In this technological world are you still looking out for a reason to start your digital marketing agency? Are you still confused about where to start? If your answer is yes, you are in the right place. Let me tell you digital marketing is no rocket science. You just need to follow certain basic rules for a struggle-free entrepreneurship journey. This article has all the information about the key tips for starting your digital marketing agency. Read on to discover all about digital marketing and how to break into the digital world.
Growth of Digital Marketing
If you wanted to set up a digital marketing agency 20+ years ago, there were huge barriers. With an ancient digital topography, the thought of setting up a digital agency was formidable. You had limited resources and the very idea of creating something that projected ROI for your client was not less than a headache. But in today’s digital era, it is more feasible for an experienced person or a team to create a fully operational digital marketing agency.
Businesses are spending more of their marketing budgets on digital marketing than ever before. Digital marketing gives businesses a much more comprehensive reach with their customer base and deeper metrics to alter their operations to optimize revenue. With the passing time, the digital aspect of marketing has adopted new technologies. Here are the 10 key tips you need to follow for starting a digital marketing agency:
1. Get certifications
Getting a digital marketing certification will be an added advantage when pitching to the client without an existing portfolio. Certification will help you to be admissible and saleable. Remember, certifications alone can’t make you an expert however, certifications help you understand the basics. You should never stop educating yourself. Even when your agency is running well, never stop learning. Google keeps on bringing in new algorithms that affect aspects of the marketing business. You should be well informed about them. Renewing your certifications will also prove that you are still working on your skills.
2. Set up a business goal
One of the elementary requirements of any business is setting up a goal. Make sure your business goal is particular, measurable, practical, and time-bound. Focus on setting up a goal that is more specific like “generating $ 20,000 in sales”. Plan business goals that are within your reach. Focus on a specific time frame to achieve your goal. Setting up a goal will help you ascend your newly established business in the right direction.
3. Create an online presence
Boosting the online presence of your digital marketing agency is very important. Having a reliable online presence is a significant component of your marketing strategy, irrespective of your business’s size or type. Use your social media channels to increase your visibility. Online presence is not just limited to social media these days, developing a professional website is a principle part of creating an online presence. Your website should showcase all information about the digital services you offer.
4. Build your network
Building your network will get you a lot of opportunities as a new agency. You need to build valuable relationships before you even need them. Before starting your agency, make relevant connections. Understand where your target audience remains active and try reaching out to people and pitch at the right time. Until then look for means to offer value. Once you’re connected with a considerable number of people, start taking small assignments from them and build your credibility.
5. Hire a white label marketing agency
White label marketing is an old concept. For years, established agencies have been outsourcing works to freelancers and small agencies. But, a white label digital marketing agency brings added advantages. Hiring a white label marketing agency results in reducing cost, saving time, creates cohesive business front, additional expertise, and most importantly increases your profit. The white label marketing agency will provide services to your customers under your brand. Instead of wasting time on hiring and maintaining employees, hiring a white label marketing agency can be a smart choice in 2020.
6. Be transparent and honest
People prefer to buy from people they like. But the most promising reason that ties them together is the honesty & transparency made by a company to deliver services that people can trust. Clients know that you’re here to make money so don’t hesitate to show your charges and platform charges separately. This will act as a foundation to make your brand tactile.
7. Generate Leads
Generating leads can be difficult at the very beginning. Once you have your target customer, you can use different marketing strategies. One method you can use for lead generation is using video as a marketing strategy. Only if you speak out convincingly in your videos, clients would want to trust you. Maintain consistency in publishing your videos with helpful and informative content. Another method is keeping a tap on which blog posts are doing better and try writing about them. Try researching well about every company before reaching out, and then draft a personalized email. If you know how to market yourself, you can use it as a case study for your prospective clients.
8. Hiring the right people
When you are hiring people, knowledge, skills and capability are important but temperament plays a key role as well. Look for someone whom you can get along well with. You can enhance the skills but personality can’t be changed. Ups and downs are a part of an agency, don’t take them personally. Always keep this in mind when you hire or fire people.
9. Create a mind-boggling portfolio
Actions speak louder than words. Thus, having a result-driven portfolio is supreme for generating new leads. If your prospective clients see your result-driven work for a brand they know and trust, there are more chances those clients would want to work with you. In case you don’t have a portfolio do not worry. You can simply do some free work for people and take advantage of building good relationships with them. Compile this list and your portfolio is ready.
10. Choosing the right business model
Choosing the right business model is essential. To efficiently manage your digital marketing agency it is important to decide how you charge your clients. You can charge your customers using the following models:
- Commission-based
With this model, you will be paid once your client achieves his desired goal. The only drawback it has is that your services charge relies on selling your customer’s product. E-commerce who sell products directly like retail outlets is the idle customers for this business model.
- Hourly
You can choose to bill your clients on an hourly basis. Running one on one phone or meeting sessions with clients makes them the ideal customers for this kind of business model.
- Flat retainer
It is the easiest business model. You and your client agree on a flat monthly fee by evaluating how much work and time that particular client demands. They would happily agree to pay you if you fulfill their expectation. This model can prove to be a drawback if your client scales over time. Your work will keep on increasing with the same monthly charges. So it is better to set up a quarterly contract that promises renegotiation once the contractual period ends.
These tips will eventually help you start from scratch. Just execute and hit hard! Setting up a digital marketing agency is an action-packed life. Begin individually, followed by acquiring the required experience and skills. Focus on building strong relationships and networks before you board the agency blitz. To start and run a digital marketing agency successfully you need to understand the rigorous and solid planning primarily. With the booming digital world, this would be the perfect time to start your digital marketing agency.
