Choosing the right digital marketing agency to support you in achieving your business goals is a tough call, especially when money is on the line. So how do you nail it the first time? Knowing what your key criteria are before you start discussions is key, but these won’t be the same for everyone. Below, we look at 5 common criteria you should consider when engaging a digital marketing agency.
Case studies are a useful indicator of performance, achievements and strategic approaches. Asking for case studies with results can help you to understand if they are the right fit for you and reputable agencies will have no problem providing you with them.Most of the time, you will have a general awareness of what digital platforms are going to be the right fit for your business and objectives. Make sure agencies you approach and eventually engage with have substantial experience in these areas; it is a good sign that they know what they’re doing and can get you results.
A good digital marketing agency that is right for you, will take the time to understand your business and the objectives that indicate success. No two businesses are ever the same, so each digital marketing strategy should be unique. A digital marketing agency you can trust should be taking the time to understand your business, what you want to achieve and sculpt a strategy to match that vision. If an agency doesn’t take the time to get to know you and your business, or treat you like a number, that is a red flag that they may not be invested in delivering success.
Sharing similar values and enjoying the personality the agency brings to all interactions makes a working relationship easier. Similar values, and being on the same page, will make communicating and understanding one another far easier, creating an efficient system between client and agency so that the priority for both parties is on deliver results, whether that be leads, sales or awareness.
Know what your budget is and know what is an industry-standard for your location. Going into discussions with these figures in mind makes it easier for you to assess and filter out potential digital marketing agencies, and provides the agency with a good ballpark of the type of strategy to present you.While it is attractive, gravitating to the cheaper option may not always be the right choice. Cheaper marketing fees suggest less experience, lack of insurances and increases the likelihood that your expectations aren’t met. If you are presented with a quote that is significantly higher or lower than you expected, don’t be afraid to discuss this with the pitching agency to better understand the cost behind the recommendations.
Everybody knows the phrase “time is money” and this is particularly true in the fast-paced world of digital marketing. If an agency is slow to respond, doesn’t provide timeframes with which you can expect action, or routinely misses reasonable deadlines, you should consider this a red flag that they aren’t the right digital agency for you.
You also want to make sure that your digital marketing agency are strong communicators. A lot of discussion takes place via email and over the phone so it is imperative that they can clearly explain and educate, particularly in areas you might not be proficient in. Poor communication can lead to projects that miss the mark, failing to deliver results, longer lead times if things need to be redone due to misunderstandings and frustration on both sides of the fence.
Following our guide to navigating the path to choose the right digital marketing agency for you can save you a lot of time, headaches and money. And while we may be a little biased, we think we fit the bill on the above. That said, there are times where we may not be the right fit for your business and if that’s the case, we will let you know upfront. If you’re scratching your head trying to find the right digital marketing agency for your company, we’d love to chat and see if we’re a perfect match, made to live happily ever after. You can contact us here to start the conversation >>
