Thinking about digital marketing but feeling lost? We've got you covered. Here's what you need to know to find the right agency for your business. Read on to make an informed decision. Download our checklist so you're prepared in advance and ask the right questions.
Before you even consider contacting a digital marketing agency, one thing must be absolutely clear to you - your own business.
You're looking for a digital marketing agency... But do you know exactly what you're looking for? And what do you want the agency to do for you?
Increase awareness of your business? Increase sales? Or maybe improve relationships with customers and clients?
Each of these goals requires a different marketing strategy.
The agency you want to do business with will have to be able to meet your needs.
Knowing your goals will not only help you find an agency that specialises in precisely what you need - it will also make it easier for you to measure the success of your campaigns.
Not all agencies are equal.
And one more thing - and it's vital - watch out for agencies that make a lot of promises but can't back them up with examples of where they've fulfilled them.
Today, people have become wary of marketing agencies primarily because of these "promises" or the unprofessionalism of certain agencies.
Beware of vague or formulaic strategies. But also of the "one size fits all" approach, which some use for all their clients, regardless of their specific needs, goals or type of business.
Red flags that should be your warning are aggressive sales tactics. You'll recognise them when you see them. As well as the lack of transparency.
They indicate that the agency may not have your best interests in mind.
The budget is often an elephant in the room. But don't hesitate to talk openly about costs. And in advance - so there is no "we didn't know" later.
Although it is always the most tempting to choose the cheapest option, offer or package the marketing agency has, remember - you get what you pay for.
Like more or less everything in life - the more you pay, the more you get. This is often the case in marketing.
So, invest in marketing. That way, you can have more comprehensive marketing strategies - ones that will ultimately bring you a better ROI (return on investment).
Finding an agency is similar to finding the right partner in your private life.
You enter a relationship, albeit a business one - but compatibility and "chemistry" are still important. You are looking for an agency that offers the services you need, fits your company and shares similar values.
The right match, in the end, means nothing but a more effective marketing campaign.
How will you know if your company and agency are the right match? We have prepared a checklist for you to download.
You can use it to… well, to check: are you asking all the right questions, and are you covering all your options. And all this before signing any contract with a digital marketing agency.
We could and will call our checklist - a fundamental tool for making an informed decision. Those decisions can raise or expand your business.
What kind of agency would suit you best? One that is entirely devoted to you?
Who jumps at your every need, approves your every idea, and is available on the phone 24 hours a day?
It's impossible, and you know it.
Agencies have other clients and working hours. Their employees have private lives.
But also, we can divide agencies into two primary groups - specialised agencies and general ones.
A specialised agency is an expert in a specific industry or type of service. On the other hand, a general agency offers a wide range of services.
Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
A specialist agency may offer expertise in a particular niche but may lack versatility.
A general agency may have "everything in one place" but may not have the specific knowledge you desperately need.
So, choose wisely.
Sometimes, even when everything looks good on paper and live, something just doesn't feel right. Trust your instincts.
The agency and its team should know their job and be easy to work with. We will not even talk about communication and its simplicity. It should have an ear for your needs and be dedicated to your success.
That said, we think any marketing agency you're considering should have basic business etiquette. Same as you.
Business etiquette usually refers to the 3 R's - Recognition-Respect-Response.
The basics of business ethics include greeting people (by name, if possible) to make them feel noticed and appreciated.
It's essential to be polite and courteous to everyone and apologise when necessary. And have timely answers to all questions or concerns.
Arriving at meetings (in person or online) on time showing respect and good manners, goes without saying. Other unwritten rules include responding to emails and messages within 24 hours.
First impressions are permanent. Come to the initial meeting well-prepared to discuss your needs, goals and budget.
This meeting is an ideal opportunity to assess the expertise and manners of a potential marketing agency.
Some basic questions can help you determine from the start whether an agency is a good match for your business. Ask them:
For your part, you must bring all available data from your previous marketing campaigns (or attempts at them).
The more information you provide, the easier for the agency to create a strategy proposal tailored to you and your needs.
After the first meeting, when you get a strategy proposal, you will know better and more realistic time frames and costs of the agency.
Take your time; don't rush. Carefully review all the details of the strategy before making a decision. If you don't understand specific terms, ask for an explanation.
Once you decide to cooperate with the agency, you will need to sign a contract.
Be sure you understand all the terms and conditions of the contract, including precisely what the agency will do, as well as payment terms.
Make sure you read and understand the termination clauses. If necessary, ask for legal help in interpreting the contract.
After you sign the contract, the agency will usually start an ongoing process - a familiarisation phase to prepare for the upcoming work. This usually means additional and very detailed conversations about what you want to achieve.
And what kind of relationship should you have with "your" digital marketing agency?
A relationship full of communication, but also regular check-ins.
Keep communication open so you know if your campaigns are on track.
You need to know whether the campaign is in accordance with the agreement and the needs of your business.
Also, the market changes, sometimes overnight. As well as the needs of individuals.
So be ready to change your strategy as needed and adapt - if your agency suggests so.