Recently, I decided to offer social media marketing training classes as sort of a way to lift the veil, so to speak. I had two primary motivators. The first was that it seemed to me that the companies that were really benefiting from online marketing campaigns were the big guys who could afford to outsource it. The second was that I was just so tired of the secretive bull crap that seems to be inherent in conversations about the cost and effectiveness of social media marketing that I decided to be as transparent as possible.
And while it isn't possible to quantify the cost and exact services of each and every thing I could offer, I decided to put forth some packages to give people an idea of the cost of my services. Even if you choose not to use me, these will give you an idea of what these services should cost with someone else...though I will tell you, I am on the affordable side. It is also important to note that the complexity of a campaign makes the cost more difficult to predict. So, without further ado:
We offer three social media training packages, a research option, and a project-based bidding option.
- Just Getting Started: This training package is a 1 month introduction to social media marketing. Over the course of 4, 2 hour sessions (with assigned homework) we will teach you the basic information about top social media platforms, engagement and basic monitoring. The sessions will be taught virtually. If you are in need of in person training outside of the Portland, OR area, please contact me for more information. The cost of this package is $1000.
- SEO/SMO: This is not your mother's SEO...if your mother had SEO, that is. This is the new, social media friendly version of search engine optimization. We build out a language to use on your home site, as well as any social media platforms where you establish a presence. The cost of this service is affected by the size of the job, the fee can range from $400-$750.
- Online Campaign Research and Recommendations: We work with your company to create a research and recommendations package that can include online competitive analysis, market research, target market identification, identification of "best fit" social media platforms, effective engagement strategies, and strategies for measuring results. The length of time for these sessions will vary. Generally, these will be taught virtually. If you are in need of in person training outside of the Portland area, please contact me for more information. This is a project-based fee.
- We Want More: This training package is fully loaded with information online brand research, identifying target markets, basic SEO and SMO, campaign development, identification and utilization of social media platforms, engagement strategies, metrics, analysis and implementation of feedback. These sessions are taught over the course of 3 months in 2 hour blocks, once a week. Generally, these will be taught virtually. If you are in need of in person training outside of the Portland area, please contact me for more information. The cost of this package is $6,000.
And that's the scoop...I hope it is helpful in setting your own expectations when looking for a social media consultant. If you happen to be Florida and are looking for an amazing social media consultant who offers services and prices very similar to mine, check out my colleague, Lauren Candito.
I would love to hear of any experiences you have had with contracting social media consultants or finding training programs for reasonable fees.
*Photo found by M_Napper on Flickr: Creative Commons License
