Forbes recently published an article ranking the best online marketing agencies in the world. In the article, they list several metrics such as marketing budget, social media presence, and brand awareness to name just a few. It would be great to have a full-time in-house marketing team that is devoted to creating strategies, writing sales letters, building marketing plans, and measuring the results of all their efforts. That is probably why you are reading this article. You are probably wondering if there is a better solution than an in-house team. You probably want to establish a direct relationship with a marketing firm that has a history of successful performance. That is where we come in!

The Beginner’s Guide to Online Marketing Agency

If you are new to the world of online marketing, it can feel overwhelming to decide where to begin. There are so many different kinds of agencies to choose from, all with their perks and quirks. To make your decision easier, we have compiled a short list of qualities to look out for when choosing an agency.

Marketing Plan

The first thing to check for is the agency’s marketing plan. It would be best to hire an agency that is already well-established and has a track record of creating successful marketing plans. More importantly, the agency should have a proven plan for launching your product or service. It would be great to work with an agency that can take the reins and have a clear idea of how they plan to maneuver your business forward. Sometimes it just takes time to evolve a marketing plan that is truly effective. You should be willing to entertain several iterations before settling for one.

Brand Awareness

The second important thing to look out for is brand awareness. You would like to hire an agency that is already familiar with your brand and the history behind it. The better known the agency is, the more likely it is to create an effective marketing plan. If you are unfamiliar with the concept of brand awareness, it essentially measures the knowledge and recognition your brand enjoys in the marketplace. Brand awareness is a significant factor in determining the success of a marketing campaign.

Marketing Budget

The third important thing to consider is the marketing budget. Just like any other business function, the cost of marketing can vary based on the size of your company. Smaller businesses may find a social media specialist to be a valuable asset for less than $5,000 per year. As your business grows, so does the budget. The key is to find an agency that can produce excellent results for your money’s worth. We have all heard stories of businesses investing too much money in advertising and neglecting other functions such as sales. It is good to be aware of how much you are willing to spend on marketing.

Results

The fourth important thing to consider is results. Just like any other business function, the cost of marketing can vary based on the size and stage of your business. For smaller businesses, the return on investment can be significant. However, as your business grows, so does your marketing budget. The key is to find an agency that can produce excellent results for your money’s worth.

Technology

The fifth important thing to consider is technology. The industry is rapidly changing, and to stay effective, marketing agencies need to be updated with the latest strategies and tools. This can be costly and time-consuming. You should look for an agency that has the in-house resources (i.e. marketing team, sales team, tech team) to support your effort. Being open-minded and willing to learn is important, but so is having a well-oiled marketing machine behind you.

It can be hard to know where to begin when seeking an agency. With so many different aspects to consider, it is no wonder that over 98% of businesses fail within the first five years of operation.

If you are looking for a proven source of industry knowledge that can help your business succeed, explore our agency directory. You can contact marketing agencies near you to learn more. You may also want to consult with an attorney who can advise you on how to create a sound business plan. Above all, keep your eyes open for trends and technological innovations that can improve your marketing effectiveness.