How to Hire a Digital Marketing and Branding Agency

The truth is that even the best in-house marketing, branding and public relation teams are not well-trained to handle digital marketing and branding. This is because it is a specialized operation that requires dedication rather than general marketing.

Hence, most smart companies turn to agencies that specialize in this unique strategy. Such agencies then aid the company in creating extensive online strategies as well as digital presence optimization using social media, paid search, content creation, display advertising, and SEO.

Many reasons abound why you need to hire a digital marketing and branding agency. Some companies just require consultation; others need to support the in-house team, while some will completely outsource all things digital marketing-related.

Irrespective of the reason, it is important to have these agencies in your corner because of the ever-changing digital scene. Failure to do so might have you trailing other competitors within your industry.

Key Areas Where You Need the Guidance of a Digital Marketing and Branding Agency

The following are the key areas that are constantly changing and will require the guidance of a digital expert:

1. Content Marketing

With an expert, you can take advantage of new features, practices, and techniques to create contents that have a higher impact and overall profitable return.

2. Social Media

On the surface, most social media platforms look the same even after an update, the interface might not even change in any way. However, a lot of work is going on in the background which a novice cannot possibly comprehend. Feed algorithms are continuously updated, advertising features are either being added or retired, displays are constantly reformatted, etc.

As a result, you need the help of a qualified expert to tell you what is and what is not. Else you might be paying for an ad that is no longer reaching the target audience without you knowing it because the feature has been changed.

3. Search Engines

Do you think social media platforms are always in flux? If that is what you think, then you know nothing about search engines. Before you think you have figured out the optimization pattern, they are changed.

The number 1 search engine Google is well-known for this. So, many experts are always on their toes to keep up with the changes. If this is the case with experts, what hope do you? Hence, you require the services of an expert agency.

The truth about digital branding is that it is filled with trials and errors. Even the so-called experts are constantly learning and must always be ready to adjust to new improvements which could take them a while to master.

If this is the case, what use are these agencies you might ask? Well, for one, they already know the basics and even the advanced level of form of promotion; this is something you or your in-house team might not be able to boast about confidently. Secondly, their specialization allows them to focus on updates and improvements so that they can keep up.  

🚩Red Flags to Note when Hiring

At this point, it is no secret that you need an agency to aid you in marketing digitally and building your digital brand. However, you need to be cautious of the following red flags before entering into any form of agreemen.

1. Lack of Track Record

Even the master was once a novice; this is a well-known fact. Hence, even established agencies started from somewhere small.  But when it comes to the success of your business, it is best you partner with the masters rather than the novices.

This will help you reduce the possibility of errors since an established agency has the experience that a new digital marketing firm & services do not possess. Do not make your company the first-test subject for a new firm.

2. Unattractive Websites with Little or no Activity on Social Media

If a firm is going to be handling all your digital activities, then they must show their proficiency and excellence in their website. How do you promise to improve one’s social media presence when you do not have one or yours is very poor?

Once you see any contradiction like this, it is a clear sign that such an agency is not qualified.

3. Communication Issues

Any firm that does not communicate well with you will not communicate well with your customers. So, if an agency you consider hiring is not timely in replying to emails, responding to phone calls, and cannot communicate their plans for your company then it a big red flag.

❓Questions You Must Ask an Agency before Hiring

If you do not find any of the red flags which we discussed above, you then have to interview the agency or their representative. This could be in person, via online meeting apps, email, or over the phone. However, we would recommend you use a medium that will allow you to see the reaction of the other party.

With that said, ask these important questions…

1. What Experience Do They Possess?

Although you ought to have found this out when researching the firm, yet their answer will help you determine if they are trustworthy. Ask about their number of years in business. Also, ask about the professional and educational qualifications of the individuals that will be assigned to your organization.

2. What Is Their Area Of Specialization?

Digital marketing is very broad. Hence, knowing their area of specialization will help you determine if they are perfect for the campaign you want to carry out.

3. Are Jobs Outsourced?

If their answer is no, then it means their team is reliable. But if they do, ask them how efficient their outsourcing partners are. This will help you determine if you can trust them with your campaign.

4. What Is Their System For Measuring Kpis?

If they carefully outline the system they have for this measurement, then they are very thorough. Click here to learn more about KPIs.

Conclusion

With the guide above, you ought to be able to hire a reliable agency for your digital marketing and branding needs. Make sure you are careful in your section as many firms out their claim to be what they are not.