7 Steps: Choose The Best Digital Marketing Agency

7 steps: choose the best digital marketing agency

Are you exhausted in your search for the best digital marketing agency? We get it. That’s why we wrote this blog post and we’re grateful you found us. You need to elevate your business with an effective digital marketing strategy that gets your phone ringing a lot more. It is imperative that you select the appropriate digital marketing agency. Do not fret because we have a comprehensive guide to assist you in selecting the best digital marketing agency for your business in 7 steps. Read our guide below: 7 steps: choose the best digital marketing agency.

7 Steps: Choose The Best Digital Marketing Agency

 

Are you tired of being invisible on Google – that number one place your customers are searching right now? Then you need to choose the right digital marketing agency that is expert when it comes to SEO: Search Engine Optimization. 

We get it: there are so many options out there. And there is a lot of talent in Northern Colorado. There’s a lot of talent right here in Greeley. It can be overwhelming to make a choice that’s right for you. But fear not, because we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive guide on the 7 steps: choose the best digital marketing agency for your business. From selecting the right type of agency to preparing a brief and asking the right questions, this guide will help you make an informed decision. So let’s get started! 

Step 1: Decide What Type Of Digital Marketing Agency You Need. 

Before you even start your search for the best digital marketing agency, it’s important to define what services you need. SEO only? New website, too? What about Google Ads; YouTube Ads? Bing? And remember: you’ve got to have an engaging and consistent presence on Facebook, Instagram, maybe LinkedIn and TikTok, too.

First things first, why is it crucial to choose the right digital marketing agency for your business? Well, a strong online presence is essential in today’s digital age. But creating an effective digital marketing strategy can be a super overwhelming task, especially if you lack the necessary skills and expertise. That’s where a digital marketing agency comes in. By choosing the right agency, you can ensure that your business gets the exposure it deserves and that your marketing efforts are focused and effective.

It all starts with deciding on your marketing needs. This involves identifying your marketing goals, understanding your target audience, and evaluating your current marketing strategy. Once you have a clear idea of what you need —which can be to significantly increase your visibility (“share of voice”) on Google or it can be some other goal — you can start researching potential agencies. Look for a local marketing agency that can provide you with the personalized service and attention you deserve. Consider our Greeley-based DaGama Digital Marketing Agency (aka: DaGama Web Studio), which offers a comprehensive range of services, including SEO, web design, social media marketing, Google Ads, Local Service Ads (“Google Guaranteed), email marketing, video production and more.

When researching potential agencies in Greeley, Fort Collins, Denver and all over Northern Colorado, or across the U.S., be sure to ask the right questions and evaluate their credibility. What’s their street cred like? Review their portfolio and case studies to get a sense of their track record and ensure that they have experience in your industry or in ecommerce if you sell products online.  Read their Google reviews. It’s also important to evaluate their expertise and services, as well as their team and culture. Assess their communication and reporting, and make your final decision based on your decision criteria.

By following the first step above and the rest of these 7 steps below, you can choose the best digital marketing agency for your business and take your marketing efforts to the next level. So why wait? Take action now and start reaping the benefits of a strong online presence.

Step 2: Determine Your Marketing Needs

Identifying Your Marketing Goals

The first step in choosing the best digital marketing agency is to determine your marketing goals. What do you want to achieve with your marketing efforts? Do you want to increase sales, generate more leads, or improve brand awareness? Once you have identified your goals, you can start looking for an agency that specializes in achieving those goals.

Understanding Your Target Audience: What Are Their Pain Points?

The next step is to understand your target audience. Who are they? Do you know their needs and desires? Do you know their pain points or problems that YOU provide solutions for? What motivates them to make a purchase? Where are they located? What’s their age range and annual income? Gen Z or Baby Boomer or any generations in between? By understanding your target audience, you can create marketing campaigns that are tailored to their specific needs and interests. And you can be positioned in the place they hang out the most online.

Evaluating Your Current Marketing Strategy

Finally, evaluate your current marketing strategy. What is working and what isn’t? Are there areas where you can improve? By taking stock of your current marketing efforts, you can identify areas where a digital marketing agency can help.

Step 3: Research Potential Agencies

Where to Find Digital Marketing Agencies

The first step in researching potential agencies is to identify where to look. You can start by doing a simple Google search for “digital marketing agency near me” or “marketing agency near me” in your area. You can also ask for recommendations from business owner-friends and colleagues or check with your local Chamber of Commerce.

Questions to Ask When Researching Agencies

Once you have identified potential agencies, you should immediately read Google reviews. You can eliminate quite a few who only have a handful of reviews or the reviews are written by the agency’s employees instead of clients. Then, once you have a list, book a phone call so you can ask questions. Ask about their experience, their approach to digital marketing, and their success rate. Ask for references and case studies to get a better idea of their track record. They should be very transparent and explain things in a way that you can easily understand. 

How to Evaluate an Agency’s Credibility

Finally, evaluate the agency’s credibility. Check their website, social media presence, and remember to check Google and Yelp reviews to get a sense of their reputation. You can also check with the BBB to ensure that the agency is reputable.

