A new year, a new website! We are hearing the buzz about how digital marketing is changing and improving day to day, so many of us know how critical it is to keep up if we want to have a competitive edge and the best brand experience for our customers. Now, it’s time find a web design and digital marketing agency that fits the mark. Here are a 5 tips for your search to find the perfect one for you:

1. Know what you want to achieve

Think beyond “being first in the search engines.” What is it you would like to accomplish? For example:

  • Generate more leads/sales
  • Keep your customers up to date and informed
  • Improving your customers’ experience
  • Brand awareness

2. Correlate cost and value

As with most things we purchase, you really do get what you pay for. This is also true in the digital world. Try to remember it’s about the value a partner can provide. Can your agency help you reach goals, get more leads and improve your customers’ experience with your website and digital marketing initiatives? If you answered yes, cost to develop the website should not be a deal breaker because you will see the value in return. Do your research, determine the other marketing and communication channels you’ve been spending your dollars and ask yourself: Am I getting the results I need?

3. Do they have a proven track record?

You want to work with an agency that has the experience in your industry, expertise in digital and a track record of success. Do your homework and get what you need to make an informed decision. This might mean:

  • Talking to references and hearing client testimonials
  • Asking to see similar work or relevant case studies
  • Asking for sample digital marketing reports to understand how campaign performance is tracked
  • Having a more detailed conversation when you have follow up questions or concerns

4. Think ahead

The agency you want to work with will have a reliable, dedicated web maintenance and support team to ensure your new website is on the right track to reaching your goals online. A team that can support you for the long-term means your website won’t go stale in a world that is changing day by day.

5. Relationship is key

Do you feel like you have a good rapport with your potential agency team? After the initial conversation, do you feel like they understand your concerns, goals, vision and ideas and can you communicate with them easily? Working with a team that understands your business and what you want to achieve with your overall online presence is key to a successful client/agency partnership.

I wrote this post to reflect on the past year and give a few pointers to anyone searching for a web design and digital marketing agency, but also because each of these pointers are qualities I see in every one of my colleagues here at emagine.

I am proud to say that I have witnessed every department go above and beyond to make sure our clients have the best experience working with us. Listening in on conversations with clients, the rapport and “down to earth” feeling that comes across on both sides is clear. The compliments and testimonials we have received throughout the year from happy clients is proof that we love what we do and we do what we love!