Tips To Open Up Your Own Digital Marketing Agency

If you wanted to start your own marketing agency a few decades ago it would have been a mammoth task. The start-up capital and overhead costs alone would have required outside investors or a major loan from your bank. Marketing back then also focused primarily on traditional methods, which made it difficult for start-up agencies to generate really good results for clients from the get-go. The initial struggle to find a path to success was very real.

Fortunately, times have changed. With digital marketing taking center stage in the business world, starting your own agency is no longer such a daunting task.

With a few entrepreneurship skills and a passion for all things digital, there’s no reason why a qualified person (or a small team of people) can’t create a fully functional digital marketing agency in a few months.

Why Starting A Digital Marketing Agency Is A Good Idea

Due to the ever-changing nature of digital marketing, the demand for specialists in the field is on the rise. Businesses of all sizes are constantly searching for individuals with comprehensive knowledge of every digital marketing discipline. And while having a dedicated marketing team on staff is a great idea, it’s not always possible. Salaries, training, and other various costs add up which is why a lot of businesses prefer to hire an agency to handle their marketing needs.

These days the prevalence of the gig economy also plays a huge role in the way organizations do business. In most instances, you’re able to get high-quality work at a fraction of the cost. As such the need for freelancers or independent contractors in the digital marketing industry has increased significantly.

So if you speak fluent internet, have a flair for content creation and love graphic design, perhaps you should consider starting your own digital marketing agency.

All You Need To Know To Start Your Own Digital Marketing Agency

• Gain Experience As A Freelance Contractor

Starting a business of any kind poses some very real risks. That said, it’s a good idea to gain some on-the-job experience by working as an independent contractor who specializes in digital marketing. It’s a great way to showcase your skills, build up your portfolio and develop a strong foundation for your business. It’s also a great way to get the hang of all the administrative work (like invoicing) that also goes into owning your own agency.

• Develop A Business Model

If you want your agency to be successful you need to develop a good, clear business model. A good business model should include a list of past clients, all the services you provide and your billing process. Including a mini mission statement is also a good idea as it will give potential clients a sense of the core values of your business. Adding a few testimonials from previous clients can also go a long way in promoting your agency.

• Network

As a new agency, you will be in dire need of clients. A great way to get the word out about your business is through networking. Attend conferences, use social media and never burn any bridges with past clients. You never know which client or chance meeting will lead to a great business opportunity.

• Develop Your Interpersonal Skills

Serious entrepreneurs know that natural talent and book smarts can only get you so far in business. Because when it comes to managing accounts and maintaining client relationships, creativity and qualifications just aren’t enough. Develop your interpersonal skills by following up with clients over the phone and by setting up progress meetings. Although we live in a very digitized world never underestimate the need for actual human contact in business.

• Branding and Promotion

As a new agency, you need to develop and promote your brand. Proper branding will help to set your agency apart from the competition and make your business easily recognizable to prospective clients. Once you’ve developed your brand be sure to promote it. Post to industry-related social media groups, start a blog and attend events where you can showcase your brand.

• Hiring The Right People

As your agency grows you will need to add staff. Hiring people with the relevant skills and knowledge to work in a digital marketing agency is a given. But it’s also best to hire people who fit in with the work culture of your agency. Ensuring that everyone on your staff has good synergy is the key to a happy work environment and a successful business.

Get in touch with the Digital School of Marketing

f you would like to find out more Digital Marketing courses or perhaps even signing up for a course. Then contact us at the Digital School of Marketing.