In today’s world, anyone can claim to run the “best digital marketing agency.” The barriers to entry are slim. All these marketers need is appealing copy and a website.
So how do you sift through all the shams and find a marketing agency that will make your brand SHAZAM? The first step is acknowledging you need to outsource your marketing efforts, whether due to bandwidth or experience.
Luckily you’ve done that.
This guide will provide pointers on the rest of the process. Keep reading to determine how to find the best digital marketing agency for your brand.
Table of Contents
1. Identify Needs
As mentioned, the first step is recognizing that you need marketing help. You might need a digital content strategy example or you might need an entire innovative marketing strategy.
The scope of your needs will guide you in determining if you need a large agency with various departments or a bespoke marketing agency.
2. Set a Budget Range
While your budget shouldn’t make or break your decision to partner with someone (many marketing agencies tailor pricing to match a brand’s budget), you should have an ideal spend and a maximum spend in mind.
As a small business owner, it’s your responsibility to determine how much you can risk. Marketing agency fees can range from $250 up to the millions.
3. Complete
Your Homework
Research. Research. Research.
As we noted in the intro, anyone can claim to be a marketing expert. Heavily research the marketing efforts and types of marketing a company specializes in.
Even if someone is truly the best marketer they might only be familiar with food and beverage which would make them a poor choice for say, your children’s clothing company.
4. Social Proof
Social proof is demonstrated through a company website, reviews, testimonials, partnerships, social media, and past clients.
If you’re hiring the best digital marketing agency for social media, look at past clients’ social media feeds. Are they how you want your social media to look? How about the social media of the agency themselves?
Suppose you’re hiring a digital marketing agency to update your website. Ask yourself, how is their website?
A marketing agency’s own portfolio and online presence will tell you a lot about what they create and their style.
5. Gut Instinct
Anyone out there who is or claims to be a digital marketing expert has repeatedly practiced one thing- marketing.
They will be great at marketing their own services, even if they are not the best. If you notice gaps in their claims or experience, question them.
Marketing is pricey so you don’t want to invest your precious time and capital with someone who claims to be the best when your gut tells you otherwise.
Finding the Best Digital Marketing Agency
Finding a digital marketing agency is like finding a co-founder. It’s marriage and you want it to work for the long term.
The best digital marketing agency will understand your niche. Do your research, determine your needs and trust your gut and you’ll certainly find the right partner.
For more How To’s, keep reading our blog!
