February 14th, 2024
Matching with your perfect PR & marketing agency, and how to love working together
Partnering with a PR or marketing agency can be a game-changer for your business’ visibility and growth. But how exactly do you find your perfect match? And when you do how do you ensure you get the most out of this partnership.
Establishing a long-term strategy and creating a relationship with your agency that is open, honest, and collaborative is the key to a healthy, long-lasting & mutually beneficial relationship.
Here's some tips for sustained success.
- Define clear objectives
Begin by outlining your business goals and what you aim to achieve through PR or marketing efforts. Whether it's brand awareness, lead generation, or market expansion, having specific objectives will guide your agency in creating targeted campaigns.
- Shared interests and values
When forming a new relationship, shared interests and values are some of the key factors that attract you to a person, similarly, your marketing agency should align with your business’ ethos and objectives. A shared passion and a deep understanding of your target audience can make a significant difference in crafting strategies that resonate with your customers.
- Two-way communication
Effective communication is the foundation of a successful personal and professional relationship. Clearly express your expectations, share your brand's values, and maintain an open dialogue with your agency. Regular updates and feedback sessions ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Realistic expectations
Whether you’re looking for a quick fling or you’re in it for the long run, a key factor to consider is the level of commitment and time you need from your agency. Involve your agency in crafting a comprehensive, long-term strategy. This should include a mix of short-term wins and sustained efforts to build a lasting brand presence. Collaborate on content creation, social media strategies, and other elements that align with your business goals.
- Realistic KPIs
Establish clear goals and outcomes that align with your business objectives. Apply metrics which will serve as benchmarks for success and help you evaluate the impact ofyour agency's efforts. By being clear on the outcomes from the outset, allows the agency to craft the best results and keep your business on track. Regularly review and adjust any key performance indicators as needed to stay responsive to changing business needs and look at the bigger picture of what you really want to achieve!
- Agree on a monthly budget
A crucial aspect of a successful partnership is agreeing on a realistic monthly budget. Clearly outline what services the budget covers and discuss how it aligns with your overall strategy. Flexibility is key, but having a baseline ensures that both parties are committed to the agreed-upon scope of work.
Starting on a monthly retainer means that the agency can be proactive from the start and take a joined-up approach to identify stories and opportunities, to help you get the best results.
- Regular reviews
Schedule periodic reviews to assess the agency's performance. Discuss what worked well, areas for improvement, and any adjustments needed in the strategy or budget. This iterative process allows for continuous optimization and ensures your brand stays agile in the market.
This will allow you to constantly review and assess the strategy in place, giving you the opportunity to see what is going well and what needs to be improved on.
- Learn together
Relationships can be beneficial for everyone and in the world of PR & marketing, there are new industry trends, competitor activities and shifts in consumer behaviour every day. By working with your agency to stay involved and adjust your strategies, you can position yourself at the forefront of your industry. A proactive approach from your agency will empower them to give your brand a competitive edge and keep your campaigns fresh and engaging.
- Invest in relationship building and have fun!
Building a strong working relationship goes beyond regular meetings. Attend industry events together, organize team-building activities, and fun activities so you really get to know each other and build up trust. A positive working relationship often leads to more creativity and a deeper understanding of your business.
- Celebrate successes and wins!
Cheering on your partner is a huge part of a relationship! Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, both big and small. Recognising your agency's efforts boosts morale and reinforces the team spirit. It also strengthens the partnership, with a shared sense of accomplishment.
All in all, selecting the perfect marketing agency for your business is not too different from finding the perfect match on a dating app. By combining these tips, you will find an agency that supports and adds value to your business, delivering tangible results and that you love working with
Remember, it's not just about short-term gains but about building a sustainable, mutually beneficial relationship that will build your brand and propels your business to even more success.