Finding the right marketing agency partner can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never worked with one. It’s equally daunting if you’ve been let down by agents in the past who overpromised and underdelivered. Choosing the right ally to help you promote a brand or sell products and services should be an investment that pays off. The first step in fulfilling the agency evaluation criteria is understanding how their services can support your business.
Bold Entity has compiled a comprehensive FAQ guide you can trust. Use this invaluable resource to cut through the haze and support your decision-making. We answer your burning questions on the agency vetting process and other points you may not have considered. Let’s start by looking at the fundamentals of a reputable marketing agency.
Not All Marketing Agencies Are Equal
Need to launch a branding campaign that ignites sales and catapults your image? Maybe you need in-house support to lead and amplify your internal efforts. Or, maybe you just want to outsource some of your promotional drives? In any case, acknowledging the multifaceted roles of marketing agencies is critical for marketing success.
And understanding your specific needs—including your preferred agency partnership criteria—makes finding a company that meets your demands much easier. The marketing agency selection tips in this FAQ will help you make well-informed decisions.
Q. What Exactly Do Marketing Agencies Do?
Not all marketing agencies cover the same range or level of support. You’ll find companies that provide full-service solutions and others specializing in specific areas. The best partners offer and tailor services that address your unique demands.
Full-Service Marketing Agencies
A full-service marketing agency offers digital marketing, strategic planning, creative content development, campaign execution, and more. Those who provide a broad range of solutions may be experts in all marketing disciplines or better at some things than others. If you have highly focused needs, you might prefer the expertise of a specialized agent (see next).
Specialized Marketing Agencies
A specialized marketing agency provides in-depth expertise in their advertised domain. Some examples of marketing specialties are search engine optimization (SEO), video production, public relations (PR), branding and design, web development, and more.
Qualified marketing agencies form a team of industry experts, each specializing in crucial skills. The team harnesses its diverse expertise through an agile approach to deliver seamless communication and coordinated actions. This collaborative method translates into tangible results for clients. You might need the services of an entire team or only support for certain aspects of your marketing drives, and that’s OK. A professional team can form and adapt to accommodate all situations.
When Is It Appropriate to Use a Marketing Agency?
Consider a marketing agency when you lack full-time, qualified talent to cover your marketing needs. For example, say you’re launching a new website or rebranding. You might have people to write compelling brochure content, create presentations for the sales team, publish newsletters, and engage on social media. But maybe your staff lacks experience and know-how in brand positioning, logo design, or successful rebranding.
Marketing experts can be valuable partners when there are staff shortages and skills gaps. They bring the tools and expertise required to help you rise above challenges like:
- Overcoming internal resource limitations
- Launching new products or services
- Expanding into new markets
- Improving brand visibility and awareness
- Executing targeted advertising campaigns
- Acquiring specialized knowledge in digital marketing strategies
- Achieving specific marketing goals more efficiently
A reputable agency like Bold Entity can serve all or part of your marketing needs. We develop comprehensive launch strategies and targeted audience campaigns and produce engaging content. We know how to enhance your brand visibility and awareness through tailored PR efforts, influencer partnerships, and strategic social media campaigns.
When Should You Consider Outsourced Marketing?
The power of outsourced marketing comes into play for companies facing complex business goals or challenges. A professional marketing team devises tailored strategies that seamlessly lead and execute your objectives. Experienced marketers know exactly what questions to ask. Your answers help them determine the most feasible solutions for achieving your goals or solving challenges.
Hire a full-service marketing agency in DFW when you need an external partner who delivers everything you ask, with tight collaboration that feels like your marketing team is in-house, even though it’s not.
Who’s Behind a Killer Marketing Team?
