I’ve spent the last couple of weeks connecting with potential clients. Truthfully, I’m still fine-tuning my business so I’ve asked myself quite a bit about what kinds of clients I really want to take on and who would be a good fit. I want to find clients where I can help them meet their business goals.
Here’s my best advice so far on what you – as a client – can do to help make sure the marketing company you choose is going to be a great fit for your business. And find a marketing partner you really love!
- Know what you want. More sales? More leads? A more professional appearance? Maybe something really tactical like a website or brochure? Imagine walking into a car dealership and saying you need a car. The person working at the dealership needs to understand what you want – speed, great gas mileage, extra seating for kids, space to haul equipment, etc. When searching for a marketing company for your small business, having some goals in mind will help you find the right fit.
- Make sure the marketing company cares about what you want. So, you know what you want and have goals in mind. Make sure that any marketing company you talk to listens. For me, I talk very little the first time I meet with a new client. That initial meeting is for me to hear about them. It’s your company, find a marketing company that listens and doesn’t do marketing for you – but with you.
- Consider if you want a one-stop-shop or an agency that specializes in one area. There are pros and cons to both. A one-stop-shop is easier for you to manage, but a marketing company with a specialty will likely have more knowledge and experience in a certain area of marketing.
- Understand their strengths. Do they cater to small businesses? Startups? Certain industries? Is the company relatively new or have they been around a while? Finding a marketing company with strengths specific to your brand and needs may absolutely be the way to go. But, having a really specific niche may also mean that what they produce for you looks similar to their other clients.
- Consider your budget. Small business marketing services can cost a few dollars or thousands. Of course there’s the saying, “you get what you pay for” and that’s true for the most part. But great marketing can still be affordable. I always recommend that you have a budget, but also consider that most (if not all) marketing should be an investment. Don’t spend too much in any one area – test a little bit and then spend more in areas that work. Keep your budget flexible and increase your investment as needed.
- Decide if you need the company to be local. Do you like face-to-face? Is it important for the work you need done? Personally, I like working with local clients because I like the ability to talk over coffee or lunch. But, it’s certainly not necessary.
Think we might be a good fit? Email me at Kelly@wildflamingomarketing.com and we can set up a time to talk!
