For any business big or small, the decision to seek outside help for marketing efforts is a serious one. Choose the right resource and growth could potentially skyrocket. Choose the wrong resource and your business could end up with wasted money and nothing to show for it.
Whether you’re choosing an SEO agency to help you with a few targeted keywords or outsourcing your entire marketing efforts to a third party, make it a streamlined process that will result in you getting the most bang for your buck, and the most results for your business.
What Matters Most? The Results!
First and foremost, it’s important to be weary of any agency that won’t share with you results. While you shouldn’t expect the potential marketing agency you’re considering to let you delve deep into their reports, be skeptical of agencies that offer little to no insight into the type of results they’ve achieved for their clients.
Often times an agency will ask you to sign a NDA to share client results with you; that’s an accepted industry standard and shouldn’t be a turn off. Also expect that you won’t see actual business names on these results, as doing so could be considered a serious breach of privacy. Unless you’re dealing with a seriously sketch agency, you can trust that the results they’re sharing with you are legit.
Don’t be hesitant to ask to see results from agencies you’re considering. Be hesitant of agencies that won’t show you any results.
Consider the Results in Your Specific Niche
Taking it a step further, and if available, try to consider agencies that have achieved online marketing success in the niche that your business operates in. Seeing this will prove that the agency has experience working with clients such as yourself, further solidifying the fact that it may be a good match.
Businesses in odd niches might have trouble with this, and if that’s the case consider agencies that may have achieved successes for odd niches (even if it’s not the same niche).
Make Sure You Shop Around
Choosing a marketing agency is like shopping for a car. You might be totally in love with the first one you test drive, but if you don’t try four or five you won’t have anything to compare it to.
Also, considering looking locally. Organic Media Group is a San Diego SEO company. And we love working with clients in the San Diego area. Its always nice to be able to do a face to face meeting from time to time. And you might be able to get more information on a local agency.
We are recognized as a top SEO Company on DesignRush.
Be absolutely sure to shop around. Have meetings with multiple agencies, and consider all facets of what they have to offer. If the agency will be creating content for your website or blog, ask for samples. Interview each agency and see how much personal attention you’ll be receiving.
Consider Cost, but Don’t let it Be the Final Decision
The cost that each agency presents you should be a serious component of your consideration of each agency. But by no means should it be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. In marketing, cheaper is not better, by any means. While you may be able to find similar marketing agencies with drastically different prices, it’s imperative to remember that you should not choose an agency on cost alone.
Costs can vary immensely among different marketing agencies. Remember the funds that you’re putting into marketing your business is an investment, one that should eventually generate a significant return. While putting more money into marketing won’t necessarily result in a higher return, putting the right amount of money into the right agency will. The cheapest option might be the best choice, but the most expensive might be as well.
Ask Your Business Network for Referrals
Another great way to find a marketing agency that you’ll work well with is to simply ask for referrals. Referrals are one of the best ways to find anything you’re looking for, and marketing agencies are no different.
Post on LinkedIn, message boards, or access your business network and ask for referrals. You’ll hear first hand from people you trust about potential marketing agencies. You’ll hear the good, the bad, and the ugly, and then you can make the decision for yourself.
Remember the Above, and Get Your Search Going!
Choosing a marketing agency doesn’t have to be stressful, long, or tiresome. Be thorough in your search if you want to find the perfect agency. A thorough search will lead to success, which is the whole basis for the search in the first place!