Using an agency screening checklist will tell you the primary architects behind a marketing team and their specific roles. This will help you prepare for effective agent/client collaboration. Here’s a breakdown of critical marketing skills.
| Skill | Description |
| Brand Strategist | Analyzes and aligns your brand story with compelling, customer-centric messages that resonate with the target audience. |
| SEO Expert | Develops data-driven SEO strategies with in-depth keyword and competitor research; optimizes content for maximum visibility and organic traffic. |
| UX/UI Designer | Architects of digital enhancement, shaping user journeys, from blueprints (wireframes) to striking, intuitive interfaces that engage visitors. |
| Copywriter | Experts of narratives who weave brand stories through compelling words that help captivate, connect, and convert leads. |
| Content Writer | Develops long-form, usually SEO-optimized content based on creative content briefs provided by copywriters. |
| Editor | Polishes prose, ensuring content clarity and impeccable grammar through meticulous editing. |
| Website Developer | Translates website design into functional code to ensure user-friendliness and ease of navigation. |
| Quality Assurance | Champions website perfection, ensuring error-free functionality across devices, screen sizes, and browsers while addressing any issues. |
Q. Does Hiring a Marketing Agency Justify the Cost?
Hiring a qualified agency is a game changer for US businesses that choose the best-fit marketing team. But choosing the wrong fit can cost companies thousands of dollars. So, first, recognize when the time is right to collaborate with marketing experts. Then, select the right partner for a successful outcome.
This pie chart illustrates a general proportional breakdown of the key cost components. Use it as a guide to help calculate the complete investment in agency collaboration.
Here’s what those percentages represent.
Agency recruiting process cost: Costs for agency search, interviews, and onboarding.
Time spent: Hours invested in selecting an agency, briefing them, and managing the project.
Total agency fees: Service fees, e.g., strategies, campaign execution, and reporting.
Ad & media spending commission: Commission for managing ad and media budgets.
Marketing tools: Software subscriptions or platform fees for running/maintaining campaigns.
Communication & project management: Strategic messaging and project control.
Q. What Do Marketing Agencies Charge?
Choosing marketing partners that meet your exact needs is an investment rather than an outlay. As a rule of thumb, a professional agent charges between $150 to $250 an hour. At Bold Entity, we use blended billing structures to deliver customized solutions for our clients. For example, the hourly fee for a project or account manager will differ from that of a web designer or the person leading a strategy. This flexible approach ensures your budget benefits from the right level of targeted expertise.
So, you should only ever pay for the specific services you need and nothing more.
I cannot access this guide to reference any trends per the content brief.
Q. What Is the Difference Between an Agency and a Marketing Consultant?
A marketing consultant typically performs in-depth assessments of your organization. Their job is to offer strategic insights and recommendations, but they generally refrain from direct implementation. A full-service agency uses its combined expertise to take your marketing from strategy to execution. The agency approach guarantees smooth and effective teamwork, resulting in consistent brand messaging and quantifiable outcomes.
Should I Choose a Marketing Agent or Consultant?
Consider the services of a marketing consultant if you need help with a specific problem and have an existing in-house marketing team that could use some strategic direction.
Opt for a marketing agency if your company lacks internal marketing expertise or needs end-to-end solutions, integrated strategies, and an expert team for seamless execution.
Q. What Makes a Great Marketing Agency? How Can I Distinguish the Good from the Not So Good?
A simple marketing agency compatibility check helps you separate good agents from those who are all smoke and mirrors. Although expert marketers start most agencies, they’re not all equal in offerings, experience, or expertise. It’s easy for less knowledgeable clients to get misled by glitzy agency facades. So, prioritize firms with a consistent track record of excellence backed by successful client collaborations and strong leadership.
People Power Matters
Look beyond an impressive portfolio; the heart of a great marketing agency lies firmly in its people. Focus your attention on the agency’s account and project managers. Do they give off a contagious sense of urgency and accountability? Meet them face-to-face to gauge their energy, expertise, and commitment. Don’t be afraid to trust your gut.
Prepare Your Case Well
Before engaging with a marketing agency, understand your company’s goals and unique challenges. You’ll get more value from the meeting by sharing pertinent details about your target audience and brand guidelines. Listen intently to the agency’s responses and prepare to ask relevant follow-up questions.
Ask the Right Questions
As you ask questions, be mindful that brilliant strategies need flawless execution to get the desired results. Request examples of how they overcame previous client challenges and unexpected roadblocks. What type of industries do they serve? As they respond, look for meticulousness, efficiency, and a passion for going above and beyond. Find out what they consider most important when leading the execution of a new campaign.
Every company is different, so questions vary depending on needs and expectations. But in every case, it helps to organize your questions into categories. Also, include open-ended questions that force the agent to show their thinking and creativity.
Add your questions under the following five topics:
#1. Handling businesses and brands: How do you understand our business and ensure marketing aligns with our brand voice?
