Here are the pros and cons of both having a social media manager and or a social media team:

• Social Media Manager is full time, but you also need to pay for benefits and insurance
• Social Media Team is 1099 and less upfront risk than having a full time employee
• Social Media Manager’s is a short lived career for most
• Social Media Team you have options and team resources
• Control vs flexibility on costs
• Social media team provides full-time coverage. If your social media manager goes on vacation, who’s watching what’s going on?

When we look at companies that get featured on www.adweek.com you will 10/10 times find a team working on these “big campaigns”. That inclusive of other agencies and other partners supporting the campaign as well. Not only that, but also all the internal brand team members. It’s typically a big orchestra. There is no way a one-man band social media person can keep up with all of that. We are seeing a big transformation on marketing budgets going to social media teams with a focus on community building.

We will keep a close eye on where the industry is heading, but at FCS we are optimistic with what’s to come.

Why Community Management Matters

Community management is the art and science of building, nurturing, and maintaining a brand’s online community. It’s about creating a space where followers feel valued, heard, and engaged. For social media agencies, community management is the bridge that connects brands with their audiences on a deeper, more personal level.

1. Building Brand Loyalty

In a digital landscape saturated with content, brands need more than just a great product or service to stand out—they need loyal customers. Community management helps foster this loyalty by creating genuine connections. When brands interact with their audience consistently and authentically, they build trust and rapport, turning casual followers into brand advocates.

2. Real-Time Engagement

One of the most significant advantages of social media is the ability to engage with audiences in real-time. However, this is only possible with effective community management. Whether it’s responding to a customer’s query, handling a complaint, or jumping into a trending conversation, timely and thoughtful engagement can significantly impact how a brand is perceived.

3. Crisis Management

In today’s digital age, a brand’s reputation can be at risk with just one viral post. Effective community management acts as a frontline defense in crisis situations. By monitoring conversations, addressing issues promptly, and communicating transparently, community managers can help mitigate negative impacts and protect the brand’s image.

The Role of Community Management in a Social Media Agency

For a social media agency, community management goes beyond just replying to comments or liking posts. It’s about creating a strategy that aligns with the brand’s goals, tone, and audience expectations. Here’s how community management plays a crucial role in an agency setting:

1. Strategy and Execution

At the heart of successful community management is a well-thought-out strategy. Agencies need to understand the brand’s voice, target audience, and key messages. This understanding allows them to craft responses, initiate conversations, and foster engagement that resonates with the community.

2. Cross-Department Collaboration

Community management doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It requires close collaboration with other departments such as creative, influencer management, and paid media. For instance, insights gathered from community interactions can inform content creation, influencer partnerships, and even paid campaigns, ensuring that all efforts are aligned and cohesive.

3. Data-Driven Insights

Community management offers valuable insights into audience behavior, preferences, and sentiment. Agencies can use this data to refine strategies, improve content, and make informed decisions. Regular reporting on community metrics such as engagement rates, sentiment analysis, and response times can also demonstrate the impact of community management efforts to clients.

The Future of Community Management in 2025

As we move into 2025, community management will continue to evolve. The rise of AI-powered tools will assist community managers in automating routine tasks, allowing them to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of their role. However, the human touch will remain irreplaceable, as authenticity and empathy are key to building meaningful connections.

Moreover, the integration of community management with other aspects of social media marketing, such as influencer collaborations and paid media, will become even more seamless. Agencies that prioritize community management will be better positioned to adapt to new trends, manage crises, and ultimately drive brand success.

Conclusion

In 2025, community management will be more than just a buzzword—it’s an essential component of any successful social media strategy. For social media agencies, investing in robust community management practices will be crucial for building brand loyalty, managing real-time engagement, and driving overall business growth. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the agencies that prioritize community management will lead the way in creating lasting and impactful connections between brands and their audiences.

As we head into 2025, the social media landscape continues to evolve at lightning speed. For brands, creators, and marketers alike, staying ahead of the curve is essential. This year’s trends are driven by the growing demand for authenticity, community, and bite-sized content that captures attention in seconds. Here’s what you need to know to navigate the social media world in 2025. For all your 2025 organic social media strategy needs, please contact us!

