Very few businesses start out working with a digital marketing agency. In fact, many don’t prioritize digital strategy for quite some time, and when they do, they start out trying to do it themselves.
We hear it so often when onboarding new clients: “Well, we were trying to do it ourselves…” Usually followed by something like, “We just didn’t have the time” or “We didn’t know what we were doing.”
If that is you, don’t worry. You’re definitely not the only one, and there is a solution, if you’re willing to make the jump.
Why Work With a Digital Marketing Agency?
That’s a fair question. Why invest in a digital marketing agency when you could do a lot of what they do yourself?
It’s true––with enough research and effort, you could do a lot of what agencies like us do, although not on the same level.
There are several benefits you should consider when wondering whether or not bringing on a digital marketing agency is a good choice. Here are a few:
1. Time
Time is one of the biggest factors when choosing to hire an agency to cover your digital marketing. Most often we find that business owners have gotten burnt out trying to do it themselves, and understandable so.
As a business owner, you already have your plate piled high with things to do and to oversee. Whether you are trying to do some online marketing yourself or are having a member of your team do it, it is still yet another thing on your mind.
When you hire a digital marketing agency, you have the relief of knowing that the responsibility falls on the shoulder of another company while it is still benefiting yours. You can rest easy knowing that it’s getting done whether you are thinking about it or not. How’s that for a change?
2. Quality and Expertise
Bringing a digital marketing agency on as part of your team adds the level of quality and expertise that you need to get results. Digital marketing is such an ever-changing industry, and it relies so heavily on a thorough understanding of best practices and latest algorithms, policies, etc. There are certainly some things you can accomplish without knowing all the ins and outs, but it really does take expertise to be most effective.
The team at the agency you hire wil know what they are doing, from putting together a fantastic digital strategy to implementing all the elements of it. This expertise will ensure that you get the results your business needs.
Subpar work produces subpar results, but the quality work that you’ll get with a well-reputed agency will get quality results.
3. Lead Generation
Ultimately, lead generation is the result you should be getting from the implementation of a digital marketing strategy.
If you have been trying to improve your online marketing, but you still are getting the leads that you want, it might be a sign you should be working with a digital marketing agency instead.
Digital marketing agencies have the specific goal of increasing awareness and generating traffic and leads for your company. If they do their job well, you should see a steady increase of leads over time and, as a result, an increase in business and ROI.
To offer a fair warning: You may not see a jump in lead numbers immediately. Give the strategy time to take effect. It is a process, but one well worth waiting out. For more on managing your expectations in that first little while, read here.
4. Money
The word “money” was bound to grab your attention. It is probably your first concern at the thought of hiring a digital marketing agency. Rightfully so.
When it comes to money talk, there are two angles to look at. First, the money you are putting out, and second, the money you are bringing in.
Will you save money by bringing on an agency as opposed to doing your own marketing? No. In fact, investing in a quality digital strategy may cost more than you would initially expect; however, it is that: an investment.
When you hire a digital marketing agency, you are going to have to spend money, but the ROI is well worth it, even if it is hard to measure at first. When the process picks up and the leads start coming in, your business will thrive because of your long-term investment.
You cannot lose with improving your online presence. The internet is not going anywhere, and the average American spends 5.4 hours a day on their phone, which is where they are likely to find information about your business. If they like what they see there, your digital marketing agency is doing their job well.
Read our article “Digital Marketing: An Expense or an Investment?” for more on investment, ROI, and money expectations.
What Should Working With a Digital Marketing Agency Look Like?
Ideally, working with an agency should feel like you have your own inside digital marketing team for your company.
The communication should be clear. Neither party should be hard to contact or out of touch. In order for the relationship to be effective, there must be an availability on both sides, and if you establish this as a precedent from the get-go, we can promise you that things will remain positive.
Ask questions and be prepared to answer questions. It is better to overload information than to not give or get enough. This will save a lot of time and effort and minimize mistakes due to misunderstandings.
As the business owner, things go much more smoothly if you know what you want out of the relationship; but your contact at the digital marketing agency is there to help you figure that out. If you establish your expectations from the beginning, there will be less constant back-and-forth and the opportunity for strained communication will be diminished.
Finally, know that your digital marketing agency wants the best for your company. It’s a win-win for them. They want to see you succeed, and in order to watch it happen, they will do their best work for you. If they don’t, it’s time for a change. You should be getting the best return for your investment!
If you’re on the fence about hiring a digital marketing agency, but you want to know more about what they do and how they can help your business grow, schedule a consultation with us at Brown Creative Group. We’re here to help!
