Finding a marketing consultancy isn’t hard - but how do you choose the right one? Opting for the right service means you’re working with a marketing agency that helps you get the results you deserve. The wrong decision will cost time and money, so it’s important to make the correct choice from the outset.
We’ve got five tips for choosing the right marketing consultancy in Sydney or across Australia that’ll help you single out the best team for the job:
1. Look at The Different Types of Marketing Consultancy
To begin, you need to consider the different types of marketing consultancy available for hire.
You’ll normally find three main tiers to choose from:
Freelancers - This usually consists of one individual who can help with your specific marketing needs. They can be the cheapest, but you might find yourself with platform/recruitment fees and you will put in a lot of work to brief them on exactly what to do as they are project-by-project based thinkers.
Boutique Agencies - You work with a small marketing consultancy with some staff, and a large network of outsourced specialist capabilities. This is usually a much more cost efficient option because you get more of what you need and less of what you really don't!
Large Corporations - The most expensive option. You deal with a company that has hundreds, possibly thousands of in-house employees and a much deeper list of services.
Whichever option you choose, keep in mind that a marketing consultancy usually has a specific area of expertise. Some deal with the social media and branding side of things while others are strictly looking at search engine marketing or paid ads. At The Change Starter, we’re a small boutique agency delivering the best of both worlds; you get a wider range of marketing services and capabilities; without the price tag of the larger marketing firms.
2. Ask The Important Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions before choosing your marketing consultancy. You need to learn as much as possible about the firm you’re hiring, so always ask the following things:
How long have you been in business for?
Do you have any evidence of previous successful projects?
Can I see some case studies or testimonials?
What is your approach to marketing strategies?
How will you communicate with us during the relationship?
How often are you available for support?
Ask the same questions to a handful of marketing consultancy firms and you’ll have an easy way of comparing their capabilities. Ideally, you want to choose one with lots of experience, plenty of success stories, and an approach to marketing built to integrate with your business goals operational realities.
3. Know Your Key Business Goals
You must set goals for your business before you choose a marketing consultancy. This outlines what you wish to achieve and it paves the way for smaller marketing goals to be set.
For example, if your goal is to grow a larger social media presence, you’ll need a consultancy that focuses on social media.
Or, if you want to get within the top three search results for specific queries, you need a marketing firm that deals with organic SEO.
Setting business goals helps you filter through the various options leaving you with consultancies that are capable of helping you reach your targets.
4. Think About Your Marketing Consultancy Budget
It’s unwise to choose a company without considering your budget. This is obviously personal to you and your business - we can’t tell you what you should or shouldn’t spend on a marketing consultancy!
All we’ll say is that we recommend a spend of 7-10% of your annual turnover. You cannot guarantee strong results if you decide to spend less than this percentage. If you decide to invest more than 10% of your turnover, you must do so knowing that you can comfortably afford to pay for the contract you enter into.
At the same time, don’t automatically opt for the cheapest option. In the marketing world, you often get what you pay for. Cheap companies tend to be inexperienced or may lack the skillset to help you reach your goals. Commit to the budget that works for your monthly cash flow.
5. Track Your Progress
The four previous tips will help you find what you’re looking for - but the work isn’t over!
Keep track of your progress after choosing a marketing consultancy and always evaluate the results. If you’re not moving towards your goals and you feel like it’s a waste of money, sever the ties and find someone else. The best marketing consultancy for you will be one that constantly drives you forward and helps you progress.
If you’re eager to find the best marketing consultancy in Sydney, feel free to get in touch with us today. As a boutique firm, we’re more than capable of helping you achieve your goals with our unique and specialised approach to marketing.
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