Finding the perfect search engine marketing agency is never easy. After all, it’s impossible to know exactly what your working relationship will be like with them before you’ve signed on the dotted line. However, there are certain things that can give you a very good indication of whether they’re going to be the right fit. If you’re about to embark on a new search engine marketing relationship, take a look at this list of must-haves before making any final decisions.
The right services for your needs
Did you know that search engine marketing services can vary from agency to agency? Some agencies will specialise in on-page SEO, while others will be PPC experts. It’s true that some agencies offer a full search engine marketing service, but it’s good to identify your needs before opting for a complete package. This way, you’ll really get the most for your money and you’ll be working with experts who understand how to get you to where you want to be.
Smooth communication
Communication is undoubtedly one of the most important parts of working with a marketing agency. After all, if the professionals you working with are unwilling to give you the details you ask for, are always late answering your questions, and can’t present you with a timeline of what you can expect and when – then the relationship isn’t going to be a strong one. It’s really important to be able to communicate smoothly and openly with an external agency, this way you’ll be able to see if your needs are being met.
Experience in your industry
Not all search marketing is the same and hiring an agency that has worked with businesses in your industry before can be a huge advantage. Because a lot of search marketing depends on having high-quality content on your website, it’s important for your agency to be able to speak to your audience as if they’re on their level. While you can’t expect an agency to have experience in your very specific niche if they have transferable skills from your broader industry that’s always a bonus.
Flexibility
If you’re not sure how long you want to work with a digital marketing agency, finding one that’s willing to be flexible in its contracts is very important. Even if you think you’re happy to sign on for a year, a flexible agency will be more willing to change the type of work they’re doing halfway through that commitment. No business owner can be sure how things will go in a few months, so finding an agency that understands this and is willing to adapt should be a priority.
Sometimes, the best way to choose a search engine marketing agency is by trusting your feelings. If you got a good impression when you spoke to the team and are happy with their portfolio, it can be worth going ahead with a short contract and seeing how things go. Don’t forget, you can always change your mind and move on once the initial project has been wrapped up.
