It can be a business game-changer to hire a social media agency for any company, and especially in Chicago, which is so full of life. With so many agencies providing various services, having the right questions before making your final decision. Selecting the wrong business partner can waste your time, money, and opportunities. To help navigate this process, here’s a clear guide on the essential questions to ask any social media agency in Chicago before hiring them.
1. What Experience Do They Have in Your Industry?
One of the initial questions to consider is whether the agency works with companies in your industry. Social media marketing in Chicago varies significantly by industry. A restaurant will require a different strategy than a technology startup or retail outlet. Agencies experienced in your space know the specific challenges and opportunities and can develop content that resonates deeply with your audience.
2. Are They Able to Provide Examples of Previous Work or Case Studies?
Seeing evidence of success builds credibility. Ask the social media marketing agency in Chicago if they are able to share case studies or examples of campaigns that they have run. Seek evidence of increased engagement, followers, or sales. This information demonstrates not only what the agency is capable of doing but also how open and confident they are in their abilities.
3. What Social Media Sites Do They Focus On?
Not all agencies are well-skilled on all platforms. Some may be excellent on Facebook and Instagram, but others may excel at LinkedIn or TikTok. It's important to know which platforms the agency excels at and whether those platforms align with where your target audience spends time. This will guarantee your business the maximum exposure.
4. How Do They Plan a Social Media Strategy?
Request that the agency describe how it would create a social media strategy. Do they begin with research on your company and competition? Will they establish concrete objectives like improving brand awareness, generating traffic to your website, or fueling sales? A reputable social media agency in Chicago will have a well-thought-out, tailored approach instead of a one-size-fits-all plan.
Agencies like Mozwebmedia take a data-driven approach—analyzing your audience and competition to create custom strategies that are aligned with your business goals.
5. What Tools and Technologies Do They Use?
Leading agencies employ sophisticated social media management software to schedule updates, track discussions, analyze insights, and manage advertisements. Request what software they employ and how it helps your campaign. New technology can increase efficiency, accuracy, and overall outcomes, so this is a worthwhile method of measuring their professionalism.
6. Who Will Be Handling Your Account?
Knowing who the team behind your social media presence is important. Do you have a dedicated account manager? Who designs the graphics, creates the content, or deals with customer inquiries? Well-established communication lines with individual people on whom your project depends make collaboration easier and more efficient.
7. How do They Manage Content Creation and Approval?
Content is king in social media marketing in Chicago. Ask the agency how they plan, produce, and approve content before it gets published. Will they produce all the posts, images, and videos, or will they ask you to provide some of the materials? Knowing this process avoids surprises and ensures the content aligns with your brand voice and standards.
8. What is Their Crisis Management Policy?
Social media is volatile. A public relations crisis or something ugly can happen suddenly. It's worth learning how the agency responds to such crises. Do they have a crisis management plan? Will they alert you first? Selecting a social media marketing agency in Chicago that is equipped to handle emergencies can save your brand's reputation.
9. What is their Price Structure?
Budget is an important consideration for most companies. Ask them to explain their pricing clearly. Do they have a flat monthly rate, hourly rates, or by campaign? Are ad spend and other expenses included or additional? Having all costs outlined beforehand avoids confusion and allows you to plan your marketing budget effectively.
10. Do They Provide Paid Advertising Services?
Social media organic reach can be restricted, and therefore, paid advertising frequently contributes significantly to successful campaigns. Request whether the agency has experience with social media advertising and which platforms they advertise on. Also, ask how they optimize for ad spend for optimal return on investment (ROI).
If you're looking for a full-service social media agency that combines organic strategies with paid advertising expertise, Mozwebmedia offers flexible, ROI-focused solutions tailored to Chicago-based businesses.