It seems as though there are dozens of new “Social Media Experts” emerging online every day. In fact, a recent search of Twitter returned over 5,000 self-proclaimed “Social Media Experts.” What makes someone an “expert” in social media? And, is it even possible to be an “expert” in a space that is constantly evolving?

While there is no clear cut way to define a “Social Media Expert,”  there are qualifications that businesses should look for when hiring an agency or individual to partner with in their social media initiatives.

They have experience in relevant fields.

They understand technology, digital marketing, public relations, customer support, media, SEO, analytics and mobile – and they understand that social media is the convergence of these disciplines.

They have social media experience.

They can provide you with several case studies (including results) in which they have strategized, planned and successfully executed social media programs for clients.

They have a social media team.

They have a team dedicated to social media instead of one person who, because he has a Twitter account, is their go-to social media “expert”.

They are recognized as thought leaders in the industry.

They speak at conferences, are interviewed as “experts” by the media and can provide you a list of clients that they have worked with on social media initiatives.

They have applied knowledge of social media.

They are familiar with the most widely known tools and technologies and they participate in social media themselves (as an agency and as individuals). And they didn’t start participating a month before they pitched you.

They empower you.

They send you POVs, white papers and articles on technologies, best practices and specific case studies within the social media space. They make sure you understand social media and they ensure that your legal team is satisfied before executing any social media program.

They understand that social media is a long term commitment.

They don’t collect thousands of dollars from you, set up a Facebook Fan Page and disappear.

They don’t want you to do social media just because everyone else is doing it.

They work with you to define objectives and to align relevant social media recommendations with those objectives. They are able to tell you how the recommendations they make will benefit your brand, product or service as well as meet the defined objectives.

As the digital space continues to grow and evolve, so will business use of social media. While this list is not exhaustive, it will help ensure that the social media partner you choose will empower you to evolve your brand, product or service as well.