There’s no question that the internet has changed the way we consume media. With the click of a button, we can access a wealth of information at the tip of our fingers. While the convenience is undoubtedly appealing, this abundance of information can pose a challenge to those seeking to influence or market to the online masses. The good news is that the internet has also created an opportunity for those seeking to influence or market to the online masses. Previously, you may have needed to spend hours per day consuming content, digesting news stories, and occasionally diving into an in-depth piece to stay informed about an issue that mattered to you. Now, with search engines, social media, and email marketing creating a steady stream of traffic and engagement to your website, you may not need to dedicate as much time to content generation as you did previously. You can continue to enjoy the benefits of an ever-changing media landscape while focusing your attention on other aspects of your business.
The Role Of The Media Agency
If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’re either an agency owner, media strategist, or marketing communications professional, all of whom maybe know the value of a capable media agency. A media agency is a business that provides services to corporations, brands, and agencies to help them promote their products and initiatives digitally.
The media agency will work with you to define your digital marketing strategy and develop a content plan that can be used to attract, engage, and convert your ideal buyer persona into customers.
A major role of the media agency is to serve as a trusted partner, developing industry leading strategies, tactics, and solutions to help businesses grow. In doing so, they may work with various content creators and curators to bring your ideas to life through visual content, including infographics, web videos, and social media content.
Digital Marketing Specialties Matter
While we can be sure of the general appeal of an online media agency, it’s important to remember that not all agencies are created equal. Just because they’re good at digital marketing, does not mean they will serve your needs. Instead, you want to be sure that they are experienced in the areas that matter most to you. For example, if you’re a pharmaceutical company, you may not want an agency that is limited to digital marketing to handle all aspects of your marketing communications. Instead, you may want a team that is highly experienced in pharmaceutical PR and marketing to guide you through the process of launching a new drug or device. When selecting a digital marketing agency, it’s important to ask about their specialties and the size of their team. If you’re looking for a low-cost, entry-level option, you may want to consider an agency that offers basic services or a solo practitioner. Alternatively, if you have a specific niche or area of focus, you may want to consider an agency specializing in digital marketing for that industry. Regardless, be sure to work with an agency that you can trust and that is a reputable company with a solid reputation.
How To Determining A Reasonable Budget
Every business, regardless of size, has a budget, and that budget often reflects the importance and/or priority the business places on a marketing campaign or program. Naturally, you may have a much greater expense budget for advertising than you do for R&D, but that doesn’t mean that you have to limit yourself to just one form of marketing. In fact, with a little planning and strategizing, you may be able to pull off a hybrid or multi-channel marketing campaign that incorporates both traditional and digital marketing methods. Depending on your budget, you may want to consider focusing on social media, search engine optimization, or email marketing. To that end, don’t just look at your monthly marketing budget but instead look at how much you’re spending overall on marketing each year. That way, you can determine how effective your investment is and if, in fact, it’s time to reevaluate your strategy or elevate your game. In determining how much you should budget for digital marketing, it’s important to keep in mind three main points:
- How much do you currently spend on traditional and digital marketing?
- How much are you willing to spend?
- What is your overall marketing strategy?
If you answered “0” to any of these questions, then you’re probably not spending enough on digital marketing. On the other hand, if you’re spending more than you’ve budgeted on traditional marketing and have the budget to invest in digital marketing, then you’re probably overspending and need to reassess what you’re doing. In either case, be sure to consult with an expert who can help you determine an appropriate budget for your digital marketing efforts.
The Evolving Role Of The Brand Consultant
We haven’t talked about brand strategy in some time, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been relevant. Brands are at the forefront of everything from product development to marketing and communications, and it’s critical that they are represented by someone who understands their strategy and objectives.
Why is brand strategy so important? Simply put, brands without a clear strategy are unable to effectively move forward. If you’re looking to create a brand strategy, there are a few important things you need to keep in mind:
- Develop a competitive analysis
- Determine your pricing strategy
- Create a buyer persona
- Choose a name for the brand
These are just some of the main points of a brand strategy, but to help you develop a strategy that is the best fit for your business, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 questions you need to ask yourself before starting your brand strategy session with a brand consultant.