Business owners know how important digital marketing is to their business’ success, but it can be difficult to know what to look for when choosing the right partner to take your business to the next level.
These days, the term “digital marketing firm” can mean many different things. Although the tactics may vary, firms ranging from pay-per-click or SEO shops to public relations agencies may all do some form of digital marketing. If you pick a partner that isn’t up to par, you might find that your marketing efforts and business as a whole suffer as a result. Continue reading this article to learn how to choose the best digital marketing company for your business and why it’s a must for your business’ success.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Firm
If you don’t choose the right firm, you’re going to spend thousands of dollars on mediocre to no results. You’ll get big promises but you won’t see much in return. It is essential to make sure the firm you hire is reputable and results-oriented. Here are some tips to make sure you’re working with a firm that is going to get you results.
Work With a Firm That Can Get Results Within Your Budget
We’ve all heard the saying “you get what you pay for”, and shopping for a bargain may just end up leading to disastrous results. On the flip side, just because a firm charges high prices doesn’t mean they produce the best results. If you’re working within a budget, make your budget known up front and your marketing partner will
If you go into a firm and let them know your budget but they keep pushing you for more, this might not be a good match. If you’re being reasonable with your budget, there’s no need to work with people that can’t get the job done at a price you can afford. If your budget is too small for a firm, they should let you know in advance and help find a more appropriate solution for you.
If you want to increase your results, you might talk to them about other higher-priced packages that you can invest in as you want to grow. This is very different than a firm trying to get money out of you upfront because they don’t provide results and know you’ll be gone before they know it.
Find a Firm That Listens to Your Needs And Desires
Different companies have different goals. When you go in to speak with people at the digital marketing firm, you should make sure they understand this fact. If they are trying to sell you a cookie-cutter strategy — you should walk.
Your goal might be to get more brand exposure so people get to know and like your brand. Another company might be in a stage where they are fully focused on driving sales.
When you find a firm that understands that no two businesses are alike and that you could have different goals depending on the current stage of their business, this may be a good match for you.
Full Transparency Shouldn’t Be a Problem
If you ask the firm you’re considering how they get the job done, you aren’t likely to get their secret sauce out of them at this meeting. While they aren’t going to give up all of the secrets when you meet with them, you do want to make sure you’ll have full transparency with what they are doing to get the results for your specific site.
When you ask for updates, they shouldn’t be vague, confusing and filled with jargon that is purposefully there to keep you from understanding their methods. You want to know what’s happening with your digital marketing strategies, so you can be sure they are doing what they say they will do.
Do They Have a Strong Portfolio?
When you speak with the firm of your choice, don’t be wowed with their fancy sales presentation. Make sure they have a strong portfolio filled with people that are happily paying them to get results for them.
You may even ask to speak to one or two of their current or previous clients to find out how they are liking the services they are receiving. If the firm isn’t comfortable with you talking to people they are working with, this is likely a red flag.
Do They Understand Technology?
You’d think that firms working in digital marketing would understand technology but that’s not always the case. You may find people that are from the “old world” of marketing that are wedged in sales positions for digital marketing companies.
They don’t know their way around a computer, they don’t understand SEO, PPC and other important parts of digital marketing. Before you start working with a company, make sure they know what they are doing and they have teams that are experienced in the areas that are important for getting results.
Are They Likable?
Beyond things like how well they operate and what kind of results they can get you, you have to think about how you’re going to enjoy being in this relationship. If you plan on being in a long-term marketing relationship with this firm, you want to enjoy working with them.
While some people are of the mind that it doesn’t matter how people treat you as long as they get results, this is usually a recipe for disaster. Many times people will hire the firm to get the results and fire them because they couldn’t stand working together.
Choose the Best Digital Marketing Firm for the Win
Now you understand the importance of working with the right digital marketing firm. We are a firm that takes your needs very seriously and we are constantly working to stay on the cutting edge of things.
If you’re ready to up your online game, make sure to contact us today to get started.
