FAQ
Why use ShoutOut?
One of the biggest reasons ShoutOut was created was to help out local, small business owners. With newspaper and radio ads becoming somewhat obsolete, it’s getting harder for the small business to promote themselves. Social media is the most effective way to advertise, but can be daunting to navigate – this is where Shoutout comes in. We connect you to local digital creators who already love your brand and that we feel will have a positive impact on your business.
How do I get my business on ShoutOut?
We know that adding extra expenses to your business can be difficult but also understand that businesses must get their name out there. With that in mind, we have put together two affordable options for businesses to take advantage of all the features that Shoutout has to offer. Click here to learn more about what is included in each of our business options.
When do I pay?
We’ve introduced a monthly subscription model that offers businesses access to 2 different plan options: Monthly and Annual. Monthly subscription payment is processed once you enroll and renews automatically every 30 days unless canceled. Annual subscription payment is processed in total at the time of enrollment (12 month commitment).
When you directly hire a creator on the platform, your payment will be posted once the creator accepts the collaboration.
When you receive a proposal from a creator, your payment is processed at the time of accepting the proposal.
Are there any additional fees after the subscription?
We charge an additional 15% service fee for direct orders only. Campaigns and proposals exclude this fee.
What happens if the creator does not fulfill their obligation?
We don’t release the funds to the creator right away for this reason. We make sure the posts you are paying for are up to your promotional standards and fit within our community guidelines.
How do I choose which platform I want to advertise on?
You may already know which social media platforms get you the most visibility and engagement, but you can also see which platforms your desired creators get the most reach on by looking at the analytics we provide.
How do I choose which creator to use, is there help for this?
Each creator will have a personalized portfolio containing previous work, photos, and other content that will help you decide who is best fit to promote your business. They will all be categorized by industry, which will also make it easier for you to see who posts about certain topics. Your Account Representative is also available to help make suggestions for the type of campaign you are looking to do.
Will I be provided with analytics on how the creator’s content performed?
Yes! You will be able to see analytics and engagement such as clicks, comments, likes, shares, and views. This will give insight as to how effective and engaging the post was, along with the audience that was reached.
What types of compensation can I provide?
As the business, you can select to provide a form of complementary products, services, or an experience that is relative to your brand or you can provide cash compensation in exchange for the content you are asking for.
How do I give information about my business to the creator?
You can share information about your business in the campaign and/or offer details!
Can I decline a creator proposal?
Yes. If you do not feel that the creator and/or their content does not align with your brand, you are able to decline the proposal.
How do I get a refund if a creator doesn’t post?
If you have any issues with your orders, you should contact support or your account executive immediately. Once you are in communication with a member of our team, we will make sure that the issue is remedied.
What do I do if a creator did not follow guidelines for the content?
If a creator fails to follow the post guidelines outlined by your business, we recommend reaching out to the creator directly through the ShoutOut app messaging feature to discuss the issue and provide feedback on the non-compliant post. Clearly communicate the specific areas where the post deviates from the agreed-upon guidelines and express your expectations for rectification. Additionally, we encourage you to contact a member of the ShoutOut team to inform us of the situation and seek assistance in resolving the issue. Our support team is here to facilitate communication between businesses and creators, and ensure that collaborations proceed smoothly.
What happens if the package is lost?
Please note that while ShoutOut facilitates collaborations between businesses and creators, we do not assume responsibility for lost packages. It is the responsibility of the shipping carrier and the parties involved (i.e., the business and the creator) to resolve issues related to lost or missing shipments.
For best practices in shipping products, we strongly advise using UPS or FedEx as your preferred shipping carriers to ensure reliability and timely delivery. While USPS may be a viable option for some shipments, we do not recommend it due to potential limitations. It’s essential to obtain a tracking number for every shipment and require a signature upon delivery for added security. These practices enhance the reliability and accountability of collaborations on ShoutOut, ensuring a seamless experience for both parties involved.
How do I decide what type of compensation to propose to a creator?
The creator sets the price for each of their menu offerings, eliminating the back and forth negotiating. You will be able to see their previous ShoutOuts, what they charged, and the analytics and insights to the posts.
Is it extra to have the creator post on Instagram and Facebook simultaneously?
Yes. Each post on its respected platform is its own cost, which is determined by the creator although Facebook is not currently available as a posting option on our platform.