The marketing needs for your company have grown beyond what you are capable of handling yourself so you decide to partner with a marketing agency.
However, you don't have an unlimited budget available. So how do you make the most out of your marketing budget when you are working with a marketing agency?
Getting The Most Bang For Your Marketing Buck
OK, that is a bit of a cliche, but it is one that you should always take to heart when dealing with a marketing agency. Here are some ways you can do it:
- Realize it is a partnership.
You know your business better than any outsider will ever understand it. While the marketing agency can help you with the technical aspects of the campaign, they cannot put the heart and soul into it that you can. You’ll need to approve designs and content, for example, and attend regular meetings. Be prepared to do your part. If the agency doesn’t keep you in the loop and ask for your opinion, you may want to rethink your “partnership.” Transparency is key. - Get to know the person in charge of your account.
You should have an experienced project manager assigned to your account. This person will manage the project from start to finish and be your main point of communication. Developing a good working relationship with this person is critical for maximum success. - Use a project management tool to monitor and manage your efforts.
You are hiring the agency to perform a given task. That task is multi-faceted and will have dates and deadlines assigned. You need to make sure your people are meeting your obligations and that the agency is meeting its. ROI Online uses Basecamp. - Work with the marketing agency to understand your ideal customer.
Your marketing cannot be successful unless you are reaching the right people with the right message. The agency should be able to assist you with defining your buyer personas and refining it for increased accuracy. - Understand how the agency charges you.
The pricing and fee structure should be clearly defined, so there are no surprise charges. This helps you maximize your company's use of the agency's services without racking up a large bill. - Develop a clear vision for each project.
An unfocused project leads to unfocused efforts, and that can drive up costs and decrease the effectiveness of any marketing campaign. - Schedule and attend regular meetings with the agency.
Regular communication is essential for any project's success. You need to know what is happening and what inputs you need to provide. A weekly meeting will keep communication lines flowing while keeping the project on track.
It’s up to you to maximize the output you receive from your marketing agency partner. The marketing experts at ROI Online are here to help you see a return on your investment. We can answer your questions and guide you through every aspect of your marketing project. Get in touch!
