When it comes to marketing, the nature of the game is that every project needs to be viewed with fresh eyes and a tailored strategy to achieve the right results.
Whether you see that as a blessing or a curse is probably an expression of your personality. Personally, we love the chance to take a step back with each client and make sure we’re understanding what they need, rather than asking them to fit into a pre-determined mold.
Whether you love or hate it, the reality is that each project needs its own approach. That’s why it wouldn’t be right for me to publish this blog post with a blanket statement of “Hiring a marketing agency is always the right decision for every marketing-related project.” In most cases, however, a marketing agency will bring many advantages to the table, whether they are acting as the client’s marketing department, handling all marketing activities, or supporting the efforts of the client’s in-house marketing director.
It probably doesn’t surprise you that I’m a proponent of this method, but allow me to explain why:
-
An agency is an entity that is an expert in every facet of marketing. When you hire an agency, you’re getting a team full of individual specialists that can provide a full array of services. If you have a marketing director, these services can complement their skills. If you don’t, well then we can be your full marketing department.
-
An agency can take a bird’s-eye approach. An in-house marketing director or team may feel bogged down trimming trees, but we see the whole forest and that outside perspective can objectively identify how your business or organization fits into your community and the marketing landscape as a whole. We can bring a fresh perspective to you and your team.
-
An agency has relationships with media and vendors. We work with the media all the time, and have relationships with many that have been built and strengthened over years. We can give recommendations on which vendors to use based on client goals and budget, and often receive unique media deals because they know and trust us, and we represent larger buying power with our list of clients. (Also, an agency takes all those sales calls so you don’t have to!)
-
An agency is constantly researching trends and technology. Each of our people works to stay ahead of the curve in her or his area of expertise, so that you benefits from our investment in our people and our capabilities.
-
An agency can handle quick turn-around projects when needed. While we do follow a structured system that allows us to juggle many projects at once, we have the ability to call for a “all hands on deck” approach when quick action is needed and together, can accomplish a lot in just a little time. (Heard of our 24-Hour Give?)
-
An agency works in metrics. A good marketing agency will define metrics with you from the start, then monitor and report on those metrics, giving recommendations to fine-tune your efforts and leverage success. Agencies have the resources and knowledge to report specifically and accurately throughout all components of a campaign.
-
An agency can identify valuable opportunities for clients. Because of our wide range of industries and activities, we connect our clients with strategic partnerships and relevant community involvement opportunities.
-
An agency has expertise in areas you may not have hired them for, but need later. Perhaps you didn’t think that you’d ever need crisis communications, for example, but if that need arises down the road, you’ve got an agency who’s versed in how to handle it – and who’s got your back.