Sick of begging prospects to give you their business? Or cold calls that leave you feeling defeated? Capture the attention of your ideal customers, show them the value of your product or service and turn the tables - let your prospects come to you! In theory, this idea sounds fantastic, but where do you begin? Whether its a lack of knowledge, talent or resources, an inbound marketing agency can develop a complete strategy that creates and nurtures relationships from the first point of interest to becoming a loyal customer, all while measuring and analyzing the results to continue to grow.
Why Businesses are Hesitant to Work with an Agency
Working with any type of marketing agency is a big commitment. Just like when hiring an internal addition to your team, agencies go through a "hiring process" to make sure they are the proper fit to help their team reach their goals. In the conversations we have had with businesses, we hear similar concerns:
- Marketing agencies cost too much money.
- We will lose control over marketing decisions.
- Marketing agencies will never understand our business like our employees
There is certainly fear of the unknown - that is why interviewing agencies before committing to working together is crucial. However, there are many reasons why partnering with a marketing agency could be well worth your investment.
When to Start Looking for an Inbound Agency
It's not uncommon for businesses to become frustrated with their marketing strategies when website traffic doesn't convert because their website traffic tends to be irrelevant. Cue finger pointing - the marketing team isn't doing their job, the sales team can't close sales, the product isn't good enough. Maybe, it is time to consider the benefits of hiring a team of experts to help improve your strategy.
- Everyone is your ideal customer. The truth of it is - if you are advertising to everyone, your business is, ultimately, advertising to no one. Understanding who your customer base is and the buyer personas within your client base is the foundation of a solid marketing strategy.
- Tons of content, but no promotion. You are an expert when it comes to your business, however, your team may not understand how to get great content in front of the intended audience.
- Tons of content, but no engagement. Nothing leaves you feeling more defeated than taking the time to produce great content, but no one is interacting with it.
- Can't find the time to keep up with your efforts. Working with a team of experts allows you to delegate responsibilities that free up time to work on key internal projects and decisions.
- Not enough tools in the toolbox. You have great ideas and a strategy you are confident in, but not enough team members or skillsets to implement.
- Acquire contacts, but do not nurture them. You can have all of the contacts in the world, but if you do not follow up with leads, they will never become customers. Whether it is with an email marketing campaign to keep leads engaged or properly
- Not fully utilizing all software you pay for. Softwares promise incredible results - and often, it's the honest truth. Marketing and sales software, like Hubspot, help achieve your goals...if utilized properly. If you are paying for software, but have not invested in properly learning how to use it or simply cannot keep up with necessary updates and added features, marketing dollars are being wasted.
- Need more leads and customers. Leads are the lifeline of your business. If the lead well dries up, your business could be in jeopardy. Inbound agencies can assist your team in developing a consistent flow of qualified leads.
- SMART goals are misaligned. Are your business goals and marketing goals aligned? If they are not, it is time to reevaluate your marketing strategy. An outside perspective, specifically from an agency that specializes in your industry, could provide the direction and align the vision for your company.
- Need more qualified website traffic. Often times, businesses struggle with advertising the right message to the right audience. Use your advertising budget appropriately to guarantee you are reaching your intended audience and directing visitors to your website.
- Mediocre website experience for visitors. Don't struggle with traffic, but often time find website traffic bouncing? Most likely, the website doesn't provide a user-friendly experience to encourage visitors to convert.
- Unsure of how to measure success. Many businesses are transitioning a majority of their annual advertising dollars into digital because of the data it is able to show. However, if you do not have the ability to see how each marketing tactic integrates with another then you miss out on the opportunity to pinpoint and adjust weaknesses.
- Results are declining. Sometimes, businesses need a new perspective. Working with an agency that has a solid track record with companies inside and outside your organization gives new light to your current marketing plan. In addition, the agency is likely to understand and highlight what areas of your marketing strategy.
Can you relate to any of these marketing struggles? You are not alone! Working with an outside agency for any aspect of the business is a big commitment. It is critical to find the perfect match, just like you would for any internal hire. Whether it is lack of direction, resources or time, inbound marketing agencies tend to deliver solutions that will grow your business at a reasonable cost.
Think it may be time to speak with an inbound marketing specialist?