According to Statista, U.S. ad agencies are expected to generate over $49 billion in revenue this year. That is a 5.5 billion increase over just a few years ago.
The rising success of digital advertising strategies is bringing new players into the game.
Are you interested in starting a digital marketing agency? Keep reading for the seven tips you need for a successful start.
That way, you can get your agency up, running, and attracting new clients in no time!
1. Get Your Goals
Without actual goals, you won't be able to accomplish them.
Goals give us direction and motivation. If you are starting a digital marketing agency, first determine what you want to accomplish.
This can include money (a six-figure agency sounds nice) or attracting certain clients. Regardless of the goal, make sure it excites you. That way, you have a drive that pushes you toward accomplishing this goal.
Trying setting a SMART goal. SMART stands for:
- Specific: be clear about your exact goal.
- Measurable: how will you know you've achieved this goal?
- Aspirational: push beyond what you expect you can achieve.
- Realistic: know what's within your reach.
- Time-bound: set a specific timeframe to achieve this goal.
Either way, having these goals in place will give you the focus, direction, and drive you need for a successful online marketing agency.
Find a Focus
Choosing a niche can help you narrow your internet marketing agency's target audience to achieve these goals.
Consider what type of agency you want to become and who you want to help. Once you determine your audience, figure out how you can help them.
This can give you clarity about the type of agency you are trying to build.
For example, you may choose to specialize in SEO or PPC. Either way, this focus can help you stand out from other agencies in the industry.
2. Now, Networking
The relationships you forge and foster can determine your agency's success.
It is important to build valuable relationships before you need them. That way, you have these connections in place when they are needed.
As you are starting a digital marketing agency, start reaching out. Offer your help and remind people of your value.
These conversations can help you generate leads.
Focus on the industries or niche you want to work with. Make a list of potential clients. Then, start establishing these connections.
Now you're networking and generating interest in your agency!
3. Build a Brand
It takes just 10 seconds for people to form an impression of your brand.
Yeah. That's it.
Having a strong, clear brand in place can help you stand out from the competition. After all, people buy from companies they know, like, and trust.
That last one, trust, is key. People want to know they're choosing a company that's dependable. The core of your brand is the promise you're making to these customers.
As you're starting a digital marketing agency and building your brand, figure out this promise. Determine who your audience is and how your agency helps them.
Then, establish your voice and tone. This determines how you communicate with your customers. The rest of your brand (logo, color scheme, slogan, etc.) will fall into place after that.
4. Innovate Ideas
No one wants the same old, same old. Instead of choosing something comfortable and familiar, take risks! Usually, these risks generate the highest rewards.
This will help you stand out from all the other agencies in the industry.
Instead of blending in, stand out. Take what other agencies have accomplished and make it better. When clients see you taking these risks, they'll be more likely to choose you over your competitors.
5. Online Optimization
Once you have your goals, brand, and a website to put them on, start optimizing.
Search engine optimization (SEO) can help you reach clients online. This marketing strategy boosts brand awareness and puts you at the top of search pages. As an SEO agency, you'll want to practice what you preach!
Once you've optimized your website and content, get a portfolio up!
Show off what you're capable of. That way, potential clients can see examples of your creative genius.
This will help people develop an idea about the quality work you do—and can do for them, too.
Get Social
Once your website is up and running, it's time to turn towards social media.
You don't need every single platform. Instead, determine where your target audience spends their time. Then, start creating quality content (not sales pitch stuff).
This is a great way to help boost your brand and attract new customers.
6. Consider Capital
You might need some extra cash when starting a digital marketing agency.
Determine what's essential when you start. If you need to get thrifty and save money, that's okay.
Focus on the best route for your agency. A strong start can help you achieve every SMART goal on your list!
7. Set the Price (Right)
Now it's time to set prices for your services.
Under-pricing can make it difficult for you to grow. It also under-values your capabilities.
Create pricing tiers based on your services. Don't neglect to take your value into account. Then, consider the cost of the software you're using, your time, and the difficulty level.
The impulse will be to start low, but you need to make sure you're getting paid fairly.
Once you set your prices, determine a budget as well. Forecasting for the future can help you focus on accomplishing your goals. It will keep you realistic about the direction you're headed in, too.
A Strategic Start: 7 Tips for Starting a Digital Marketing Agency
With these seven tips for starting a digital marketing agency, you can get in the game! Get digital with these tips and start your agency today. Learn more at webmarketing123 - start an agency.
Explore more digital marketing agency tips and tricks by exploring the most recent posts on our blog.
