This is not exactly the next blog post I had planned, but it turns out I just have so much to say about this topic, that I couldn't fit it all into a post caption.
Selecting the right creative partner is not a decision to take lightly. If you've worked with an agency/freelancer before, you'll know that just the onboarding process alone can be time consuming for you as a business owner. Not to mention the endless back and forth editing between you and the content creator until the content calendar is in line with your business' needs and expectations.
Now, working with the right creative partner won't eliminate the above mentioned process, but it will definitely feel more like a process than a struggle.
Before you sign up with anyone, make sure that they are a good fit for your business (and they should be doing the same). Take these 5 points into consideration to help you make the right decision.
Agency size
Size isn't everything. Consider how important a personalised approach is to you. A bigger agency doesn't necessarily mean things will get done faster - BUT, a smaller agency does mean your business will get the attention it deserves.
What existing clients say about them
Are their existing clients worth mentioning? If so, they will probably be mentioned somewhere on the agency's website or social media. Otherwise, ask for references or testimonials. You can learn a lot about an agency by looking what types of businesses partner with them.
Specialty
What are their specialties? Are they really good at the services that you need?
If you have a service based business, an agency specialising in product marketing may be a tough fit (and vice versa) - and B2B marketing is even more challenging and definitely not within scope for every freelancer or even most agencies.
Budget
Note: budget friendly does not mean cheap.
Can you afford them? And remember, when comparing quotes, always compare quality too! You know the saying: Pay peanuts, get monkeys.
Look at your budget, and find the best quality agency that you can within that budget. Don't just look for someone who offers the maximum amount of content within that budget.
Industry experience
A.k.a. do they have a good grip on how your business works?
The more niche your industry, the more important it is to find an agency that has a good understanding of your business, and experience in marketing your type of business to your ideal clients.
The takeaway:
If you're searching for a creative partner, don't be afraid to ask questions. Touch on each of these during your very first consultation and you'll be saving yourself and the potential agency a lot of time. Remember, they're also considering whether your business is a good fit for them.
It might take a while, but you'll find the right one 🙃