Let’s face it: life as a digital marketer is tough. There are so many pitfalls out there that it’s almost impossible to miss everyone. Plus, as an entrepreneur with no experience, you’re learning on the job which only exacerbates the problem. It’s no wonder that you want to turn to an agency in your time of need. After all, they have all the tools and resources to make your life much easier. More importantly, a good one does what they say and gets results. And, this is a results-driven world that we live in nowadays.
But, before you whip off your clothes and jump into bed with one another, it’s important to look into the future. Mainly, it’s smart to think about the working relationship and how it is likely to pan out over time. Otherwise, the relationship could end before it even begins.
With that in mind, here is an insight into what it is like working with a digital marketing agency.
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Stress Relieving
The first thing most companies notice when they outsource their marketing duties is a wave of relief. Because a digital marketing agency is going to shoulder most of the pressure, there is a lot less to worry about. The cold sweats that keep you up at night aren’t going to be an issue, nor are the flashes of rage when it all goes wrong. Thanks to their expertise and organisation, you can leave them to their job and check in at regular intervals. As long as they deliver on their promises, there is no reason to worry about anything digital marketing related again. Okay, maybe that’s a little facetious because every boss suffers from fear from time to time. Still, the pressure to deliver shouldn’t be anywhere as intense with a partner holding your hand.
But Not Stress-Free
Sure, the daily struggle to come up with creative and impactful ads is over. But, that doesn’t mean that the tension is going to dissipate altogether. After all, you still have to deal with the agency, and that can be troublesome. Now, you should know that the majority of outsourcers are transparent and value communication. Indeed, they are the pillars of their success and the reasons why you hired them in the first place. Unfortunately, some agencies aren’t as open or as talkative once they secure your business. If you’re a person that likes daily updates, just getting hold of them can be stressful. Also, there’s the fact that your company’s reputation isn’t in your hands, but someone else’s.
More Insightful
What happens when two firms pool their resources? There is a flood of ideas and creative thinking. People start to bounce off one another and come up with ideas that no one else could imagine. And, both firms use this to their benefit to strengthen their position in the market. Well, something similar happens when you outsource digital marketing tasks. As an amateur, the odds are high that you don’t know the first thing about running a successful campaign. But, it is possible to learn by watching and studying your partner. Of course, they won’t reveal all of their secrets because that would be professional suicide. Still, the basics will be on show, so there is no reason for you not to learn and adapt. In the long-term, it is conceivable to take in enough information to internalise the task once again.
Increase In Output
The major benefit of hiring a third party is the reduction in cost. Quite simply, an outsourcer can do the same job at least two or three times cheaper. As a result, the company is going to have more money in the coffers. Now, you can use this newfound wealth to splash out on toys and accessories that you don’t need, or you can put it back into the business. Those that reinvest the cash into the firm are the ones that see a boost in productivity levels. It isn’t hard to see why. All of a sudden, an area like marketing which was an issue is running smoothly. And, the other problem areas are improving thanks to the excess money. When the entire business benefits, there is bound to be more output.
A Power Struggle
It is worth noting that an agency isn’t going to organise a coup to take over the company. No, the power struggle is within your head and relates to you as an individual. To be frank, bosses are power mad as they have to deal with and control every aspect of the business. Even if you delegate, you will probably have the final say because you are in charge. Once you hire an agency, the dynamic changes. From nowhere, you have to listen to their advice and follow their instructions. Sure, they may not be the boss, but they do have more power than most higher-ups like. Regardless of whether they hit their targets, you will question the new dynamic. Some people can rise above it, while others hate it and want to take back control. What you do is your decision.
Business Growth
If all goes to plan, the strategy should engage more customers into choosing the company. Of course, this is a good thing in most cases because it means more sales and higher revenues. But, it is also a poisoned chalice of sorts. When you start to generate more leads and make more conversions, there is a risk of expansion. In the end, the business should want to grow and expand, but it can’t do it too soon. If it does, there is a good chance everything will crumble to the ground. An agency that delivers is one that is going to increase the likelihood of business expansion. The question you have to ask is: are you ready? Those that aren’t need to come up with a contingency plan to grow at a steady place. The others should embrace it and use it as a vehicle to continued success.
Hopefully, these tips will help you adapt to life with a marketing agency.