How To Choose a Digital Marketing Agency

Believe it or not, 50% of businesses that hire digital marketing agencies see no return on their investment. Shocking, right? 

If you’re a business owner in the USA, you can’t afford to roll the dice when it comes to choosing the right agency.”

Curious to know how you can beat those odds? Stick around. We’ve got a comprehensive guide that will walk you through the steps to find an agency that actually delivers on its promises. 

You won’t want to miss this.

Why Hire a Digital Marketing Agency?

• Save time to focus on other responsibilities.
• Improve online marketing results, like leads and sales.
• Get ahead of competitors.
• Increase ROI from digital marketing.

How to Find the Best Digital Marketing Agency

Understand Your Company’s Needs 

Before you even think about signing a contract with a digital marketing agency, you need to have a crystal-clear understanding of your company’s needs. Why? Because knowing what you want is the cornerstone of finding an agency that can actually deliver. 

For instance, if you’re a local business in Chicago aiming to boost your online presence, you might not need an international agency with a focus on e-commerce. 

Instead, you’d benefit more from a local agency that understands the nuances of your market. So, grab a notepad and jot down your goals. 

Are you looking to increase website traffic, improve SEO rankings, or perhaps launch a new product? Knowing your objectives will not only help you narrow down your options but also set a budget that aligns with your goals. 

📊 Quick Fact: According to a recent study, 40% of businesses that clearly define their goals achieve significantly better results than those who don’t. 

👉 But wait, there’s more. Once you’ve got your goals and budget in place, think about the logistics. Do you prefer a one-stop-shop for all your digital needs or are you comfortable coordinating with multiple agencies? 

Each approach has its pros and cons. 

For example, working with a single agency simplifies communication but may limit the range of services offered. On the other hand, hiring multiple agencies can offer specialized expertise but may require more effort in coordination. 

Click Here: 27 Marketing KPIs You Should Be Tracking to Achieve Your Business Goals 

📝 Client Story: One of our clients, a small bakery in New York, initially opted for a generalist agency and saw little to no improvement in their online sales. After reassessing their needs and switching to a local agency specializing in food and beverage marketing, their online sales skyrocketed by 70% in just three months.

So, before you dive into the sea of digital marketing agencies, make sure you’ve got your own house in order. Trust us, a little introspection goes a long way in making a decision you won’t regret.

Demand Full Transparency

Before you ink any deals with a digital marketing agency, clarity and transparency should be your watchwords. Why is this so crucial? 

Because a lack of transparency can lead to misunderstandings, wasted resources, and ultimately, a failed partnership. So, arm yourself with the right questions about pricing, team expertise, and the scope of work.

👉 Hold on, there’s more to consider. When you’re in talks with an agency, pay close attention to how forthcoming they are. 

If they dodge your questions or offer vague answers, that’s a red flag. Transparency isn’t just about honesty; it’s about alignment between your business goals and the agency’s capabilities.

So, when you’re navigating the labyrinth of digital marketing agencies, make sure transparency isn’t just a box to tick off—it should be a deal-breaker. Trust us, a transparent relationship is the bedrock of a successful digital marketing campaign.

Read Reviews and Testimonials

Before you commit to any digital marketing agency, do yourself a favor and check out their reviews and testimonials. 

Think of these as the Yelp for how to choose a digital marketing agency. 

For instance, our agency has a testimonials page that showcases feedback from diverse industries. But don’t just skim; dig in. Look for comments about real results, the quality of communication, and how well they report data.

📊 Quick Fact: Recent research shows that 85% of people trust online reviews as much as they do personal recommendations. So, if an agency has a ton of positive reviews, it’s a strong indicator they’re reliable and not just after your money.

👉 Take note: No agency is perfect. Even the best ones will have some negative reviews. Use these as a learning tool. Ask yourself, was this a one-off issue or a recurring problem?

You can take an example of my agency. I have made a dedicated section for reviews and testimonials.
So, when you’re figuring out how to pick a marketing agency, remember that reviews and testimonials are more than just window dressing. They’re a crucial part of making an informed decision. Trust us, this isn’t a corner you want to cut.

Credibility is Important

If you’re wondering how to choose a digital marketing agency, start by looking at credibility—it’s a game-changer. Read reviews on trusted sites like Clutch and Expertise to get a feel for the agency’s reputation. 

But don’t stop there. 

Ask for client references, including one where things didn’t go smoothly. Why? 

