Four things to consider when finding a better marketing agency

A quick Google search will tell you there is no shortage of marketing agencies out there poised and waiting to find new clients.

However, finding a marketing agency that is best equipped to serve your company’s unique marketing needs can be more complicated, and let’s face it, overwhelming.

It is important to find an agency that will complement the strengths of your in-house team, while at the same time addressing the weaknesses of your current marketing approach.

Here are some things to think about when you are looking to find a better marketing agency:

Face-to-Face Meetings or Conference Calls

In-person meetings can create stronger bonds with your agency and ensure trust between all team members involved. However, hiring a non-local agency gives you a larger pool to choose from and more flexibility to find one really suited to your needs.

Preferred Communication Channels

If the agency will be supplementing, or working alongside an in-house team, how will you manage interaction between team members? What platform will you use to ensure there is no costly overlap, and to keep everyone up-to-date on the latest progress?

Define goals and current weaknesses

Make sure the agency you hire has a strong track record in areas which will address your own shortcomings. If you are looking to build brand awareness through social media, look for agencies who have proven their efficacy building successful online campaigns.

Develop a list of options

You don’t have to settle. Take time to do your research. Search through partner directories on marketing automation sites such as Hubspot or Marketo — bonus points if you find an agency that uses the same marketing software as you! Look into who contributes to your favorite marketing blog, or ask other businesses what agencies they are using to get a good recommendation. Do an organic search, tailoring keywords to meet your needs in an agency. Make sure to take extensive notes on pluses, services and specifics that you like or dislike as you sift through the results.