1. The Rise of Short-Form Content

Short-form content isn’t just a trend—it’s the new normal. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels have made 60-second videos the gold standard, but in 2025, the bar is set even lower. Micro-videos of 15 to 30 seconds are becoming the sweet spot for maximum engagement. These quick, digestible snippets allow brands to connect with their audience in a way that’s fun, spontaneous, and highly shareable.

The key to success? Get creative within constraints. Think outside the box with storytelling, transitions, and interactive elements that make viewers want to watch on repeat. Brands that master this art will find themselves at the forefront of digital conversations.

2. Influencer Marketing Gets Even More Niche

Influencer marketing has been a staple in social media strategies for years, but 2025 is the year it becomes hyper-targeted. Instead of broad-reaching influencers with millions of followers, brands are leaning into micro and nano influencers who have smaller, but highly engaged communities.

These influencers bring authenticity and trust to the table, which is increasingly important as audiences become more savvy and selective. Expect to see brands partnering with influencers who have deep expertise in specific niches—from eco-friendly living to crypto investing—creating content that resonates on a personal level with their followers.

3. Community Management Takes Center Stage

In an era where brand loyalty is built on relationships rather than transactions, community management is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s a must. 2025 sees a shift toward brands investing heavily in building and nurturing online communities.

Social media users are craving connection and a sense of belonging, and brands that create spaces where people can interact, share experiences, and feel valued will stand out. Whether through dedicated Facebook Groups, Discord servers, or in-app community features, the emphasis is on fostering genuine interaction and being present in the conversation.

4. Paid Media: Smarter, Not Harder

With the cost of social media ads rising, 2025 is the year of smarter, more strategic paid media. Brands are moving away from blanket ad campaigns and focusing on highly targeted ads that speak directly to segmented audiences. Leveraging AI and machine learning, these ads are more personalized, delivering content that feels relevant and timely.

Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are enhancing their ad tools, allowing for more precise targeting based on behavior, interests, and even predictive analytics. This means brands can reach their ideal customers with pinpoint accuracy, maximizing ROI while minimizing ad spend.

5. Platform Trends: TikTok and YouTube Lead the Way

TikTok’s dominance continues into 2025, solidifying its place as the go-to platform for short-form content. What’s new this year is TikTok’s expanded focus on live streaming and e-commerce integrations, making it a powerhouse for real-time shopping experiences. Brands are using TikTok to host live product launches, tutorials, and interactive Q&A sessions, driving both engagement and sales.

YouTube, on the other hand, remains the king of long-form video, but it’s also stepping up its game with YouTube Shorts. Creators are now using Shorts to complement their long-form content, offering teasers, quick tips, or behind-the-scenes glimpses that drive traffic to their main channels. YouTube’s integration with other Google services also gives it a unique edge, making it a key platform for SEO-driven content strategies.

Conclusion

2025 is a year of deeper connections, smarter strategies, and content that captivates in mere seconds. By embracing these trends—short-form content, niche influencer marketing, community management, targeted paid media, and platform-specific strategies—brands can stay ahead of the curve and truly connect with their audiences in meaningful ways. Social media isn’t just a marketing tool; it’s where brand stories come to life and communities are built. Stay innovative, stay agile, and most importantly, stay authentic.

1. Increased Brand Visibility and Awareness:

A well-executed social media strategy can significantly enhance your brand’s visibility across various platforms. By consistently sharing engaging content and interacting with your audience, you can expand your reach and attract new followers. Increased brand visibility leads to greater brand awareness, making your business more recognizable and memorable in the minds of consumers.

2. Enhanced Customer Engagement and Loyalty:

Active engagement on social media allows businesses to establish meaningful connections with their audience. Through regular interaction, responding to comments, and addressing customer inquiries, you can foster a sense of trust and loyalty among your followers. Strong customer engagement leads to higher customer satisfaction, increased brand advocacy, and ultimately, improved customer retention rates.

3. Drive Website Traffic and Conversions:

Social media serves as a powerful driver of website traffic and conversions. By strategically incorporating links to your website in your social media posts, you can direct users to explore your products or services further. Additionally, targeted advertising campaigns on platforms like Facebook and Instagram can effectively funnel traffic to specific landing pages, leading to higher conversion rates and sales.

