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Virtual Assistant or Social Media Manager: A Breakdown For Churches

We all know churches have to have a social media presence. That’s a non-negotiable in today’s world.

And, at least initially, it was easy enough to manage it on our own. A Tweet here, a follow there, and some icons in the footer of our websites and emails. Set-it-and-forget-it, right?

Well, maybe once upon a time. 

Because now? Social media moves at the speed of life – sometimes at the speed of light if the headlines are compelling enough – so more and more churches are hiring full-time help to handle the 24/7 influx of activity, engagements and opportunities.

If you’re a church plant or a small-to-medium church, the thought of hiring someone to manage your social presence seems lofty at best, and decadently impossible at worst.

But there’s another way – in fact, there are two!

And here, we’ll break down two of our contractor services – Social Media Managers and Virtual Assistants – so you can decide which one is right for your church – and realize why you probably need one, like yesterday!

 

The Breakdown

 

Social Media Manager vs. Virtual Assistant

  Virtual Assistant Social Media Manager
Schedule pre-written and pre-approved social media content 
Proof and edit prepared content
Compile free use stock photos, or images that already have licensing rights
Maintain basic editorial calendar 
Monitor activity across platforms and alert and follow up when comments and messages need to be responded to 
Establish regular social presence by sharing articles, blog posts and more to LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram 
Research the best graphic design websites, social media tools and scheduling software for a team to implement
Compile basic social media posts such as quotes, relevant articles and stock photos for the purpose of brand awareness  
Identify your audience on social media  
Identify your target audience and engage with your audience/online community on social media  
Monitor competing brands  
Understand current trends and implement new ideas when relevant   
Determine what content resonates with your audience  
Define brand voice and objectives for social media to inform what to post  
Create and maintain a social media calendar  
Define your sales funnel and KPIs  
Develop brand voice and social media graphic standards    
Write all social media copy   
Collaborate with your team to create content that complements existing marketing emails/campaigns for your products or services  
Develop your ads strategy  
Determine appropriate analytics and developing a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly report of findings   
Do keyword research  
Provide customer service support through social media messages and comments   
Determine how frequently to post and on what channels  

 

25 Things You Can Delegate to a Social Media Manager Today

“That list is great,” you say. “But I don’t understand what it would actually look like for my church day-to-day.”

We get it. Often, a view of the forest from 30,000 feet is helpful. Other times, however, it’s better to see each and every tree from the ground.

By now, you probably already know that delegation is one of the most effective tools in a church leader’s tool kit. 

You also probably already know that delegation empowers your team and helps you grow your church. 

So here are 25 tasks you can start delegating immediately with the help of a Social Media Manager

 

    1. The Development, Implementation & Management Of Social Media Strategies On Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, & More
    2. Increasing Engagement & Followers 
    3. Handling All Commenting & Direct Messaging Across All Social Channels
    4. Creating Smaller, Segmented Interest Groups In Facebook To Help Connect People
    5. Developing & Managing A Monthly Content Calendar In Collaboration With Your Team
    6. Managing, Creating & Publishing Original, High-quality Content
    7. Researching People Groups To Better Reach Targeted Audiences 
    8. Building An Online Community
    9. Monitoring Mentions & Tags Of Your Church In Others’ Social Media Accounts 
    10. Measuring The Success Of Social Media Campaigns With Metrics To Help You See Increased Engagement & Traffic On Your Social Media Channels 
    11. Guiding Your Team On The Early Adoption Of New Social Media Platforms
    12. Collaborating With Your Team To Create Relevant Content Based On The Season Of Ministry Or New Ministry Initiatives
    13. Engaging With Your Community As They Ask Questions Or Look For Additional Information On The Church
    14. Guiding Social Media Engagements By Providing Next Steps For Additional Connection 
    15. Developing & Establishing Key Metrics With Your Team 
    16. Providing Weekly & Monthly Reports Based On Metrics Specific To Your Church & Its Goals
    17. Curating Produced Content For Future Use
    18. Evaluating The Benefits Of Paid Ad Placements
    19. Leveraging Social Media To Engage Your Local Community
    20. Creating Content With Your Team That Connects With Your Community Or Target Groups
    21. Engaging With Other Churches And Networks In Your Community To Build Awareness And Possible Collaboration Opportunities
    22. Communicating The Vision And Culture Of Your Church With Your Community
    23. Identifying Brand Ambassadors That Will Share Your Content Even If They Don’t Attend Your Church
    24. Help Your Church Support Your Local Business Community By Seeking Out Opportunities And Events To Promote Through Your Social Media Channels
    25. Work On Creating A Diversity Of Content To Demonstrate The Culture And Personality Of Your Church

 

Sure, You’re Managing Your Social Just Fine. But What If It Could Be Great?

Social media has in large part leveled the exposure playing field, and its opportunities are endless for churches to increase community awareness and new members – all without paying to play like in the traditional advertising media days of yore. 

And getting started with a Social Media Manager is the easiest thing you’ll do today.

It just takes one quick call to get started.