September 16, 2020

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Marketing Firm

Finding the right digital marketing services is a huge step in the right direction. You can boost your business’s growth through better brand awareness, lead generation, sales, and customer retention. However, hiring the wrong digital ad and marketing firm can be a nightmare.

It’s easy to make mistakes while outsourcing the marketing services, especially when you skimp out on your research. Here are six common pitfalls that you need to avoid when searching for “marketing firms near me.”

1. Falling for Fancy Presentations

Some digital marketing firms create unrealistic expectations through shiny packages used to pitch to potential clients. The marketers usually layer the fancy “SEO audit” gimmicks with a “secret sauce” pitch. Don’t fall for the smoke and mirrors. There is no short-cut search engine optimization. It is a culmination of hard work, time, and patience.

2. Working with Marketing Agencies Without a Defined Plan

It is important to ask for a detailed plan with all the marketing goals outlined. Carry out enough research within your company to set clear goals and expectations for the marketing firm. You don’t want to sign up for services that you do not require. Always ask for a written service agreement stipulating all terms and conditions of the contract.

3. Disregarding the Company’s Experience

Organic marketing may take years to master, with most experts regarding it as an art. You may need to choose a company with a proven track record. Ask to see past case studies within your industry. Find out how the company helped them achieve their goals. Rookie mistakes can be costly and can negatively impact your brand image.

4. Choosing the Cheapest Digital Marketing Services

Be wary of results for “online marketing firms near me” that quote extremely low prices — way below the industry average. In the quest to achieve the targeted ROI, the cheap SEO agencies tend to turn to black-hat techniques such as paid links and keyword-stuffed content. It may result in penalties and damage to your business reputation. Remember, in business, you will always get the quality of service you pay for.

5. Focusing Only on Local Firms

While it is tempting just to Google “marketing firms near me” and choose the top-listed agency, it may not always be the wisest idea. The beauty of technology is that it allows firms to offer digital marketing services from any part of the world. You do not have to sell yourself short by fixating your mind on only local agencies.

6. Not Choosing a Full-Service Marketing Agency

Some digital marketing firms today only specialize in one area. The specialization can be on SEO, social media marketing, PPC advertisement, or perhaps web design services. While it may be perfect for their business model, it may not be right for you. All the facets of the digital marketing space are vital in creating an effective long-term strategy.

7. Not Following Up on References

Client testimonials on marketing firms near you can reveal the strengths and weaknesses of individual firms. Ask for references to past clients and follow up. Ensure you get to know their experiences, level of satisfaction, and the results delivered.

Outsourcing your marketing services can often prove to be the best route for business growth and success. Avoiding these seven mistakes can place you in the right trajectory to increased revenue.