4. Cost-Effective Marketing Channel:

Compared to traditional forms of advertising, social media marketing offers a cost-effective solution for reaching your target audience. With the ability to target specific demographics and interests, you can optimize your advertising budget and ensure that your messages are seen by those most likely to convert. Additionally, the low barrier to entry allows businesses of all sizes to participate in social media marketing, leveling the playing field and providing equal opportunities for growth.

Through strategic integration of website links in social media posts, you can guide users towards exploring your products or services. Moreover, targeted advertising campaigns on platforms like Facebook and Instagram can efficiently drive traffic to specific landing pages, resulting in increased conversion rates and sales. Social media marketing presents a cost-effective alternative to traditional advertising methods, enabling you to reach your target audience with precision. By leveraging demographic and interest-based targeting, you can optimize your advertising budget and ensure that your messages reach those most likely to convert. Additionally, the accessible nature of social media marketing allows businesses of all sizes to participate, promoting equal opportunities for growth.

5. Valuable Data and Insights:

One of the often-overlooked benefits of investing in social media marketing is the wealth of data and insights it provides. Through analytics tools provided by platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, you can gain valuable insights into your audience’s behavior, preferences, and demographics. This data enables you to refine your marketing strategies, tailor your content to better resonate with your audience, and ultimately drive better results. By harnessing the power of social media marketing, businesses can gain valuable data and insights into their target audience. The analytics tools offered by platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn provide a deep understanding of audience behavior, preferences, and demographics. Armed with this knowledge, businesses can refine their marketing strategies and create tailored content that resonates with their audience on a deeper level. This data-driven approach helps drive better results and allows businesses to stay ahead of their competition.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, by leveraging analytics tools provided by platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, businesses can gain valuable insights into their audience’s behavior, preferences, and demographics. This data allows for the refinement of marketing strategies, customization of content to resonate with the target audience, and ultimately drive better results. Investing in a comprehensive social media strategy and professional management is a strategic investment that yields significant returns, including increased brand visibility, customer engagement, website traffic, and conversions. Position your business for long-term success in today’s digital landscape by allocating resources towards building a strong social media presence. For additional information, visit our page at Fresh Content Society!

Hiring Internally:

Pros:

1. In-depth Knowledge of the Brand: An in-house team can possess a deeper understanding of your brand, its values, and its target audience, potentially leading to more authentic and resonant content.
2. Immediate Availability: With an internal team, you have direct access to them whenever needed, allowing for quick adjustments and responses to emerging trends or issues.
3. Cost Control: While initial costs may be higher for hiring and training, in the long run, maintaining an internal team might be more cost-effective compared to ongoing agency fees.

Cons:

1. Limited Expertise: Unless you invest heavily in training and development, your internal team may lack the diverse skill set and industry insights that an agency can offer.
2. Resource Constraints: Small or medium-sized businesses may struggle to allocate sufficient resources for hiring and retaining top talent, potentially leading to subpar results.
3. Creativity and Innovation: Internal teams may become confined to the company’s culture and ideas, limiting the fresh perspectives and innovative strategies that external agencies can provide.

Partnering with a Social Media Agency (e.g., Fresh Content Society):

Pros:

1. Specialized Expertise: Agencies like Fresh Content Society are dedicated to mastering the intricacies of social media marketing, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.
2. Scalability: Agencies can scale their services according to your business needs, whether it’s launching a new campaign or managing a sudden surge in social media activity.
3. Creative Diversity: Working with an agency exposes your brand to a diverse range of creative minds, fostering innovation and ensuring your content remains fresh and engaging.

Cons:

1. Initial Learning Curve: It may take some time for the agency to fully grasp your brand’s identity and objectives, potentially leading to a period of adjustment.
2. Communication Challenges: Maintaining clear communication channels between your company and the agency is crucial to ensure alignment of goals and expectations.
3. Cost Considerations: While outsourcing to an agency can offer significant value, it’s important to carefully evaluate the costs involved and ensure they align with your budget and expected ROI.

