In this episode of Actionable Marketing In Minutes we continue our discussion about choosing your marketing team and what to look for in a digital marketing agency.

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Problem:

In one of our previous podcast episodes, we discussed the merits of outsourcing to a digital marketing agency as opposed to commissioning your marketing efforts in-house. Not only did we point out that outsourcing will actually save you money in the long run, we outlined quite a few benefits a good digital marketing agency can offer that you simply cannot get from your in-house team alone.

Though a good marketing agency will increase your bottom line, a poor agency has the potential to drain your budget – offering little – and could actually be a detriment to you.

The question is what does a really good agency look like? And, how to find one?

Solution:

Because it is quite an investment to hire a digital marketing agency, it is very important to do your due diligence to find the best. This will take a good amount of research. I’d like to give you a few pointers, if I may:

First, look at the most basic services – such as SEO, website navigation and responsiveness, content, search engine marketing, and social media. These are the core things you will want to make sure that your agency offers and is strong in.

Once you have a few candidates, Google their clients. Do they rank high organically? As you look at the websites, are they easy to navigate? Does the site respond well to mobile devices? You’ll also want to see rich content and relevant social media engagement. And, you most certainly don’t want to do business with an agency whose clients’ websites all look the same.

If the agency passes these tests, let’s dig a little deeper.

If you speak with an account manager, it’s ok if he or she mentions a selection of plans to start. Doing that makes it easier to understand and compare. But, one-size-fits-all plans are not ultimately a good thing. Every business is unique, with special needs. The best agencies don’t quote programs or prices until they have a thorough understanding of your goals. That means they will sit down and really listen to you as you tell them about you and your business plan.

Chances are, you won’t know the marketing industry’s lingo. Some agencies bank on the fact that you don’t have a good handle on what is being offered. Do not feel intimidated to ask questions. And, expect thorough and complete answers. A good agency has no problem explaining every single aspect and detail of what they are recommending…including expected outcomes.

I think the most dangerous ploy used by some agencies is to promise the moon. If anyone offers guarantees that sound too good to be true, such as promising that you will rate number one in organic searches, run – don’t walk – the other way. A good agency will offer more attainable goals.

Benefits:

The digital landscape is changing at lightning-fast speed. Good agencies work hard to keep current. They are constantly learning the newest and best methods of doing everything. That’s because they are passionate about what they do. Your success – not theirs – is their number one priority.

Search for them. They are out there!

If you follow the steps I’ve outlined, you will have good results and your digital marketing agency will increase your bottom line in ways you’ve probably never imagined.

We hope you’ve found this information helpful. Please connect with us on Twitter @DirectiveGroup or on LinkedIn. Let us know what you think and what you’d like to hear about next. And if you like our podcasts please share with your networks using hashtag #actionablemarketing.

Join us for an upcoming episode as we discuss how not to be a spammer.