Everything your program needs, all in one place with a full-service digital marketing agency
Here, you’ll find:
- What defines a full-service agency
- How this type of agency can improve your marketing program
- Things to look for in an agency
- Ways these marketing agencies can bring you quicker results
When it comes to shopping in the U.S., it’s easy to see why big-box retailers like Target, Ikea, and Walmart reign supreme. Even if you’re shopping for a handful of unrelated items, you’ll likely be able to get everything you need in one convenient, budget-friendly trip.
The same idea can apply to marketing agencies (stick with me here). Partnering with different agencies for your social, PPC, and SEO marketing is like visiting a cheese store, a toy store, and a clothing store instead of going to one place that has everything you need.
That’s the idea behind full-service digital marketing agencies. These agencies employ experts across all the major marketing channels and types, often at a better bundled price than you’d get by parceling out your efforts. The Balance Small Business defines them as agencies that “can handle all the marketing and advertising aspects of a business,” from strategic planning to production.
Still not convinced? Read on for 9 reasons why a full-service marketing agency could bring you improved results in less time without blowing through your budget.
1. Faster results
“Results” is the million-dollar word for digital marketing. (Though hopefully that’s not what your agency charges per month.) One of the biggest benefits companies see from partnering with a full-service agency is being able to get better results, faster.
The main reason these agencies can deliver faster results is because they’ve got their process down to a science. From onboarding and account analysis to tool implementation, A/B testing, and optimization, they know what works. That means they also don’t waste time getting up and running.
2. More cohesive communication
Communication can be make-or-break when it comes to your relationship with your full-service agency. After all, if you have to chase them down to get reports or wait weeks for an email response, you’re not likely to stick around as a client for very long.
Most agencies know this, and the most successful ones know that being on the same page about communication — from frequency to preferred method — is imperative. Plus, a full-service agency can often condense information from your various marketing channels to create reports that are all-encompassing and succinct.
3. Better aligned goals and priorities
It’s no secret that different types of digital marketing initiatives have different KPIs and timelines, and produce a variety of results. But that doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be alignment in your program’s overall goals.
A full-service marketing agency will generally have strong internal communication. This means that everyone is on the same page when it comes to things like testing, goals, and priorities. When your program’s various moving parts are in sync with one another, not only do you avoid doubling the work or having campaigns operating in silos, but you can use lessons gleaned from one type of strategy to inform another.
4. Improved allocation of ad spends
No matter the scale of digital marketing you’re currently working with, we all know that being mindful of your budget is key. But, particularly when you’re balancing everything from paid social and PPC to display ads and SEO, you’d be surprised at how quickly your ad spend can dwindle.
Luckily, a storied digital marketing team should be able to help you avoid this. Look for a full-service agency that has experience with a variety of budgets and what KPIs to measure. They can allocate your ad spend properly without putting too much towards unproductive strategies or “stepping on the toes” of other efforts.
5. Multi-channel optimizations and launches
Partnering with a team that has a range of marketing experience also means they may be able to bring new ideas and opportunities to the table that you haven’t yet explored.
Maybe there’s a marketing channel you hadn’t looked into much or thought your target audience didn’t have a large presence on. Perhaps the agency has tried something new, like a sponsored content partnership, that worked well for another business similar to yours.
Once you’ve nailed down the channels you’re going to leverage, you can work on having them operate in tandem with one another, and being thoughtful about new launches through concerted efforts and consistent messaging.
6. Quicker feedback and iterations
Months of ad spend put towards campaigns that aren’t producing enough ROI are a waste of time and budget. That’s why you want an agile, full-service marketing agency that prioritizes swift feedback and consistent iterations.
If you get the impression that the agency you’re considering or actively working with employs the “set it and forget it” mindset, it may be time to look for a new partnership with a team that’s more committed to regular testing, updating, and optimizing.
7. A clearer understanding of your customers
Just like a fancy wedding cake, your customers are layered. They have various job titles, salaries, hobbies, and backgrounds. To target them properly, you can’t simply think of them as a faceless, one-dimensional crowd.
Customer data can be gathered through your various marketing channels, from organic social to paid search. When you’re working with a single agency, it’s much easier to compile this customer information from various avenues to better understand just who your ideal client persona is. It’s also easier to track your traffic, buyer’s cycle, and pinpoint your audience’s preferences.
8. Easier pattern and trend detection across channels
Another good thing about having all of your marketing under one umbrella? You’re much more able to spot patterns and trends across multiple channels.
This allows you to stitch together the winning patterns to develop a stronger overall program. Seen success with a paid social ad for a certain demographic or region? Why not try the same idea with your display? Noticing these trends is much easier when you’re working with a one-stop-shop agency.
9. A diverse roster of experienced marketing pros
An SEO agency is probably stacked with team members who know the ins and outs of search engine optimization. This includes everything from best practices to the latest algorithm news. The same goes for agencies that specialize in paid search and other marketing strategies.
But, with a full-service agency, your business gets the benefit of working with a well-rounded team of experts in a variety of digital marketing facets — with proven track records to boot.
The takeaway
Sure, we may be biased about the perks of working with a full-service agency. But the facts remain: agencies like ours are notoriously ideal for streamlined communication, budget, and program management of digital marketing programs.
Of course, different companies will have different needs and goals. But we recommend keeping full-service marketing agencies in mind when looking for ways to take your campaigns to the next level.