1. Experience, Experience, Experience. Let’s face it – there are a lot of people claiming to be social media marketing experts but upon closer scrutiny, they are little more than amateurs pretending to know much more than they actually are able to deliver. Demand a list of prior results, client testimonials and specific strategies used prior to making a final decision.

2. NDA’s, Confidentiality and Other Legal Considerations. Here is one area so frequently forgotten by small business owners as to almost be comical if not for the very real risk of harm. NDA’s (Non Disclosure Agreements) and confidentiality clauses are important for both parties – the small business owner and social media consulting firm. Don’t assume your business isn’t at risk…your client list, product release schedule and even pricing or promotional terms are all of potential interest to competitors.

3. Payment Terms – Decide in advance what type of payment terms and contract is best for your small business needs. For example, should you pay by the hour or opt for a fixed price contract? Would it be better to hire on an “as needed” basis or contract for ongoing support? What type of retainer is required? What deliverables can you expect by X date? These are just a few of the numerous items that should be clearly specified in advance.

4. Ownership, Kill-Fee’s, Kill Switches and Other Industry Insights – SEO, website design, content creation, app development and social media marketing all have their fair share of white hat and black hat techniques but it is imperative to make sure you understand exactly what is included – or not included – in a given contract. For example, unscrupulous software vendors have been known to include a built-in “kill switch” that disables a customized application or even website in the event of a dispute. Some freelancers routinely retain rights to content – requiring additional payments for future use. Marketing firms have been known to build a large database of new contacts yet retain the full functionality on their own sites – limiting the use by the client to a “as needed” or “pay per use” feature. Each of these have a proper role but it is important to understand what you are paying for when contracting for services. Properly performed, each technique may help reduce cost and maximize impact but improperly performed, lead the small business owner astray.

Please leave your comments below along with any questions you many have about hiring a social media management company.