Any purchase decision involves an evaluation of price, weighted against perceived value. Quality marketing services are an investment in your business, and the truth is, you often get what you pay for.
Here’s three important areas to consider before choosing a marketing team to work with your business:
Scroll through your Facebook or LinkedIn newsfeed, and chances are you’ll encounter at least one online marketing guru who claims to have the secrets to business success. Freelance platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork also represent a race to the bottom, where price takes precedence over quality results.
When it comes to finding a marketer that’s right for you, it pays to look beyond price-driven tactics, and to instead consider the value proposition at hand. Quality marketers can become long-term strategic partners for your business, and in many cases, you’ll get the results you pay for.
Here are three factors to consider when choosing a marketer that’s right for you:
Time and money
Remember those posts from people who’ve ordered bargain wedding dresses online – and then discovered the garment was a completely different cut, colour, size and style to what they needed? Think about marketing the same way.
Pursuing a marketing strategy that ultimately doesn’t fit your business needs can be a significant waste of time, money and other valuable resources. Can you afford to fix costly marketing errors? Put differently – can you afford to buy a second wedding dress, since the first was completely unsuitable?
A better way to think about marketing is to weigh your investment against the value you’ll receive. Choosing a quality marketer makes real business sense – as does choosing the most qualified team to achieve your objectives. A team that can provide a well-researched and expertly executed marketing strategy can unlock real value for your business. In many ways, finding the right marketer can be just as personal and significant as shopping for the ideal wedding dress.
Business risks
What happens if you choose a marketer that isn’t right for you? After all, marketing forms the public face of your business. Marketing doesn’t just influence your business sales – it extends to include everything from customer communication, to branding, advertising, sponsorships and events. Choosing a marketer who doesn’t take the time to understand your business can be a serious commercial risk.
Poor marketing can damage the way customers perceive your business. Carelessly written copy, blatantly Photo Shopped images, or inaccurate product claims can all spell trouble for your business. In many cases, marketers also need to understand the legality surrounding false advertising; intellectual property; privacy, data collection and storage; as well as the regulations governing competitions and promotional activities.
Just like any other profession, quality marketers spend significant time developing their credentials and honing their skillset. They understand the commercial arena your business operates in, and will take the time to carefully evaluate and develop a successful marketing campaign for you.
Record of success
Marketers with a proven track record of success are worth investing in. A quality marketer won’t talk in terms of price. Instead, they’ll demonstrate their experience and focus on the ways they can add value to your business.
You can spot a quality marketer because they ask the following questions:
- How can I help your business to achieve tangible results from marketing?
- Have you had time to peruse the case studies and testimonials from my previous clients?
- How can I get to know you, your business and your industry better?
Successful marketers aren’t just a one-trick pony. They will provide quality service throughout the lifespan of a client relationship. They’ll continually look for ways to add value, creating solutions for you and your business.
Value is always long term. Price is short term.
Tom Reilly
Final thoughts
According to sales expert and author Tom Reilly, about one-third of customers are hung up on price. The other two-thirds are open to understanding value propositions. According to Reilly, innovators and early adopters are most likely to invest in products and services that add value to their lives.
When it comes to marketing, the right team can add real value to your business. Quality marketers will save you precious time and money; help you avoid potential brand risks; and will come with an established record of success that gives you an edge on the competition.
If you’re looking for a marketing team that you can trust, contact Pixel Palace and speak with our experts today.
