This article, part of a simplified series, aims to demystify Digital Marketing and technical terms used by marketing agencies. It is, by design, a shallow primer, basic introduction. Learn more: Ande Digital: Search Marketing support.
This is a popular question, if you've found our page from surfing the web, you'll also now know it's a popular query! There are many agencies listed, of course nearly all say yes, you do need a digital marketing agency. Trying to convince you why it should be them. We take a sightly different view.
We look at the options and reasons why you might want to consider using a search marketing agency. Let's put that in context first.
Like many others, Ande Digital IS a a tech brand, our services include both SEO and SEM - which is now known collectively as Search Marketing. We also focus strongly on UX - User experience. A superior UX. It's also important to understand we are a B2B organisation, we tend to deal largely (although not exclusively) with multi national companies.
Therefore our client base tends to be battle hardened, very experienced Chief Marketing officers -CMO's. If this is you, maybe time to move on as we are writing for small business or relatively new comers to on line digital marketing.
The answer could best be compared to a head ache, sore throat or cough.
Usually, we find relief with over the counter products at a local chemist. We don't need to run to the Dr or hospital.
However, if symptoms persists, we seek professional support.
SEM could use a similar analogy. Digital Marketing "Over the Counter" or online tools are available to help sole traders or SME's. SEMrush are a good example of online visibility management brands, both paid and free. (Freemium). What used to be known as - ADWORDS is an example of (paid) DIY SEM which most smaller businesses can use.
In reality, it's not such a straight forward question.
For smaller businesses just starting up, maybe free on line tools are suitable. Especially if cash is tight. As your business grows, so do challenges, among which are the complexities of SEM.
The choice then becomes:
There is no one size fits all business answer. At that point, it's up to you. Often the in-house marketing team are all a business requires. Businesses are different, unique so are their marketing needs.
Startups or sole traders may not need marketing assistance. As businesses grow, so might the in-house team. However, at some point, most businesses face that choice.
Like most animals, humans are initially wary of something new, different or they don't understand. Then, for some there's the memory of "Black Hat" operators from days of yore. With scammers, hackers and spammers the web can certainly be a dangerous place - just ask your average fly.
For other small or medium business owners, there is the fear of commitment - signing up for several years of expensive services - or a package that may contain services they do not need.
If you do your due diligence, research, ask around, finding a trusted, professional Marketing Agency is not too difficult. Nor dangerous.
Experimenting with some of the free or Freemium offers on line is a great way to get your toes wet. You can play around with different tools learning in real time becoming more confident and knowledgeable - without the financial commitment. Speaking of which, hiring an agency does not have to be "till death do us part" arrangement.
Some offer flexible terms so you can scale your marketing, and hence your budget, to coincide with the peaks in your marketing calendar. Only pay for professional experts when you really need them. It's also a good way to "test the waters" - a learning experience. Others, like Ande Digital, offer an initial - free - induction or training period with your in house team and regular follow up "voice chat check ups." So a good communicative agency is a must.
If you're a big Google fan, they have a wide range, including Analytics, Trends, or Key Word Planner, MOZ offer a free trial on Keyword Research tool, Page Speed will help load times. Ahrefs Keywords Explorer is worth a look as is Ubersuggest. If your using WordPress (as many businesses large and small are today} then YOAST should be your go to plugin.
Once you've had some experience at this level, you will be better placed to discuss your wants and needs with an agency. If you can give them a clear, coherent brief, the chances of success are much greater.
Lastly, whist it does pay to "shop around" and compare fees, bear in mind that top rated agencies did not get there by accident. We are very protective of our reputation and are extremely unlikely to want to risk that. Digital marketing, is, like many things in life, often a case of you get what you pay for.
Back to the beginning: at the end of the day, it's your call as a savvy business owner to make. Maybe free tools will suffice until you each the stage where you need a helping hand, or just as an "overload" stand by.
What are the advantages of hiring Search agency?
That's another story - which we explore here: Reasons to use a Digital Search Marketing Agency.
For more information or free analysis relative to your B2B company and the China Market we invite you to meet us personally or - E-mail / Telephone