In conclusion, both hiring internally and partnering with a social media agency have their own set of advantages and challenges. Ultimately, the decision depends on factors such as your budget, internal resources, and the level of expertise required. While hiring internally offers a deeper understanding of your brand, working with a specialized agency like Fresh Content Society can provide access to cutting-edge strategies and diverse creative perspectives, helping your business stand out in the crowded social media landscape.

• Social Media Strategy – You need an organic and paid strategy that defines your goals, kpis, competitive analysis, content pillars, campaigns, etc.
• Social Media Management – You need someone to understand social media and lives it, and that person will be responsible for your day to day social media operations.
• Community Management – Someone needs to be building community and handling customer service and crisis management needs.
• Content – If you post 3 x week, you need to create 144 social media posts, and that is a lot. Need someone to make you videos, photos, graphics, and platform specific content
• Influencer/Campaign Management – You know that influencer you want your brand to be associated with, that takes research time and effort to make that happen.
• Reporting – Need someone to pull and analyze the data ongoing to optimize

Point is here you have a lot of services to consider. It’s hard to find a swiss army knife that can do all those services well. That is why we have broken out each department at Fresh Content Society, the best social media agency in the United States. When considering a social media agency, make sure you not only hire based on the capabilities, but who is working on your account day to day. What is the roadmap and plan to provide ongoing optimizations.

For all social media marketing needs, contact Fresh Content Society to design your social media success today. Fresh Content Society is the best social media marketing agency in the United States of America.

A very good Community Manager is akin to a very good Offensive Line player on a football team.  They are responsible for ensuring that no bad actors break through to tackle the Quarterback, or in this case our clients’ content.  They are the first line of defense against a PR crisis, a dissatisfied customer, or a malicious spammer who wants to leverage the real people who are interested in our brands and their products. 

Let’s continue this offensive line analogy; a very good offensive lineman also blocks for the running back.  One crucial component of our organic community growth strategy is proactive engagement.  So we spend a significant amount of time playing offense and commenting on like-minded community members’ posts and content.  We want to be a part of their community so that they will consider being a part of ours.  

With that being said, let’s review a few action items we community managers often find on our agendas: 

1. Consumer Assistance & Experience: In the year 2024, there is absolutely no better way for a consumer to connect with a brand than through social media, whether it’s to ask for assistance or to share an insight that the brand team otherwise would not have seen.  It’s the world’s biggest crowdsourced user experience study.  This, of course, assumes that the brand has set themselves up to be receptive to consumer outreach.

2. Engagement:  We are responsible for interacting and engaging with the community, leaving input where applicable and appropriate.  Our entire goal is to generate conversation and therefore, engagement.  When a person with an entire community of their own engages with us, that activates the algorithm and exposes their web to our content and our brand. 

3. Content:  Community managers are often at the forefront of collecting User Generated Content (UGC) because we’ll see what other people are posting about our clients and their products.  Perhaps they used a product in a creative way.  We’ll capture that content and ask for permission to repost it ourselves.  Folks love to see that brands appreciate the content that they themselves posted and there are few better ways than sharing UGC. 

4. Moderation: Someone’s got to zap those trolls and make sure the community is clean and safe for authentic users.  

5. Innovation and Ideation: Have you ever been in a room with ten other marketing professionals and the meeting director says, “ok everyone, give me your best ideas!”  With a strong community management process in place, you’ve turned those ten folks into thousands of people who can contribute ideas for the brand to pull from.  Community managers are the liaison between users and producers and when there’s a positive feedback loop, great things happen. 

These are just five specific examples of how an effective community management process provides your business with critical insights and feedback from the very community that they depend on.  

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NOTES:

1. Engagement (interact & engage w/ the community, leaving input where applicable, generating conversation) 
2. Content ( collecting UGC, presenting content ideas) 
3. Moderation (monitor comments being left, escalate issues, respond to questions and ideas) 
4. Communication (point of contact between brand + community) 
5. Problem Resolution (customer support) 
6. Analysis (track + report social analytics) 
7. Advocating for the community ( bring feedback to the team about what the community likes + what’s working) 
8. Innovative ideas ( monitor the community, see what’s trending + present content ideas) 
9. Feedback Collection (track what the community is saying about the brand/product) 
10. Collaboration ( finding and tracking influencer partnerships)