marketing can be complicated, there are a lot of moving parts. The team at Lure Creative wishes we could be blunt with the business owners we are trying to help and tell them the cold, hard truth without sounding like rude, demeaning, know-it-alls. So, in an effort to enlighten and not frighten, we give you our new blog series “You’ve Been Schooled!”. We hope it will help business owners understand marketing a little better and make better decisions with their marketing dollars. Today’s topic is hiring an agency and our expert is Sara Flaherty-Lee.
Decide What You Want From an Agency
Have the answers to the following questions ready and top-of-mind when shopping for a digital marketing agency or services for your business:
What is Your Business’s Vision?
There’s no one better suited to establish the vision for a business than the business owner. To most effectively convey your vision for your business, have these elements in mind. Be able to talk on your brand’s “voice”, mission statement, philosophies, etc., in addition to your short and long-term goals.
Establish a Target Budget
This doesn’t need to be an exact figure, but it’s important to have a ballpark idea of what your business is able to work with for additional marketing spend. A rule of thumb non-specific to any one industry is 10-12% of your annual revenue.
What Does your Brand or Business Website Look Like?
Collect elements from or examples of existing websites to save for inspiration. As a website is largely a visual asset, the more specific you can get with how you want things to look, the better. Avoid blanket concepts like “clean and modern” which can result in a site that looks like (or came from) a theme repository.
Who is Your Target Customer?
You know your products and services better than anyone else, so who does your target customer? Have some demographics like age range, any bias on gender, region, etc., on hand to help paint a clearer picture of who your business caters to.
What is Your Website’s Main Purpose?
Is your website made for informing users? Generating leads? Amassing views? The intent of your business will largely influence the website’s structure and format. By being clear and transparent with your goals, the most efficient “route” possible can be mapped out for your customers.
Tip from Lure Creative: Plan to invest in search engine optimization (SEO) in addition to any other marketing initiatives you have planned besides the website. By investing in SEO with your new website, you’re setting yourself up for the best chance of success on search results against competitors for people looking for your products or services.
For more information or a no obligation consultation, get in touch with Lure Creative today, or give us a call!
