4 things to ask before hiring a marketing agency.

When you’re a small-to-medium business that wants to stay in business, marketing is an absolute must. And as time continues to fly by, more and more businesses in mechanical services, HVAC, construction, and trades are tapping into this invaluable way to grow and improve their companies.

Maybe you’re keen to increase brand awareness or make the most of your database of email addresses. Or you could be looking at ways to boost web traffic and generate leads for your sales team. Whatever goals you have in mind, chances are, a talented marketing agency on your side will get the job done.

The challenge is finding the right one. There are so many options out there, and like most things — they’re not all going to be right for you.

To help with the process of finding the right marketing agency as you search, we’ve got four questions you can — and definitely should — ask before committing to a marketing agency.

# 1: How would having a marketing strategy work for my business?

A marketer's strategy is like a roadmap that guides them in achieving their marketing goals. Asking about what they think is essential in a marketing strategy during the hiring process will ensure it aligns with your business objectives from the get-go.

A reliable marketer will be able to explain what they consider in their approach, including the channels they tend to leverage, such as branding, research, social media, content marketing, advertising, email marketing…

A good marketer will talk about your target audience and tell you that they tailor their strategy to reach your unique demographic effectively.

Ideally, they’ll also mention their approach to analytics and reporting. A skilled digital marketer will measure the success of their strategies to allow you to track the progress of the marketing effort and make data-driven decisions.

#2: Can you provide examples of your work?

It’s one thing for your marketer to talk the talk, but how do you know they can walk the walk?
Their portfolio.

When hiring a marketer, it's crucial to see tangible evidence of their skills and expertise. Asking for examples of their past work will allow you to assess their capabilities and determine if their style and approach align with your business's needs.

A reputable marketer should have a portfolio of past projects that they can share with you. Reviewing their past work will give you a sense of their creativity, attention to detail, and ability to drive results.

You can also consider asking for references from previous clients or employers if you’re still unsure. In doing this, you can learn valuable insights into their work ethic, communication style, and ability to meet deadlines. You can also ask about the results they achieved for their clients and how they handled any challenges that arose during the projects.

This is particularly important in technical industries and for businesses that require straightforward, no-nonsense marketing like mechanical services, construction, HVAC, and trades. Often a one-size-fits-all approach won’t be tailored to what your specific business needs, so make sure they understand and have experience with your particular industry.

#3: How do you stay up-to-date with marketing trends?

The marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and it's crucial to work with a marketer who stays up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.

Asking about their approach to staying updated with industry changes is essential to ensure you hire a marketer who is knowledgeable and adaptable.

Skilled marketers may mention that they attend industry conferences, participate in webinars, or subscribe to industry publications and newsletters. They may also talk about their involvement in industry associations or their efforts to network with other professionals in the industry.

They might also have a client base that could compliment you and your business, and be the ones who can instigate networking opportunities.

#4: Why do you think we would work well together?

This question puts the ball back in your potential marketing partner’s court.

Let them explain to you why they think you should work together. Maybe the marketing agency specialises in your industry and believes they have expert insights that will benefit your partnership.

Take the time to get it right.

Hiring a marketer is an investment in your business, so take the time to thoroughly evaluate the skills, experience, and approach for all the options on your shortlist.

And don't be afraid to ask tough questions, check independent sites for reviews on their business and request references to verify their claims. By doing your due diligence, you'll increase your chances of finding a marketer who can deliver the results you need to succeed.

Happy hiring!