Because you’ll learn a lot from how the agency handled a tough situation. 

Call these references; you’ll get details you won’t find in an email. Next, check out the agency’s website and social media. 

If they’re top-notch, it’s a good sign the agency knows what they’re doing. 

For example, if you’re trying to figure out how to pick a marketing agency based on SEO, their website should rank well in search results. 

Also, look for recent case studies or whitepapers. These can give you solid, data-backed insights into what the agency can really do. So, when you’re deciding how to choose digital marketing agency options, make sure their credibility checks out.

Industry Experience

When you’re grappling with how to choose a digital marketing agency, you might think industry experience is a deal-breaker. 

While it’s true that specific experience can be beneficial, it’s not the end-all-be-all. Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes can bring groundbreaking strategies to your business. 

For instance, an agency skilled in e-commerce could offer unique insights to a healthcare firm, merging best practices from diverse industries. So, as you navigate how to choose digital marketing agency options or ponder how to pick a marketing agency, broaden your scope. 

Examine their portfolios and request case studies that showcase their adaptability and creative problem-solving. 

Ultimately, you want an agency that’s not just familiar with your industry but is also innovative enough to give you a competitive edge.

Check KPIs 

When you’re figuring out how to choose a digital marketing agency, make sure to focus on how they handle KPIs, or key performance indicators. 

These aren’t just numbers; they’re your guide to understanding if your marketing efforts are paying off. A top-notch agency won’t confuse you with industry jargon. Instead, they’ll give you straightforward data that directly relates to your business objectives. 

For instance, if boosting website traffic is your goal, they should be talking about metrics like page views, bounce rates, and conversion rates. 

So, as you’re deciding how to pick a marketing agency, ask them point-blank how they’ll measure and report these vital stats. The agencies worth your time and investment will use advanced tools to gather this data and have the know-how to turn it into actionable insights. 

That means you won’t have to sift through complicated reports; they’ll simplify it for you. 

In short, when you’re exploring how to choose digital marketing agency candidates, their approach to KPIs can be a make-or-break factor in your decision.

Ask Them How Do They Measure Client Success?

If you’re wondering how to choose a digital marketing agency, one key question to ask is how they track client success. Top agencies don’t just rely on third-party tools; they often create their own software to measure results.

This is crucial for a couple of reasons. 

First, it means you’re not tied to the limitations of external tools. 

Second, if there’s a technical glitch, the agency can fix it immediately, without waiting on hold with customer service. 

For example, if you’re trying to figure out how to pick a marketing agency, look for one that has its own tracking solutions. 

This shows they’re committed to giving you precise, up-to-date data. So, when you’re deciding how to choose digital marketing agency options, make sure to ask about their tracking methods. It’s a strong sign they’re serious about delivering results and making the most of your marketing budget.

Conclusion

Choosing the right digital marketing agency is a critical decision that involves multiple factors, from credibility and industry experience to KPI tracking and client reviews. 

At Incrementors, we understand these complexities and are committed to providing you with tailored solutions that align with your business goals. 

Our team of experts uses cutting-edge tools and strategies to deliver measurable results, ensuring your marketing investment pays off.

Ready to take the next step? We invite you to book a 30-minute strategy session with us to explore how Incrementors can help you achieve your marketing objectives.

FAQs 

1.  How do you know if a digital marketing agency is good?

A good digital marketing agency will have a strong track record of delivering results for clients. Look for case studies, client testimonials, and reviews to gauge their performance. Additionally, they should offer transparent reporting and have expertise in key areas like SEO, PPC, content marketing, and social media. A reputable agency will also be willing to provide client references and may even have industry certifications.

2. What can I expect from a digital marketing agency?

When you hire a digital marketing agency, you can expect a range of services tailored to your business needs. This may include strategy development, SEO optimization, content creation, social media management, PPC advertising, and analytics reporting. A good agency will work closely with you to define your marketing objectives and KPIs, then create and execute a plan to achieve them. You should also expect regular updates and transparent communication from your agency.

3. Is it worth it to hire a digital marketing agency?

A: Hiring a digital marketing agency can be a valuable investment for many businesses. Agencies have the expertise and tools to execute complex marketing strategies that can drive tangible results, often more efficiently than an in-house team. They can provide specialized skills and insights that you may not have internally. However, it’s crucial to choose the right agency and to have clear goals and KPIs to measure the ROI of your marketing efforts.