#2. Demonstrating expertise and capabilities: Can you share your core strengths and industry experience as it relates to our project?
#3. Campaign strategy and execution: How do you create custom marketing plans, track campaign results, and effectively collaborate during execution?
#4. Teams and processes: Who’s on our account? Explain internal communication and collaboration processes. Will you adjust your approach based on feedback?
#5. Budgeting and fee structures: What is your fee structure and what does it include—exactly? Are there any added costs we should be aware of?
You get the idea. Add your own questions as they pertain to your needs.
Q. How Much Does Industry Specialization Matter in Terms of Selecting a Marketing Agency?
Industry specialization significantly affects the overall effectiveness of a marketing agency. That’s because the unique nuances and regulatory requirements of different sectors demand specialized knowledge. For example, marketing for financial services involves complex compliance frameworks for the promotion of products and the disclosure of risks.
Hiring an agency well-versed in industry-specific intricacies does three things:
- Saves valuable time
- Prevents mistakes
- Ensures compliance
Specialized knowledge allows tailored strategies for industry-specific challenges, but with these benefits, there are potential drawbacks.
The pros and cons of specialized marketing campaigns include:
Specialized Marketing Pros:
- Deeper industry knowledge and insights
- Faster campaign development and execution
- Credibility and trust
- Stronger network and industry-specific resources
- Potentially higher ROI with targeted campaigns
Specialized Marketing Cons:
- Higher agency fees
- Less adaptability to broader marketing trends
- Possible over-reliance on industry norms
There may be other benefits and potential drawbacks depending on the campaign.
What About Digital Marketing Agencies? How Do They Differ from Traditional Agencies?
A digital marketing agency functions as an online powerhouse. It enhances brand messages and boosts customer engagement across digital channels. Services typically include digital ad campaigns and white hat SEO to raise website visibility on search pages.
A full-service digital agency extends its offerings to include email marketing, content marketing, and data analytics. Experts measure your campaign’s success through skillful data utilization. They make data-driven decisions that ensure continuous improvement.
Traditional marketing agencies cover a much broader spectrum. Their services include, but are not limited to, trade shows, print advertising, print marketing, and direct mail.
Choosing the Right Marketing Agency: Audience Insights
Choosing the right agency hinges on a thorough understanding of your target audience. Younger demographics (Millennials and Generation Z) tend to be more active online. Some from older demographics (Baby Boomers) still prefer more traditional forms of communication. However, these are just general trends, and most audiences today are comfortable with both online and offline engagement.
The best way to know your target buyers is by understanding customer profiles and buyer personas. Detailed data on your target audience allows for more precise and effective marketing strategies. This knowledge helps your messages reach, resonate, and engage with the right people. How aware are you of your target audience?
What Makes Bold Entity a Great Marketing Agency?
Bold Entity is not a run-of-the-mill marketing agency in Dallas; we’re champions for passionate, purpose-driven businesses. Our expertise lies in empowering mid-sized companies, often led by women or families. While our clients have the energy and drive to conquer their market, they lack the internal marketing muscle needed to move their business forward.
Structure from Chaos, Clarity from Confusion
At Bold Entity, we understand the unique challenges a business faces without a dedicated in-house marketing team. We’re experts in building frameworks from scratch. And our professional team knows the right questions to ask to apprehend your company’s goals and translate its vision into tangible, actionable plans.
From Passionate Ideas to Strategic Execution
Our team combines creativity and practicality to deliver visionary solutions that work. We brainstorm innovative ideas to ignite your brand but always with an eye toward effective execution. Additionally, we consider every constraint, from budgets to timelines, to ensure we deliver measurable results that propel your business forward.
Authentic Connections, Lasting Impact
What truly sets Bold Entity apart is that we don’t merely partner with businesses; we invest in them. Your success is also a win for us. We take the time to understand your industry, company, and its people. This deep understanding fuels authentic marketing that resonates with your audience and builds genuine connections.
Ready to Unleash Your Inner Powerhouse?
Bold Entity is not just a team of experienced marketers; we’re your allies, cheerleaders, and confidantes. We’re here to help you unleash your potential and realize your dreams.
Start the Bold Conversation Today and Release Your Brand’s Full Potential
