We all know how fast the marketing industry can change, and all of the work that comes along with successfully marketing your company. That's why it is important that your marketing agency is meeting your needs and promoting your brand authentically. Here are a few ways to ensure your agency remains genuine and helpful:
Offer free consultations
When you are first starting your search for the perfect marketing company, make sure the company isn't charging you just for a consultation. They are just simply assessing where you're at now and what steps need to be taken, which should be free. Both parties should be flexible and professional during the consultation process so that each side can determine if the partnership would be a good fit or not. Along with the free consultation, there should not be an upfront contract forcing you to sign your life away to anything. Watch out!
Practice effective listening skills
In order for your marketing agency to clearly understand your goals and desires, it is crucial that they have open ears at all times. Having good listening skills also ensures that your relationship remains pleasant and honest. You need your marketing agency to know exactly who your target audience is and how to catch them. However, these listening skills are needed on both sides... Be prepared to carefully listen to feedback and ideas coming from the agency's end. A couple ways to remain attentive while listening is asking questions to ensure understanding and trying to place yourself in the speaker's position while they are talking.
Understand the Austin culture
Living in Austin, we are surrounded by so much personality and character. Often, local businesses incorporate this culture into their company naturally. If this applies to you, your marketing agency should respect and help promote this "hippie culture." You need to ensure that they are staying true to your roots, whatever they may be, throughout implementing your marketing strategy.