How do you feel about your marketing plan? How are your marketing programs looking? Are you consistently providing good leads to your sales team? Are you feeling overwhelmed by your goals and slightly underwhelmed by your production?
As part of a marketing firm, the title of this blog probably doesn’t surprise you, but there are definitely two sides to the “should I” or “shouldn’t I” question. Let’s start off with a few reasons why you should not hire a marketing firm.
First, don’t expect a marketing firm to immediately correct your marketing if your product or service lacks clarity. Next, a marketing firm cannot generate more clients if you don’t have sound sales methodologies in place. Finally, you should not hire a marketing firm if you plan to hand off the marketing and completely disconnect yourself from the process.
Hiring a marketing firm is a big commitment, but typically one that is worth the effort. To maximize effectiveness, the engagement needs to be a two-way street where both parties are involved, attentive and strategic. Here are a few reasons why you should consider hiring a marketing firm.
You need a bona fide marketing strategy.
Working with a firm should involve creating a solid foundation built on strategy before implementing campaigns and tactics aimed at generating leads. The time and effort put toward marketing will never build momentum until you lock in on the triggers that cause your audience to act.
You are finding resource gaps.
Let’s face it. In the IT start-up world, we all wear multiple hats and often find ourselves spread thin. Sure, you can set up a newsletter, manage social media profiles, and update the website, but these may prevent you from focusing on tasks that are more directly tied to generating revenue. Let the marketing firm take tasks off your plate and simultaneously make them a priority.
You need a variety of skill sets.
A good marketing firm will take time to understand you and your business goals and apply their skills accordingly. When you engage a marketing firm, you are tapping into a broad set of resources. It is always recommended to do your due diligence during your search but most firms will have a person or a team dedicated to disciplines such as strategy, graphic design, writing, web and social media. Instead of hiring one person focused on one specialty, you’re enlisting a team of experienced professionals who can do it all. You also get the advantage of leveraging best practices and ideas they’ve put in place that have worked successfully for other companies.
You understand that creativity is invaluable.
While many of us may have MBA-level knowledge and insight, we may lack the ability to translate that knowledge and insight in a way that speaks to our customer. Enter the marketing firm. They understand that the purpose of your marketing is to brand your business with a message that supports your company’s goals while building and nurturing leads. A good marketing firm is packed with creative minds that are skilled at crafting targeted messaging and design pieces to distribute your message.
You need to adjust your priorities.
Sadly, many business owners tend to be fixated on website traffic and social media “likes” when their main focus should be on conversions. Having the consultative guidance of a marketing firm will help you focus on the needed adjustments and activities that will have your conversions trending upwards.
At the end of the day, the big question shouldn’t be, “Can I afford an experienced marketing firm?” but rather: “How much am I costing myself in time, money and lost opportunity by trying to do this in-house?” Allow yourself to focus on mission critical tasks and let the marketing experts assist in guiding your business to the next level.
Have additional questions about working with a marketing firm or our services? Contact Launch Marketing today! Be sure to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook to keep up with the latest B2B marketing tips and trends.
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