Once you understand what SEM is and how it can benefit your business, it’s time to start looking for an agency to help you get started. But with so many agencies out there, how do you know which one is the best for your needs? Here are a few tips for finding the best agency.
Identify Your Goals
Having a clear idea of what the agency should do for you is an essential first step to finding the right partner. Search engine marketing looks to generate traffic via search engines at its most basic. More sophisticated practitioners will implement paid advertising, social media, and content generation designed to achieve very specific goals.
Do Your Research
Before you even start thinking about contacting agencies, do your research and compile a list of potential candidates. There are many reputable SEM agencies out there, but it’s crucial to find the best fit for your business. Consider factors such as size, location, experience, and services offered. The more parameters you can narrow your search to, the better you can find the best agency.
Request Proposals
Once you have a list of potential agencies, reach out to them and ask for proposals. This will give you a good idea of what each SEM agency can offer and how much they charge. It’s also an excellent opportunity to get to know the team at each agency and see if you gel with them. The prospects should also include case studies, which will give you a better idea of how the agency has performed in the past.
Ask for References
One of the best ways to determine whether or not an agency is right for you is to ask for references. Talk to some of their past clients and find out their experience working with the agency. Were they happy with the results? Would they recommend the agency?
Consider Costs
Agencies are businesses just like yours, so it’s important to consider costs when choosing who to go with. Agencies typically charge on a monthly retainer or cost per click (CPC) basis. Some agencies will offer discounts for long-term contracts, so keep that in mind as well. It’s also worth asking if they provide anything free of charges, such as analysis or reports.
Meet in Person
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s a good idea to meet in person with the team at each agency. This will allow you to get to know SEM agencies better and see if you have a good working relationship. You should also ask any questions about their services and how they would approach your campaign. In the meeting, make sure to show agencies any relevant information about your business, such as historical data and current figures.
Trust Your Instincts
The agency you choose has to be one that can understand your goals and ultimately help you achieve them. When it comes time to decide, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right or certainly red flags, don’t force it. Look out for warning signs like high monthly retainers or vague responses during the reference process. Don’t let cost be the only factor in your decision because an experienced team will get results with limited resources if necessary.
Be Patient
The first few months will be a learning curve no matter who you decide on. You’ll get to know each other and get used to the team at your agency. It takes time for an SEM campaign to become profitable, so make sure you have realistic expectations from the start.