When it comes to advertising and getting your name out there, digital marketing is king. The marketing game has changed tremendously and trends come and go faster than ever.
To stay on top of new advertising methods is near impossible if you want to do it yourself. There are not enough hours in a day to run a business and maintain an online presence. Digital agencies have become crucial in this regard, but how do you distinguish the good from the bad?
Agency location
Working remotely falls right into the hands of a digital marketing agency, but nothing can substitute a personal one-on-one meeting. Sure, most of the work can be done remotely but that personal meeting is inevitable and crucial if you are to communicate the heart of your business effectively.
To find the best agency near you, you should consult a HubSpot Solutions Partner. Only the best organizations get to achieve a Hubspot certification, which means that any agency you choose will be quality. All you need to do is ensure that the agency is close to you so that a personal business relationship can grow.
Experience is king
Being the new kid on the block is never easy. People do not trust you enough to prove your worth and no one is willing to give you a chance to build a reputation. Nevertheless, experienced agencies will deliver the best service and value for money.
Digital marketing agencies continually pop up and many are not able to deliver on their promises. That being said, a company can be brand new but have loads of experience in the form of senior employees. Always see if you can get some background info on the senior staff and their work. If they are solid, then you could get your marketing at a much lower price.
Client match
Although a digital agency is supposed to deliver a product to any kind of business, every agency has a niche or style in which they specialize. Some agencies might have a broader spectrum of marketing styles, but everyone has something unique.
To see if an agency is a fit for your company, look at their client base and assess the work that they have done for other companies. It often happens that you will find out what an agency is really capable of when you observe their work for smaller companies. There they have artistic freedom and you can make a much more informed decision.
The company approach
Some agencies are not as good as other agencies, but there are also great agencies out there that would be terrible for your business. When you make that initial contact, how they converse with you will tell you a lot about the company.
If they are calculated and cold, it does not mean they are only after your money. They might just be very goal-focused and super-efficient. Another agency might be much warmer, but deadlines are sometimes missed. Both types of agencies have pros and cons, but the one will be a better fit for you.
Strategies and transparency
No agency is going to share its trade secrets with you, but there is a level of transparency that will tell you whether an agency is worth it. If they are open and honest about what they aim to do for you and which channels they look to use, it should give you some confidence.
Together with transparency comes strategy as well. Your agency should use the latest techniques and have a sound and tested strategy for your business.
