Finding a list of available agencies through an online search is not difficult, but it can be hard to judge which agency is right for you. Whether you are considering working with an agency for the first time or are looking for a new agency for better results, there are several things you should be looking for before committing.
1. Expertise
Finding a professional and experienced company should be top of your list. You want to invest in an agency, which means you are looking for expert advice and guidance.
You can begin to judge an agency’s expertise during your first consultation. Think of this meeting as a job interview for a new employee and ask many questions to determine if this agency has the experience your business needs.
Be prepared to ask a range of questions as most agencies offer a variety of services. Do they have a developer to work on the back end of your website? Do they produce original, relevant content? Do they have expertise in SEO and inbound marketing strategies?
2. Flexibility
When outsourcing to an agency, you expect results tailored to your brand’s needs and goals, and if you are not happy with the current service then you should expect changes, right?
Look for an agency that will offer flexible solutions for your unique brand; you don’t want to work with someone who gives all their clients the same strategies.
If you are unhappy with how the campaign is currently playing out, you need an agent who is willing to adjust to better fit your expectations.
3. Full-Service
Before looking for an agency, you must determine what you are hoping to gain from this partnership. Although most agencies offer a variety of services, ensure that you partner with someone who can give you what you need.
Create a list of your top goals for a new marketing strategy. Whether you want to expand your online presence or fine-tune your current methods, you need an agent who can provide all of the services you need.
4. Company Culture
Again, partnering with a marketing agency is like hiring a new employee, and you want to hire someone who is going to meld with your company.
Finding an agency with values and goals that align with your business can prevent friction down the road and may create a stronger and more impactful relationship.
5. Transparency
Open and honest communication is the cornerstone to most relationships, professional or personal. Working with an agency that is not willing to communicate will be less effective and impact your strategy success.
Talking about money can sometimes be an uncomfortable conversation, but you’ll want to know exactly how much you are investing and when you should see results, like how many sales-qualified leads you will need before breaking even.
6. Creativity
Most areas of digital marketing rely heavily on creativity. When working with an expert, you want someone who can develop innovative strategies that are custom-designed for your business.
Whether you are designing a new website or creating new social media content, original ideas tailored to your brand are going to bring you closer to your goals.
7. Budget
One of the biggest factors for any marketing campaign is pricing. The cost of services can vary greatly depending on the agency, but that doesn’t mean a higher price guarantees better results.
Although working with a large organization might seem like the best option because of name recognition, remember that a marketing agency is meant to bring your unique brand closer to achieving your goals; this means you want custom strategies and expert support along the way.
Working with a smaller agency could mean you will be able to build a stronger relationship with clear communication for a better price.
If your business is looking to expand your digital marketing strategy, you’ll want an experienced professional to guide you along the way.
Thanks for reading,
Christine