Step 4: Review the Agency’s Portfolio and Case Studies

Analyzing the Agency’s Work

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential agencies, it’s time to review their portfolio and case studies. Look at their past work and campaigns to see if they align with your goals and target audience. Analyze their approach to digital marketing and see if it matches your business needs.

Checking for Experience in Your Industry

It’s also important to check for experience in your industry. Look for agencies that have worked with businesses similar to yours and have a deep understanding of your industry.

Ensuring the Agency’s Success Rate

Finally, ensure the agency’s success rate. Look for case studies and references that demonstrate their ability to achieve results for their clients.

Read these 5-star reviews from a few of our many happy clients:
Our website experienced a traffic shift after a recent brand refresh, one we couldn’t easily figure out, and Lori was a huge help as we dug into the cause of this. She has tremendous experience in guiding a successful digital content experience, plus she’s fun to work with and went the extra mile to help us out. I recommend her highly!” – Kurt Wolff

“Lori and her team have been so wonderful to work with. She listens to you and what you want for your company and assembles a plan to create the desired results. Any time we need her she is there to help and answer questions promptly. So grateful we decided to work with her!!” – The Wax Factory

“Lori and her team are amazing to work with. Lori is very prompt when responding to emails, schedules phone calls for checkups and check-ins and makes sure that everything is just the way you want it before anything is published for public viewing. Lori just revamped our website and it is amazing. I would highly recommend Lori and her team to help you with your website or any of your SEO needs.” – Roxie Ellis

Read more reviews.

Step 5: Check the Agency’s Expertise and Services

Evaluating the Agency’s Specialization

Next, evaluate the agency’s specialization. Look for agencies that specialize in the areas where you need help. Whether it’s SEO, social media, or content marketing, find an agency that has expertise in the areas where you need assistance.

Understanding the Services Offered

It’s also important to understand the services offered by the agency. Look for agencies that offer a comprehensive range of services, from strategy development to implementation and measurement. Find out if they meet with you on a regular monthly basis without charging extra for that. We hope you’re finding 7 Steps: Choose The Best Digital Marketing Agency helpful. Here are more steps…

Ensuring the Agency’s Use of Best Practices

Finally, ensure that the agency uses best practices in their approach to digital marketing. Look for agencies that are up to date with the latest trends and techniques and have a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. You might be hearing a lot about AI (Artificial Intelligence) and how it can be used (or not used) to save money, time and improve standard operating procedures. Find out if your agency has a plan for saving your business money without sacrificing quality or people.

Step 6: Assess the Agency’s Team and Culture

Checking the Size and Composition of the Team

The next step is to assess the agency’s team and culture. Look at the size and composition of the team and make sure they have the necessary skills and expertise to handle your marketing needs. Also, check out if their values align with yours. For instance, here at DaGama Digital Marketing, everyone on our team volunteers with local nonprofits. Our founder, Lori Gama, currently volunteers as a board member with United Way of Weld County. She donates to several other nonprofits in Weld County.

Evaluating the Team’s Expertise and Experience

It’s also important to evaluate the team’s expertise and experience. Look for agencies that have a diverse team with a range of skills and experience. Check if they have team members who specialize in your industry or specific marketing areas. There should be SEO Managers; Social Media Managers; Content Creators/Writers; and at least one Content Coordinator or Content Marketing Manager. There should be several Website Developers and at least two or more Project Managers. But if one person is doing all of this, then you might consider working with a larger agency. Not a “factory” (so big that you’ll get ignored) but a boutique agency.

Ensuring the Agency’s Culture Aligns with Your Business Values

Finally, ensure that the agency’s culture aligns with your business values. Look for agencies that have a collaborative and transparent approach to working with clients and are focused on building long-term partnerships. Many of our clients have been with us for five years or longer.

Step 7: Evaluate the Agency’s Communication and Reporting

Understanding the Agency’s Communication Style

Next, evaluate the agency’s communication style. Look for agencies that have clear and transparent communication channels, including regular check-ins, progress reports, and open lines of communication. You should receive monthly reports – either written or video or both. You should get to speak with the owner, as well as other members of the team.

Checking for Transparency and Accountability

It’s also important to check for transparency and accountability. Look for agencies that are open and honest about their approach to digital marketing and are willing to share their strategies and tactics with you. You need to know that the agency of choice operates with ethical methods. Don’t jeopardize your company. You’re most likely building a legacy to pass on to the next generation. Ensure that you make the right choice when it comes to who is going to be your outsourced marketing agency.

Ensuring the Agency’s Use of Performance Metrics

Finally, ensure that the agency uses performance metrics to measure the success of their campaigns. Look for agencies that have a data-driven approach to marketing and are focused on delivering measurable results. Ask about how they measure success. There’s more than just Google analytics to use when it comes to measuring and analyzing.

Make Your Final Decision


Finalizing Your Decision Criteria

Once you have evaluated all of the above factors, it’s time to finalize your decision criteria. Identify the key factors that are most important to your business and use them to make your final decision. If you’re still not sure, then read reviews. Dig deep. The reviews should be written by the agency’s clients: NOT their employees. The reviews reveal details. You’ll be able to totally trust your gut feeling as to who to choose once you read reviews.

