New data shows 26 percent of social media managers say human and financial resources are their biggest roadblocks.
And by that, of course, they mean there aren’t enough of either.
A total of 344 social media managers responded to the survey conducted by researchers from The Manifest, a site launched by Clutch. Human and financial resources were identified as the top challenges.
Top Social Media Marketing Challenges
Other challenges included lacking a formal strategy (24 percent) and inability to build a following (24 percent). Tracking results was also identified as a significant challenge by 17 percent of those surveyed.
Previous research showed that 52 percent of small businesses say social media has helped increase their business.
Based on the two surveys, small businesses clearly see the benefits of social media and want to do more. So they’re left with two choices:
Invest More in Social Media Marketing
Consider the results of this survey and address the top challenge facing social media managers. Invest more money into social marketing. But don’t just throw more money at a situation and expect it to work.
Don’t ignore the other challenges, namely the lack of a plan. Before spending money, determine how it will be spent — and how you will know what your returns are? How can you track results?
Scale Strategies
If you can’t invest more in social media, be smart with the money being invested there now. Avoid the challenges faced by so many social media pros. Don’t create strategies requiring too many people or too much money. Those costs could counter the benefits.
If your social media strategy has worked until now, consider subtle changes. However, if you think there are more sales to be made by a heavier social media presence, consider the results of this survey. It’s going to take money and people to get it done.
Photo via Shutterstock
Hi Joshua Sophy,
You have taken up a very relevant subject. In general, handling social media for a company is a formal task and is different from youngsters interacting with friends and family. Companies have targets to meet within a time frame. That is why they cannot and should not be handling things like hobbyists do. Obviously, they need time and money.
Your suggestions are very good in this regard. If we are going to invest more in social media, we need a plan. Also, there has to be a way to monitor results. This way we can get the benefits we want. Similary, if our strategy is working alright as it is, we can consider minor and subtle changes.
You have raised the topic at the right time and put everything in the right perspective. You also made very good use of infographics. Thanks for posting this very helpful article.
-Naveen