Did you know that the Small Business Administration recommends that about 7-8% of your revenue towards marketing? Choosing marketing services can be difficult but finding the right agency to do them for you is the real challenge.
Read on for our tips on 6 factors to consider when selecting a marketing firm for your business needs.
1. Experience Is Vital
When it comes to selecting a marketing agency for your business, it isn’t size that really matters. The largest, oldest agency might not be the one that’s the best fit for you.
What you really want to look for is whether the agency has experience marketing within your industry. You also want to select an agency with extensive experiences doing the services you’re outsourcing.
If you want YouTube ads, you should select an agency with a great portfolio of video and social media marketing.
2. What’s Your End Goal?
To that end, before selecting an agency, you really need to know what kind of marketing services you want. Based on your target market do you need an agency that can do billboards, mailers, and other physical advertisements?
Or does your target demographic respond to digital ads? If so, consider reaching out to the Avitus Group for an agency who specializes in digital marketing.
Answering these key questions will help you determine what services you need and therefore what type of marketing agency to work with.
3. What’s Your Budget?
You should have a clear idea of what you’re willing to allocate for marketing funds. Be open with your prospective agencies about what your budget is and ask them what they can do for you within that framework.
It’s never a bad idea to shop around. It’s worth the time to compare quotes and offerings from various agencies.
4. Will They Provide Referrals?
Once you find an agency with the necessary experience, that can work within your budget you should ask for referrals to past clients.
The value in talking to referrals is determining what it was like for companies to work with these agencies. You want to know if they were easy to work with. You want to know if they were communicative. You want to know if they were pleased with the work done.
If you’re happy with their answers then you can proceed with the agency.
5. Are You Ready to Commit?
Signing on with a marketing agency is like entering into a long-term relationship. You will have frequent contact, conflict resolution, and deadlines. Before entering into a contract, you should ask yourself seriously if you can see yourself being happy having to be in a relationship with this agency and its employees.
6. Location Factors When Choosing Marketing Services
Many companies and marketing agencies don’t have any issues doing virtual meetings and communications. But if you’re the kind of person who likes to sit at a conference room table with the people you’re working with, then location should also be a factor in your decision.
Don’t sign a contract with a company that’s a 2-hour drive from your office if you want to have monthly in-person contact with them.
Remember This
When choosing marketing services from a prospective agency it’s vital to remember your end goal. Choose an agency who you can see meeting your needs and being comfortable to work with.
For more insider business tips, check out our business marketing feed today!
