Heartfelt vows. First dances. Sparkler send-offs. Nothing says happily ever after quite like a romantic wedding. When it comes to finding “the one,” weddings beautifully illustrate the success of two people making a perfect match.
When you’re looking for love and the match is right, you just know. It might be the way your personalities meld, how you never run out of things to talk about, or the ease you feel when you’re with your Prince (or Princess) Charming.
Finding the right content marketing agency is a lot like finding your perfect match. From choosing a content partner that measures up to your dream list of qualities, to ensuring the agency really is who/what it claims to be, marketers are looking for a relationship that’s going to last. However 32% of marketers say they are challenged with finding trained content marketing professionals in 2015, which is over three times greater than the number of marketers who cited it as a problem in 2014.
You can’t just trust your content marketing efforts to anybody – it takes the right kind of partner. You’re looking for someone who will get to know you, be loyal to you, and go the extra mile for you.
As the Biebs would say, “I just need somebody to love.” Looking for a content marketing agency to love? Fall for the right one by following these 5 pieces of expert matchmaking advice:
#1 – Create Your Dream List
What type of agency is going to be the best fit for you? Know exactly what you’re looking for by sitting down and defining everything you’re looking for in your content marketing agency match.
Maybe you’re ready to take your company blog to the next level and are looking for strategic support to ensure that content speaks to your audience at the right stage in their buying cycle, and can be found for the right keywords. Perhaps you’re interested in generating leads via eBook or digital asset creation. Or maybe you’re about to launch a new product and are looking for a strategic partner to recommend the right digital tactics to promote the product launch.
If so, you’re looking for someone who:
- Has experience writing for your industry
- Can tie outcomes to business KPIs
- Understands how to create a content marketing strategy
- Knows how to optimize content for search engines
- Responds to communication within 24 hours
- Can write, publish, and promote the content
Whatever qualities, skills, and objectives are most important for you to find in a content marketing agency, you’ll be much more likely to find a just-right fit by creating that thorough list as a starting point.
Also consider what’s most important. Is their location a factor? Do you need a short-term or long-term partner? What about budget? Mark items that you cannot compromise on – and know which items would be a bonus if you found them in a partner.
#2 – Scope Out Your Options
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a Tinder for content marketing agencies? Set your preferences, and start swiping!
Thankfully the Internet offers a wide variety of excellent resources for finding content marketing agencies. Start with a simple Google search along the lines of the following:
Also consider who you already know. Do any of your business colleagues use agencies with whom they have a great relationship?
#3 – See What Their Friends Are Saying
Once you’ve found a couple potential matches, do your homework and snoop a little on your top contenders. Are the agency’s online reviews positive? Search client testimonials on their website to learn about stories of success, the agency’s best qualities, and what their clients love about them.
On a larger level, you want to find an agency that is well-regarded in the marketing world. Look for someone that is not only providing content marketing services, but is actively creating thought leadership through speaking engagements, publishing articles on timely topics, and sharing resources with the marketing communities. A little Googling and some social media stalking should be enough to confirm that they really have the expertise they say they have.
#4 – Look for Someone Who Makes Conversation Easy
Communication is the key to a strong and mutually beneficial relationship. When you begin to contact potential agencies, pay attention to how easy (or difficult) it is to communicate with them. From emails to phone calls to client meetings, you want to find a content marketing agency that will communicate clearly and convey important information in a way you can understand. Also, you want to make sure they will sound and look good in case your boss ever joins your meetings.
In your initial interactions with agency prospects, ensure that communication is going to be positive.
- Do they respond to emails with professionalism?
- Are they easy to talk to on the phone?
- Is their expertise clear?
- Do they speak marketing lingo?
- Overall, are they attentive, responsive, and friendly?
#5 – Don’t Rush Into Things
Here’s where the matchmaking metaphor falls down – you won’t “date” your content marketing agency as extensively as you would finding the right person to spend your life with. However, the process for finding the right match should still be thorough. This isn’t a relationship you want to fumble!
A content marketing agency that’s a perfect match will offer exactly what you most value on your must-have list, be highly esteemed by their “friends”, and make it easy to do business with. Take your time to do the research process right and you’ll reap the rewards with the happily ever after that will follow.
Are we your happily ever after? Let’s find out! Start by telling us a little about yourself and your business when you contact TopRank Online Marketing.
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