Developing relationships in business can be tricky. The digital agency relationship can be exceedingly complex because it involves purchasing something that you cannot see that will deliver unknown results. This can make any business owner feel vulnerable. It makes it even more important that the client/agency relationship is a good fit, built on a solid foundation of transparency, accountability, and strong communication.
So, how do you find the right agency for your business?
1. Request proposals from at least three agencies
These proposals will give you some insight into what it will feel like if you become a client. It also gives you the opportunity to check the agency for professionalism, timeliness, and communication skills. Rank the proposals in order of your preference and continue the conversations from there.
2. They should not make you feel like you’re being “sold”
This is incredibly important, both for the client and for the agency. Relationships built on high-pressure have a tendency to fall apart fast—and that’s bad for both the client and the agency. The rapport between the client and the agency should be comfortable. Both parties should be equally excited about the partnership. An enthusiastic account person who follows up to ensure that all of your questions are answered and keeps in close and regularly communication is not what we’re talking about when we’re talking about high pressure. An account person who contacts to share that your “offer is going to expire if you don’t sign up in the next 24 hours—HURRY UP AND SIGN THE CONTRACT!!!” is someone you want to avoid.
3. They shouldn’t speak in digital jargon that you don’t understand
They empower you by communicating in terms that are meaningful to you. They ask you to define what a successful agency looks like for you and then they work with you to define goals and reporting that support that mission.
4. They should occasionally tell you “no”
They’ll tell you that they aren’t the right agency for the job, that they don’t believe that the tactic that you want to deploy is the best tactic or that posting that unlicensed photo to your website is not something that they’re willing to do.
At Formada, we work really hard to exceed our client’s expectations. We believe that the best relationships begin with a solid foundation of respect and strong communication.
Want to see if Formada is a good fit for you?