About 90% of people use the internet to find local businesses. Without a strong digital marketing strategy, however, you won’t appear in front of customers. Instead, you can work with a talented agency that has experience marketing brands online. With their help, you can boost your brand and online reach. Not sure which digital marketing service to choose? Here are seven factors to keep in mind during your search. With these tips, you’ll have an easier time narrowing down your marketing agency options.
Find the best digital marketing agency around and give your business the boost it needs with these tips today!
1. Your Marketing Goals
Before you start searching for a digital marketing agency, take a moment to consider your business first. What do you hope to accomplish through your digital marketing strategy?
For example, you might want to:
- Reach more customers online
- Boost brand awareness and recognition
- Establish yourself as an industry thought leader
- Generate more website traffic
- Boost online leads and sales
- Improve your ROI
- Establish your credibility
- Generate more social media followers
- Gather more email subscribers
Make a list of what you want to accomplish. Make sure your marketing goals align with your business goals, too.
For example, you might want to increase sales year-over-year. You might want to focus on generating online sales for that product.
Each digital marketing service you choose can help you accomplish a different goal. Once you determine your goals, you can determine which services you need.
As you interview each digital marketing agency, ask them about their process. The agency should ask you about your goals for the year. If they don’t, they’ll only use a cookie-cutter approach for your digital marketing strategy.
Instead, find a team that takes the time to understand your business, customers, and industry. The more they learn, the more successful they’ll become. They can create a unique marketing strategy with your goals in mind.
2. Areas of Expertise
Remember, once you determine your goals, you can determine which digital marketing service you need.
For example, if you want to boost brand awareness this year, consider search engine marketing (SEM). Search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click (PPC) can help you appear in front of customers online. While SEO is organic, PPC is a paid strategy.
You might also want to consider website design and development. An eye-catching, fast website could help you generate more conversions. It can also act as the backbone for other digital strategies, including:
- Email marketing
- Content creation
- Social media marketing
- Influencer marketing
- Video marketing
If your website is old and outdated, it could impact your success for other campaigns. In fact, two out of three people prefer reading beautifully designed content. Design has a 75% influence on your credibility, too.
Look for marketing agency options that offer the expertise you need. Make sure their team includes experts in each digital marketing service.
Search engine optimization trends emerge as Google’s search engine algorithm updates. Google introduces 500 to 600 changes to the algorithm each year. If you’re not working with an SEO expert, your ranking could drop.
A low ranking on search engine results pages could make it difficult for people to find you online. You might struggle to generate brand awareness and website traffic. You’ll miss a chance to generate leads and sales online, too.
Instead, review your marketing agency to find a team that has the experience and expertise you need.
If they can’t accomplish your goals, look elsewhere.
3. Relevant Experience
Before choosing a digital marketing service, ask each agency about their experience with businesses in your industry. An agency with prior experience in your industry will understand your customers. They might give you an advantage in the industry.
Ask how long the agency has run and operated, too. Look for an established business.
A new business might need to work out the kinks in its daily operations. Choosing an established business, on the other hand, will give you peace of mind.
4. A Strong Reputation
Ask at least three agencies on your list for references and reviews. Determine what their clients have to say about the agency.
Was the marketing agency able to help its clients accomplish their goals? Was the client satisfied with the services they received?
Check the agency’s BBB and Google My Business listings for reviews, too.
Google My Business reviews are a part of an effective local SEO strategy. If the agency tries to sell you on SEO services, but doesn’t use SEO themselves, look elsewhere.
5. Communication
As you read reviews, pay attention to what people have to say about the agency’s ability to communicate.
It’s important to find a digital marketing service that will keep you informed every step of the way. Otherwise, you might not realize they’re wasting your time and money until it’s too late.
Ask the agency how they’ll keep you informed about how your campaigns are progressing. What will they do if there’s a problem with your campaigns?
Have a plan to communicate before you hire them.
6. Case Studies
If you want further proof an agency is capable of marketing brands online successfully, ask for case studies. Case studies can help you review the progress of their previous campaigns.
Look at the key performance indicators (KPIs) the agency tracked. For example, they might look at website visitors or online conversions. Maybe they tracked form submissions or online sales.
If they don’t have case studies, ask how they track their successes. If they don’t track their progress, how will you know they’re accomplishing your goals?
7. The Right Price
Finally, ask each digital marketing agency for a quote. Make sure you understand what’s included in the price. Get a quote from at least three agencies on your list.
Don’t make your decision based on price alone. Instead, review your notes.
Choose a marketing agency that can accomplish your goals and boost your ROI.
Boost Your Brand: 7 Tips for Choosing a Digital Marketing Service
Don’t rush to choose the first digital marketing service you find online. Instead, use these tips when vetting your marketing agency options. With these tips, you can feel confident in your final choice.
A talented team can give your business the boost it needs.
Ready to set your business up for success? We’re here to help. Contact us today to get started.
