When it comes to digital marketing, there are a lot of moving parts. And when you’re looking to hire someone to help with your digital marketing efforts, it can be tricky to know what to look for and where to start. To help make the process a bit easier, here are nine mistakes you’ll want to avoid when hiring a digital marketing expert or agency.
1. Not having a clear goal or strategy in mind
When it comes to marketing your business online, it is important to have a clear goal or strategy in mind. This will help you to narrow down your options and find the best digital marketing expert for your needs.
For example, if you are looking to increase brand awareness, you will want to look for an expert who specializes in SEO or social media marketing. If you are looking to generate more leads or sales, on the other hand, you will want to find someone who specializes in pay-per-click advertising or email marketing.
By being clear about your goals from the outset, you can ensure that you hire the right person for the job and avoid wasting time and money on someone who is not a good fit for your business.
2. Not doing your research before hiring
With so many digital marketing experts available, it can be difficult to know who to trust. That’s why it’s important to do your research before making any decisions. Look for someone with a proven track record in helping businesses to achieve their goals. Ask for references and check out online reviews. Be prepared with detailed questions to ask each prospect during the exploratory call or interview.
Sample questions to ask when interviewing a digital marketing expert:
- What specific digital marketing services do you offer?
- What experience do you have in working with businesses in my industry?
- Can you provide me with examples of your work?
- What is your approach to digital marketing?
- How would you measure the success of our digital marketing campaign?
- Do you have any case studies or references I can speak to?
- What is your pricing model and what would be the estimated cost of a project like this?
Once you’ve found someone you can trust, you can feel confident that you’re on your way to success.
3. Hiring the cheapest option
When choosing who to hire, you want to get the best bang for your buck, but businesses should be careful to avoid simply opting for the cheapest option. While it may be tempting to save money in this way, it is important to remember that digital marketing is an essential part of any successful business and should be treated as an investment, not a cost.
The old adage “you get what you pay for” is especially true when it comes to digital marketing. Hiring someone who is cheap but inexperienced or unqualified is likely to do more harm than good in the long run. It’s better to invest in someone who may be slightly more expensive but who has the skills and experience to get the job done right.
A good digital marketing expert will be able to help you develop and implement an effective marketing strategy that meets your specific business needs. They will also be able to provide valuable insights and advice on how to best use digital marketing tools and techniques. In short, opting for the cheapest option is likely to end up costing you more in the long run. It is therefore important to take the time to find a digital marketing expert who can offer you value for money.
4. Not staying in touch post-hiring
When you hire a digital marketing professional, it’s important to stay in touch with them after the initial project is complete. There are several reasons for this: first, they can help you to monitor your progress and adjust your strategy as needed; second, they can provide you with timely updates on changes in the digital marketing landscape; and third, they can help you to troubleshoot any problems that you may experience. By staying in touch with your digital marketing professional, you can ensure that your business remains at the forefront of the latest trends and technologies.
5. Focusing on skills alone, not culture fit
It’s no secret that the digital marketing landscape is constantly changing. What worked last year might not work this year, and what works this year might not work next year. As a result, it’s important to hire a digital marketing expert who is not only skilled in the latest techniques, but who also have the ability to adapt to change.
Even more important than skills, however, is culture fit. A digital marketing expert who is a good fit for your company’s culture will be more likely to understand your company’s values and goals, and will be more invested in achieving them. They’ll also be more likely to stay with your company for the long haul, even as the landscape continues to change. So when you’re hiring a digital marketer, don’t just focus on skills—focus on finding someone who will be a good fit for you, your employees, and your overall corporate culture.
6. Not checking references
With so many digital marketing consultants out there, it can be tough to know who to hire. That’s why it’s important to check references before making any decisions. Ask previous clients about their experience working with the consultant, and whether they would recommend them. This due diligence will help you to avoid hiring a consultant who isn’t a good fit for your business, and ensure that you get the best results from your digital marketing efforts.
7. Not Interviewing candidates in person
It is essential to find a digital marketing consultant who is a good fit for your specific needs, and the best way to do that is to interview them in person, or via video call. This will allow you to get a sense of their knowledge, experience, and approach to digital marketing. It will also give you an opportunity to ask questions and get clarification on anything you don’t understand.
In-person interviews give you the chance to see how well the consultant understands your business and what specific needs you have.
It’s also a good opportunity to get a sense of the consultant’s personality and how they might work with your team. And finally, an in-person meeting will help you assess whether the consultant has the necessary skills and experience to meet your needs.
8. Not having a contract
A written contract is an essential tool for protecting your business when hiring a digital marketing freelancer or agency. Without a contract, you have no legal recourse if the freelancer or agency fails to deliver on their promises. Furthermore, a contract can help to prevent misunderstandings by clearly outlining the scope of work, timeline, and deliverables. Finally, a contract can provide peace of mind by ensuring that both parties are held accountable for their actions.
While it may seem like an unnecessary expense upfront, a written contract can save you a lot of hassle (and money) in the long run.
9. Not budgeting for the cost of hiring a digital marketing expert
Businesses often struggle to create an effective digital marketing strategy on their own. However, digital marketing is essential to reach a larger audience and gain more customers.
It can be difficult to know where to start or how to budget for these services. Hiring a digital marketing expert can help take your business to the next level, but it is important to consider the cost of these services before making a decision. While the initial investment may be costly, it is important to remember that digital marketing experts can provide a significant return on investment by helping you reach more customers and grow your business.
A digital marketing consultant can help to create and execute a plan that is tailored to the unique needs of your business. They will also be able to track results and performance, making adjustments as needed to ensure that your campaigns are as successful as possible.
The cost of hiring a digital marketing expert will vary depending on the scope of work and the amount of time required. However, businesses should expect to budget anywhere from $500 to $5,000 per month for these services.
Final Thoughts
Hiring the wrong digital marketing professional can be expensive and frustrating. By taking the time to interview candidates, check references, and create a clear job description, you can minimize the chances of making a mistake when hiring a digital marketing expert for your business.