5 Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring A Marketing Agency

Now that we are getting ready to close the books on what most will agree is a year to end all years (not in a good way) we at Cornerstone Creative choose to look to the future. With the prospects for a better and brighter 2021 we’d like to offer some tips on hiring an agency to help grow your brand. Over the years we’ve found these five mistakes consistently derail well intentioned companies when they try to hire expert marketing help.

Mistake #5 – Working Without A Marketing Budget for Campaigns
Every company needs to have a marketing budget for the year. You will have to consider what percentage of your budget you are setting aside for digital marketing and the budget for conventional marketing. Getting a beautiful website designed will be a one-time cost, but digital marketing services usually get charged every month, so this must be taken into consideration. Also, running ads on digital marketing platforms increases your brand exposure but it’s important to set a budget, so you do not end up overspending.

Mistake #4 – Not Getting A Plan From The Digital Agency
When you work with a company, it’s essential to ask for a plan that includes timelines, objectives and which platforms they will be used to enhance your brand. Your company may record more success when promoted on Facebook and Instagram if you ‘re into retail, or it may receive better traction on LinkedIn and Twitter if you’re primarily business to business. Email marketing and newsletters could also help your strategy, so explore a customized package based on your requirements.

Mistake #3 – Approaching an Agency Without A Clear Marketing Goal
It is important to have clear digital marketing objectives and carry out research before you start approaching digital marketing companies. You do not want to end up taking on unnecessary services, based on recommendations from the agency. You understand how your business works, so ensure that the organization you choose aligns with your overall mission and vision and not the other way round.

Mistake #2 – Choosing The Most Affordable Digital Marketing Company
Price is a major constraint for most companies, but going with the cheapest digital company could damage your brand image in the eyes of your clients if the quality of the work is very poor. A reputable marketing company will enhance your brand perception instead of damaging it, which is why it’s essential to set a reasonable budget and also expect to pay a competitive rate for high-quality work.

Mistake #1 – Not Working with A Full-Service Digital Agency
Some companies may provide digital marketing services such as social media marketing, but they do not specialize in producing powerful websites and SEO services. As these services usually work in cohesion, it’s critical to request a demo and verify the services offered. Experience in creating a robust website, launching appropriate digital marketing services, and placing ads and content to generate the maximum number of views is essential for a successful venture. Also, a reputable company will provide monthly reports with insightful analytics to highlight factors such as bounce rate, impressions, clicks, and other vital information.