to look for in a great content marketing agency //
It can be difficult to choose the best content marketing agencyspan font-weight=”400 ;”>. You want to build a relationship that is strong, work together and grow. If you don’t share the same vision as your agency then it will not be a good fit, no matter how many awards they have won.
How do you choose the right agency to work with? We’re happy to assist. We know what you should look for and what to avoid when on the hunt. Follow these tips to narrow down your options, whether you are looking for some content creation assistance or a partner who can help you create your brand strategy.
Do You Need a Content Marketing Agency at All?
Content marketing is only possible with a solid strategy, the right resources and the ability of executing it well. These are not all things that every brand possesses. A supportive partner is invaluable for marketers who already have a lot on their plate. Content marketing agencies can provide you with the expertise and insights you need to reach your goals, while reducing headaches. Here’s why.
- Experience: In content marketing, making a mistake can be very easy. Content marketing agencies are well-versed in the mistakes and pitfalls that can occur because they have worked with many brands and people from different industries. They can help you develop a strategy to achieve your goals while staying grounded.
- InfrastructureSilos, a lack in resources and silos are the main causes of chaos when it comes to content marketing. It is impossible to consistently create high-quality content. An optimized production process is what a good content marketing agency will use to keep you on schedule, within budget and on brand.
- Better Ideas: When you are tasked with managing your brand, it’s easy to feel like you’re working in a bubble. Content creators and marketers can get tunnel vision when they are focused on delivering content. They don’t take the time to think about whether the content is the right one. Content agencies can provide a new perspective, identify potential pitfalls, and encourage you to think more creatively.
- Insider information:Content Agencies are filled with creative people that live, breathe and sleep content marketing. They are willing to share with you their expertise. They will present bold ideas, try out different formats, suggest tools, new distribution channels and resources, etc. These tips will help you improve every aspect of your marketing.
- Great Connections:In additional to their expertise and established relationships, content agencies have also established relationships with vendors. media contacts, PPC experts and influencers. They can help with anything from getting your infographic published in a major publication to finding a video production company that will produce a web-series.
If you’re not sure, check out our a href=”https://www.columnfivemedia.com/choose-creative-agency-freelancer or in house”>guide to figure out if you /a>a href=”https://www.columnfivemedia.com/choose/a>a href=”https://www.columnfivemedia.com/choos You can use our guide if you are unsure. It will help you determine if it is better to DIY or to outsource.
When you decide to hire an agency, you should know why you need it.
- What kind of support (strategies, content, distribution, etc.) do you require?
- What percentage of the work will they need to do?
- Who are your stakeholders?
- How will you divide the workload?
These questions may not be answered before you begin, but they are still important to consider.
What to Look for in a Content Marketing Agency
There are many decent agencies, but you want the best. This means you have to do some work and vet them. When you begin your search, here are 12 things to consider.
A Good Process
How you know:They will tell you when and with whom you’ll work.
No one wants to be passed off repeatedly to a stranger. From the start, a good agency will let you know who is responsible for your account, including creative, production and marketing. The agency should explain their process to you and identify who will be your contact person. You can feel overlooked if you don’t know who is in charge and when.
Here are seven questions you should ask when starting your search to better understand the company.
2) Real Results
Case Studies:
A project should never be wrapped up like a message in bottle and hoped for the best. The best agencies want to know exactly what went wrong and what was done right. They also want to know how they can improve their process and performance next time. Case Studies demonstrate that the agency is invested in its work and clients.
Pro Tip: Look for agencies that have case studies of work done in your industry or for what you want to do.
3) Versatile Skills
What You Need to Know: Their portfolio will show a variety of projects.
Even if an agency is good at content marketing, a “same-thing forever” approach will not be attractive. Experimentation will help you take your brand to the top.
Look for a content agency that is willing to experiment and explore the unknown. They should always be evolving and pushing the limits of their field, even if it is a niche (like tech). You want to hire an agency you can trust.
Pro Tip: Request that they send you samples of their more innovative work. They should have some examples of their work, even if it is an internal project. We once created a video game with a music theme to test our creativity.
4) Demonstrated expertise
What you need to know:They are thought leaders who write articles.
A good agency is always eager to learn but also confident and happy to share a few tips. This is a sign that your agency has wisdom and maturity. Check to see if there is a blog for your agency or if they have regular contributors. This content will help you get a feel for who the agency is and what they believe.
