My blogs are essentially for the novice and intermediate entrepreneur. They provide information on how to discover and create success for yourself, and your business.
Above artwork: @Reserved by, Crystal Nelson. At Chicago Urban Art Retreat Center. For more information about the artist, please visit artist blog.
It really doesn't matter what vocation, or field of business you are in, if you are selling anything you are in business and you want that business to grow without limits and boundaries. It may seem like a 'no-brainier, but marketing is the way to go if you need help with branding, are trying to gain prospects, and broaden your network. Doesn't matter who you are, or what you are selling.
Yes, you can research and discover the steps and the tools that are needed to market and brand yourself and your business, and It is highly recommended here that you do. I have also discovered that reaching out and connecting to various marketing agencies can do a far better job to successfully help brand my business than I ever could. Why? Because, the best marketing agencies know what they are doing. They listen, they want your business, and most importantly they want you to succeed.They also know the right buttons to push. They have a broader knowledge about the game. They have the inside view and capabilities that the majority of us just do not have. This is why we pay them.
Lately, I've often said that I'm in the wrong business. The Marketing business is where it is at today. Why? Because there are more people going into business for themselves, which means there will exist greater competition nipping for your target market. If you don't find them, your competitor will.
On that note, we all perhaps agree that great marketing companies will, and should potentially help to grow our business, expand and improve our brand image and provide a few perks for the pay.
In case you are wondering, the perks are great informative blogs. Free informative e-books. A listening ear. A love for sharing their knowledge and findings about the who, what, where, when and how with you that will help your business become the most successful.
In the United States, Chicago is the third largest city with marketing companies that offer a slew of SEO, social media strategy and brand management that will help us broaden our audience. Social media such as Instagram, Face Book, Twitter, U-Tube among others are tools when used properly assist us in spreading the news about ourselves and about our business to the world and will help us build strong networks.
While there exist plenty of social media marketing companies it is imperative if you want greater success and to maintain that success, to connect with the marketing resource that is a good fit for you and your business. One that will Maximize yourmarketing efforts and help effectively with efficiency expose you and your business to your target market(s).
You want a marketing agency that will help you make an impact! Here is where it is important that you do your homework. Meaning, do some research on marketing agencies before you spend your time, efforts and money with them, because not all marketing agencies are equal. You want the marketing agency that can relate to, and has knowledge about, your field. And you want that marketing agency to offer a business friendship/relationship with benefits, which by the way i.e., are the perks. Perks because a business does not have to develop a friendship of any sort with you in order to do business with you, or for you. I'm talking about getting with a market agency that show they care about your goals. Read on, and you will see clearly what I am relating.
It's a social media conscious war brewing and those of us in business need all of the allies we can get.
Below are some of the qualities you should look for immediately when seeking out a reputable, accountable and responsible marketing agency for you and your business.
Above artwork: @Reserved by, Katie V. Flowers &Funky S.a.K.com
1. Integrity. How true are they to the game? Always ask, if the source doesn't provide, for a reference, and or referral list. Agencies are ran by people, and people can tell you anything. You want to make sure that they know what they say they know and can do what you are paying them to do. You want to get with a marketing agency that is focused and willing to invest in your success just as much as you are.
2. Integrated media marketing. A company that focuses on making your message have a strong impact. A company that knows how to engage and inspire your customers. One that is creative and motivated to help you reach your success.
3. A fully staffed firm with designers, marketing specialists, project managers.
4. One that knows your field. Can't stress this enough.
5. Specializes in search engine marketing. Being a Certified Google Analytic's and Google Website Optimizer partner is a plus.
6. Have a proven track record of turning customers into advocates, and understands that getting and maintaining loyal customers is key to success. One that is good with advertising and public relations and special events planning. One that shows an interest. One that works hard and smart to understand the desire for your business to succeed while increasing your success. i.e., it sounds like a 'no-brainier,' but beware!
It can be time consuming and somewhat complex finding the best marketing firms that will help define, broaden and network you and your business. Side Note: of course it will take a certain amount of funds to hire a marketing agency, but it is worth the expense and investment in the long run. If you do your homework by research and use the listing above you will find the right fit sooner, or later. If you find that you don't have the funds right now to hire a marketing agency, then just sign up for their e-newsletters and become a registered member of their website. This way you can find out more about what they do, what they know and how they relate with the general public, as well post questions and leave comments. You can always unsubscribe later. I'm not a hired official spokes person yet, for any of these agencies. I just like what they offer and how they run their operations.
Here are a few Marketing Agencies I recommend looking into:
SCENE-Chicago
SCENE-Chicago can help you broaden your prospects and network your company with its vast growing presence in social media around the country. They are quickly establishing their firm as a major marketing agency for world wide branding, sponsorship, and Linc Live business networking. In addition they provide a platform to meet influential people who impact our culture, offer great blog information on how to brand your business and they keep you informed on the today's market trends. As well as a lot more! www.scene-chicago.com
Likeable Local
Likeable Local is very much a likeable marketing online business. The marketing representatives, at least the one's that I have had the pleasure of speaking with, are well astute on how to the engage you in the marketing process. They will help you understand how to find out who your customers are. How to make yourself accessible to your potential prospects and how to use social media, especially face-book.www.likeablelocal.com
Hubspot
Hobspot is your inbound marketing that provides informative information on how to create outstanding Landing Pages. Create great emails "without being creepy." How to create dynamic pages for your website that are not only impressive, but pages that relate to your business social growth. www.hubspot.com
To help you start your marketing agency homework do a WWW search using your search engine optimization bar. Start with, Marketing Agencies for _______. Fill in the blank for whatever field of business you are in. Then use the listing provided above to help you decide on which agency to go with. Some agencies will work with you on a payment plan. If they interest you then make sure you ask. In the end you will discover that you do not have to fight the battle of branding and marketing alone.
How is your marketing search thus far? Are you satisfied with your marketing agency? Do you have any good marketing agencies you can share?
Was this information helpful?
Your feed-back is important. It takes a bit of time and effort to produce and provide useful and informative information. What may seem of interest to me, may not be of interest for you. It is my desire to provide information that will help you and your business grow and find much success. If I'm not providing this then I ask for sincere constructive criticism. If I am providing worthy information, I'd like to hear about that too? It would be great to hear of what interest you, and what you would like to read more on. I will never take your in-put for granted. After all, you are my audience and without you, well there really is no need for me here.
Thank you for your time, sincerely.
P.S.
Check out my new e-book, Business of Success 101. "I Wish Someone Had Told Me." It's about understanding how success starts from the inside of us. The reading will help point you in the direction to define and create your own success. Please visit our website for a more detailed introduction. We also provide some fabulous artwork for your home, office or business walls. Would love the opportunity to provide you with our artistic services. http://www.funkysak.com
Best Creative Regards!
Katie
Katie V. Flowers, Freelance Visual Artist
Founder & Co-Founder
Funky S.a.K.com
http://www.funkysak.com
No comments:
Post a Comment