Making the Final Decision

When making your final decision, consider all of the information you have gathered and ensure that the agency you choose aligns with your business goals and values.

Just in case you don’t know what type of goal to have, here is a list of examples:

  • Grow gross revenue by 25% more over last year in the next 12 months (or less).
  • Grow social media followers from current X number to X number within 6 months or less.
  • Grow the number of monthly leads from current X number to X number within one month; and this amount within 2 months; and this amount within 3 months.
  • Grow the number of top 10 search results from X number to X number within 6 months or less.

Establishing a Partnership with Your Chosen Agency

Finally, once you have chosen an agency, it’s important to establish a strong partnership. Work closely with the agency to ensure that your marketing efforts are aligned with your business goals and monitor progress regularly. Be clear on the amount of accessibility you’ll have with the owner and her or his team. Are they reachable for a quick question via text message, phone or email? When do the monthly meeting occur? Do they even do monthly meetings? Many of our own clients who came to us said that they were completely ignored once they signed on with other marketing companies. You would think this is something that you don’t have to ask. But that’s why we’ve included it in our guide. 

Recap of the 7 Steps to Choose the Best Digital Marketing Agency

Choosing the best digital marketing agency for your business is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on your success. By following these 7 steps, you can ensure that you find the right agency that meets your needs and delivers measurable results. If you’re not sure who to choose, give us a call: 970-302-6994. We’d love to meet with you for free and answer your questions. 
Choosing the right digital marketing agency can help your business grow, increase sales, and improve brand awareness. Just ask any of our clients. By working with an agency that has the necessary skills and expertise, you can ensure that your marketing efforts are focused and effective, and that you achieve your business goals.

Here’s what one of our clients said in a review he wrote soon after coming onboard with us (he has actually been with us for five years now and we’re very, very grateful):

We have been using Lori for almost a full year.  She built our website from scratch and has helped us optimize our visibility online and helped with social media.  Our business is booming and it’s almost hard to keep up with all the new work headed our way; thanks to Lori and her staff.  Lori is very knowledgeable and easy to talk to and you can tell that she loves her job.  I highly recommend the DaGama Web Studio to anyone in need of this service.”

Brandon Ewals-Strain, Northern Colorado Pest and Wildlife Control

Why Hire DaGama Digital Marketing Agency?

Are you looking for a digital marketing agency that can help your business succeed in today’s competitive online marketplace? Look no further than DaGama Digital Marketing Agency. With 28 years of experience and a proven track record of delivering results, DaGama Digital Marketing Agency is the best local website development and local SEO agency you can trust to take your business to the next level.
So, what sets DaGama Digital Marketing Agency apart from other digital marketing agencies? Let’s start with our comprehensive range of services. From Search Engine Optimization to Google Business Profile management, DaGama Digital Marketing Agency provides all the digital marketing services you need to succeed online. Whether you’re looking to improve your website’s visibility on search engines like Google and Bing, grow your presence on social media, get more leads with Google Ads, Local Service Ads (Google Guaranteed) and SEO or increase your website’s conversion rate, DaGama Digital Marketing Agency has the expertise and experience to help you achieve your goals.

The advantages of working with us

But it’s not just about the digital marketing services that DaGama Digital Marketing Agency offers. The advantages of working with us are many. We’re the best local SEO agency (average Google rating is 5.0 stars), and longest in business (28 years as of 2023) which means we have a deep understanding of the local market and can help you reach your target audience effectively. Plus, with 25 years of doing SEO (since 1998 when Google first launched) and getting top rankings, you can rest assured that we know what we’re doing and can help your business get the exposure it deserves.

And the benefits of working with DaGama Digital Marketing Agency are even greater. Being in business for 28 years means that you’ll be working with someone who knows how to run a successful business offline as well as online. With 5-star Google reviews and a loyal customer base that stays with us for 5 years and longer, you can trust that DaGama Digital Marketing Agency is committed to delivering exceptional service and results for their clients. By partnering with DaGama Digital Marketing Agency, you can take the first step towards growing your business and achieving your goals.

Contact DaGama Digital Marketing Agency today to learn more about how we can help your business succeed online. Just fill out our contact form now or call Lori Gama: 970-302-6994.
7 Steps: Choose The Best Digital Marketing Agency, picture of a megaphone.

About the Author: Lori Gama

Lori Gama

Lori Gama is a digital marketing pioneer who founded her company: DaGama Web Studio (now called: DaGama Digital Marketing Agency) in 1995. Growing from a one-woman web studio to a 14-person digital marketing team that manages SEO, social media and Google ads for locally-owned businesses, Lori Gama innovates and increases growth for her clients, some of whom have been with her from 8 years to 27 years. Located in Greeley, Colorado, serving companies across the U.S., this Greeley marketing company gets results quickly; communicates with clients regularly and evolves marketing strategies to stay ahead of the curve.