Pro Tip:Review an article recently published before you start chatting; it is a good icebreaker to help you get to know someone.
5) Contributions of Industry
How you know:They provide industry resources that help people create better content.
Content marketing agencies that do their job well are usually done and gone by the end of the day. A good agency is aware of the bigger picture and tries to be a part of it. Great agencies want to raise the bar for their platform and industry. They’re also willing to share presentations and other materials, such as e-books or white papers.
Pro Tip:Ask about trends and passions. These conversations will be inspirational for you both.
6) Long-lasting Partnerships
How to Know: They have long-term customers
Never trust someone who cannot maintain relationships. If everyone else is “problematic”, it’s most likely them. Certain engagements will have issues. If the majority of clients or all clients do not seem to be sticking around, that’s a warning sign. Do not work with an agency that you know will disappoint you.
Search their portfolio to find a content agency that has a history of successful partnerships. Find out how to cultivate a good relationship with your agency so that you can do the best possible work together.
7) Reputation
How to Know: They have testimonials and recommendations.
Word-of-mouth can be a powerful tool to ensure you get the most out of your agency. If you can’t get a client to write a nice review about an agency on their website, LinkedIn or anywhere else, then run away. These people are not only crooks, but also lazy.
Pro Tip: Check out review sites such as Clutch to see what real people think about agencies.
Great Communication
How you know:They make sure that everyone is on the same page.
Communication is key to great work. To avoid budget waste and timeline destruction, the right agency will regularly touch base with you to discuss problems and check in. They’ll double-check deadlines and provide visual references to ensure that the final conversation is over margaritas, not problems.
From the first meeting, you’ll be able to tell how well they communicate. You can tell if they are listening to you and answering your questions or just saying whatever they think they want to say ).
9) Solid Boundaries
How to know: They’re willing say no.
You won’t be able to get the job you deserve if you only want people who will say yes. You need strong, creative advice. Many content agencies will do anything to make money.
You’ll be told by the right agency if you are accidentally working against your goals. The agency should explain why a certain idea will not work and then suggest a better alternative. You should hire an agency that will be your partner and not just someone to give orders.
Pro Tip: Have them tell you about a situation where they refused a client and why. They should be able to tell you what they did in place of saying no and why. (For instance, we got Microsoft’s attention by convincing them to make a video rather than an infographic… and ended up with over 45 million views.)
10) Transparency on All Levels
You can tell by the they will let you know exactly what you are getting.
It will only get worse if they ignore your questions or don’t respond to your emails. You should know what you will get, how it will be delivered, and the steps they are taking to ensure you get it. You should be confident and informed at every stage, from brainstorming to creating content, to strategy to marketing.
Pro Tip:Ask what you can to support your collaboration. You’ll be able to impress them with your concern and interest in creating a relationship, not just treating them like they are a hired gun. Transparency is also important if you are sending out an RFP. Use these tips for the best possible response to your RFP.
11: Open to constructive criticism
How to Know:They are open to feedback
Why would you work with anyone who isn’t willing to listen? The agency doesn’t need to accept it, but at least they should want to hear what you have to say. Projects between clients and agencies are similar to personal relationships. What was the last wedding vow that said, “I love how you never listen and refuse to change despite my nicely asked “?
Pro Tip:A great agency will solicit feedback and strive to improve. Ask how they push themselves and what they are doing to improve.
12 Good Vibes
You know it from the beginning:You are a natural.
You can probably get away with sending a few emails if you are only doing a quick project. Complex campaigns require a lot of energy, time and money. There is a lot back and forth, and sometimes there are bumps along the way. It is important to have someone with whom you can work closely, particularly under pressure.
There’s really no tip to give for this one. You feel it when you feel it.
What to do when you find the right content marketing agency
It’s a relief to find the right agency, but then the real work begins. A successful relationship is one where both parties are invested in the other’s success. To cultivate this dynamic right from the start…
- Here is five ways to support your agency during the creative process.
- Find out about the types of creative thinkers. This can be a great way to improve team dynamics.
- Learn how to divide the work correctly.
Keep your lines of communication open. Be proactive, open and engaged. We’d be happy to consider you if, for whatever reason, your agency does not work out. You can shout at us.
The post Twelve Things to Look for in a Great Content Marketing Agency first appeared on Column Five.
