5 Things to Look For in a Digital Marketing Agency in Toronto
Choosing a great digital marketing agency is tough! There’s a lot to choose from, and not all are alike! Finding a great digital marketing agency in Toronto is like finding a great mechanic. Once you do, grab them and hold on! That’s why it’s important to know what to look for in any agency that you’ll be trusting with your company’s reputation! Here’s 5 key things to look for if you’re seeking a Toronto-based digital marketing agency.
#5) KNOW YOUR NEEDS
You can’t even begin to look for a online marketing agency unless you know your own needs. That means analyzing your company goals so you’ll be prepared to walk into a meeting and lay your cards on the table. For instance, many companies don’t understand the difference between SEO, paid advertising and social media marketing. Some agencies focus on just one of the three, while others can tackle all at the same time. Regardless, it’s important to do a bit of research so that you can narrow down your short-list of digital marketing agencies before you start driving all around the Toronto area. You don’t have to be a seasoned digital marketing expert to move forward, however. Sometimes it’s as simple as identifying your desired goals over a period of time. Let the marketing agency know where you are, and where you eventually want to end up. It’s their job to carve out a clear roadmap that can lead you towards that goal.
#4) KNOW YOUR INDUSTRY
A common misconception is that digital marketing agencies are a one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, many online marketing agencies realize the importance of narrowing their services to a specific range of industries where they possess a lot of experience. Knowing the market is vital for achieving excellent results, and an agency can’t do that if they’re flying by the seat of their pants. Most online marketing agency websites will tell you what industries they have the most experience with, and that can save you a lot of time. If you’re a mid-sized automotive company operating out of the Vaughan area, there’s no sense setting up a meeting in busy downtown Toronto with a high-rise agency that caters to major international restaurant chains. Choose the right digital marketing agency that caters specifically to your world, and your needs. This will establish a great working relationship that helps both sides grow and succeed.
#3) PROMISES, PROMISES
Beware of digital marketing agencies that promise you instant success and the entire world on a silver platter. The truth is that digital marketing involves constant evaluation of both your company and your overall industry. A great marketing agency will keep its ear to the ground when it comes to shifting trends. It will analyze the data and determine whether your online marketing campaign needs a few course adjustments to remain optimized at all times. There’s no single-set solution to any online marketing initiative. Industries are constantly evolving and growing day by day. Even something as simple as color trends can have a massive impact on your company’s marketability. This is why it’s beneficial to work with a digital marketing agency that will eliminate this guesswork for you, and gladly take on the challenge of making sure your campaigns are up to par, all the time. They will also provide you with tangible, real-world results in the form of weekly and monthly reports and data sheets that will track your progress and help identify any areas in need of improvement. Talk is cheap. Results take effort!
#2) SIZE DOESN’T MATTER
Some might think that a smaller online marketing agency will be less effective than a larger one. In many cases, the opposite is true. A small digital marketing company with 3-5 employees can end up being a better fit for your company than a large one with 300 employees. This will vary depending on your company and your industry of course, but it’s important to take note of. Even if a particular digital marketing agency doesn’t offer video production, they may work hand-i
n-hand with a video company that can be contracted out to create your next campaign ad, and there are plenty of those in the Toronto area. When finished, it’s up to your online marketing agency to apply it across your marketing channels to maximize impact. Never think that a smaller company lacks versatility. More often than not, flexibility is one of their key advantages!
#1) ASK THE TOUGH QUESTIONS
Don’t be afraid to pummel a prospective marketing agency with a ton of hard questions! That’s what the first initial meeting is for, so you can get a feel for the agency and determine whether you’ll enjoy a great working relationship. The right marketing agency will be confident enough to take all your questions and provide honest answers with key points to back them up. They also won’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” to some of your tougher questions, rather than lie to you in an attempt to court favor. Working with a digital marketing agency means moving forward together, as a team. The agency should be enthusiastic about attaching itself as part of your company team, to work alongside you and generate results. You’ll be an active participant in this process, as well. While the agency is there to take you to the next level, it’s no fun if you aren’t there to share in the rewards!
At Operatio Marketing, we love working with our clients in a down to earth, positive way that fosters trust and a great working relationship. If you’re ready to move your company forward in the digital marketing space, we invite you to reach out to us so we can get to know you, your company, and where you’d like to go in 2020!
