and if you want to stop stressing over content every week — then outsourcing might be the best move you make this year.

Final Thought: The Best Partner Feels Like Part of Your Team

The right social media team won’t feel like a vendor. They’ll feel like an extension of your business. They’ll care about your success, understand your tone, and represent you well — whether it’s with a phone camera or a full production crew.

So take your time. Ask the right questions. And remember: the goal isn’t just to post. It’s to connect.

And the right partner will help you do exactly that.