Sometimes, as business grows, so does discomfort. There's an awful in-between place for growing businesses where agents are too busy and successful to handle all of their mounting responsibilities but not quite busy enough to justify a new full-time employee. But there is a third option: Outsourcing! As you struggle to keep your head above water, consider the following tasks for outsourcing.
Marketing
There are plenty of companies and freelancers looking for new clients. If you love your work, but struggle to stay on top of important dates and opportunities to market your services, finding a firm or a contract professional to help you on your way is a huge weight off of your shoulders. Marketing professionals can run upwards of $75/hour, but if you're paying them for just a few hours a week, you'll be in good shape. Outsourced marketing personnel can handle creating a marketing schedule, communication with vendors, mailings and more.
Data Entry
Whether you're looking for someone to input your information into the MLS or clean up your email database, a data entry professional can help streamline your work. A freelance data entry contractor can charge between $15-25 per hour, depending on their skill and experience.
Graphic Designer
Even great tools and apps like Canva and Snapseed can frustrate the technologically-challenged agent. Graphic design professionals are available at a variety of rates and skills. If your needs are simple, you may want to hire an art student to whip up Open House flyers in their free time. If you're looking for more consistency in your look, an independent graphic designer will usually charge between $50-80 per hour, but may be available for less on a retainer.
Search Engine Optimization
If you've read anything on getting traffic to your website, you know that Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is crucial. If you don't understand SEO, you're not alone. It can be confusing without professional help, but implementing the right keywords and techniques can put your business at the top of search results. An SEO expert will probably charge one rate to analyze your website and set up your pages for success at the start, and then an ongoing monthly rate. These rates vary greatly depending on how experienced the professional might be, so be sure to shop around.
Content Writing
One great way to improve SEO is with consistent blogging and content creation. Search engines like to see that websites are being regularly updated and blogs are the way to get there. Most people start with big plans to blog, write consistently for a few weeks, then let it go. An outsourced blogger can help you stay consistent and top-of-mind with your clientele. Expect a good, experienced blogger to start at $250 per blog.
Social Media
Now, to be honest, the best social media is personal. If your goals are to create engagement and develop relationships, it is always best to handle your own social media. However, if you are short on time, and looking for someone to keep your page up-to-date and consistent with posts and current events, hiring someone isn't a terrible idea. Most social media gurus will ask for a monthly retainer, varying from $60-80 an hour.