There is a plethora of careers out there, but perhaps none as exciting as becoming an entrepreneur. Not only do you get to travel the world and live a life of luxury, but you also get to create your own destiny. Now, more and more people are taking advantage of the freedom that entrepreneurship provides. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Sole Proprietorships (those defined as individual ownership of an organization) increased by 69% between 2016 and 2018. Similarly, the number of Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) grew by 62% during the same period. Together, these businesses represent a new era of American enterprise.
One of the most exciting aspects of being an entrepreneur is having the freedom to define your own hours, working conditions, and most importantly, the path your company takes. In today’s world, nothing is set in stone. In many cases, the traditional corporate structure doesn’t even exist. For example, many businesses started as M-to-M platforms (market-to-market), adapting quickly to the digital age.
So, what does an online marketing agency do?
An online marketing agency is a business that provides services to brands, businesses, and organizations seeking to leverage the power of the internet to gain exposure and grow their consumer base. In some cases, they are referred to as digital marketing agencies or e-marketing agencies. Essentially, they create digital marketing strategies and campaigns for clients, assisting them in driving traffic to their websites, social media accounts, and email campaigns.
The services that an agency provides can vary from digital marketing and business development to content creation and execution. However, no matter what services are needed, the agency must have the following four elements in place:
Digital Marketing Expertise
To begin with, the agency should have in-house expertise in digital marketing, otherwise, they should partner with an agency that has in-house expertise.
A firm with in-house expertise can provide the necessary services needed for a digital marketing campaign, while an agency that contracts with in-house experts can take on a more strategic role, helping to shape the direction of the campaign and provide regular analysis on its progress. Furthermore, having in-house expertise allows for greater accountability, as any slip-ups can be traced back to the people who caused them. If you’re looking for an agency to take on a more strategic role, consider an in-house expert who has the freedom to make decisions and isn’t afraid to flex their muscle when necessary.
Account Management
Once the agency has in-house expertise in digital marketing, they should also have an in-house account manager that is responsible for creating and maintaining client relationships. This person should be approachable, approachable, and highly knowledgeable about the services the agency provides. They should also be a problem solver, eager to help and willing to go the extra mile for a client. Additionally, the account manager should be able to put together various marketing materials, such as email marketing campaigns, landing pages, and social media content, helping to drive leads and conversions, as well as monitor and track the performance of these campaigns. Finally, the account manager should be able to research and analyze current market trends, identifying sectors and industries that are growing, as well as those that are declining, in order to predict the future direction of the marketing industry.
Analytics
Having an analytics team makes a great deal of sense for any business, as it provides for greater insight into consumer behavior, allowing for informed decision-making and marketing strategy. The analytics team at an online marketing agency should be responsible for collecting, processing, and interpreting data, using various tools and software to identify key trends, patterns, and opportunities. A seasoned, expert team can assist with strategy, working closely with the marketing and business departments, while a less experienced team can be used for smaller projects, giving them a learning curve.
Content
Content is everywhere, and having some amazing content isn’t hard. The problem is knowing when to run with it and being able to distribute it effectively to a target audience. The content team at an online marketing agency should be responsible for creating and distributing various types of content, including blogs, landing pages, websites, social media posts, and email blasts. In some cases, they can work with outside writers or journalists, as well as in-house staff, to create content that is appealing, informative, and drives the desired action, whether that be signing up for a newsletter or visiting the website.
Creating and distributing content are actually two separate elements. The first element is production, which involves making content available for distribution, whether through a web server or through an online content distribution network. The second element is distribution, which involves getting the content in front of the right audience, whether that be through social media, email marketing, or the websites of other businesses.
Ultimately, as an entrepreneur, you are responsible for creating an environment where creativity can thrive. At the same time, you must ensure that the business can operate successfully, ensuring that its workers have what they need to do their job, as well as understanding the financial health of the company. With so much responsibility, it can be difficult to know where to start. However, by following these simple steps, you can ensure that your business runs smoothly and that you can focus on what is most important to you: developing your skills and taking on more responsibility.