First Time Working With a Marketing Agency? Here’s What to Expect

For every growing business, there comes a time when DIY marketing solutions and old-fashioned word of mouth just aren’t getting the job done anymore – and to reach that next level, partnering with a marketing pro is the obvious next step. But if this is your first time working with an agency, you may have some questions about what to expect.

So, let’s take a minute to go over a few things you should consider if you’re working with a marketing agency for the first time…

Research Your Options
To find a marketing agency ideally suited to help you achieve your goals, it pays to carefully evaluate your options. For each agency you’re considering, take the time to review their website and portfolio to get a sense of their approach. What are their strengths? What’s their track record with small businesses? With other brands in your industry?

Be Realistic About Your Timeline, and Upfront About Your Budget
Time and money are valuable resources, and you’ve got to have a solid handle on both. Understand your needs, be honest about your constraints, and set priorities to stay on track and on budget. Be realistic and firm about what you can and can’t afford – and realize that building brand equity takes time, and that quick fixes are rarely long-term solutions.

Don’t Cut Corners When It Comes to Market Research
Key to formulating a winning strategy is developing an understanding of your customer base, building a profile of your ideal customer, and analyzing your competitors’ marketing efforts to uncover valuable insights. So, while it may seem like an expense you can afford to cut, make no mistake – skimping on market research is one “shortcut” that can cost you big time in the long run, so don’t do it!

Be Ready for pushback on Your Ideas
It’s perfectly natural to have strong ideas about how you want your brand to be represented, but one big reason you’re partnering with an agency is to lean on their experience and expertise – so, it’s important to be open to expert feedback on those ideas. Maybe your preferred slogan sends mixed messages; maybe your color scheme is dated, or your choice of typeface doesn’t speak to your target audience. Keep an open mind and be prepared to embrace a new direction if that’s what is needed.

Communication is Essential
Getting even a modest marketing campaign off the ground is a process with a lot of moving parts – and to keep those parts in motion, ensuring open lines of communication is a must. You and your team should be willing and able to work with the marketing agency in a timely, professional manner to keep everything on track.

Teaming up with the right agency can do wonders for your brand – but managing expectations is vital. And by doing your homework ahead of time and going into the process with a clear understanding of your own objectives, you’ll have a much easier time finding an agency that’s a perfect fit.

Want to learn more about what the Rosie’s Creative approach can do for your brand? Contact us today for your first free consultation – and let’s get started!