Four signs it’s time to talk to an agency

A new marketing challenge, an internal team with limited time and resources, an ambitious new project…There are lots of reasons why both B2B and B2C companies turn to marketing agencies for support. According to research from the Harvard Business Review, 32% of digital marketing activities are performed by external agencies and partners. This number is even closer to 50% for B2C companies. Yet many businesses have a difficult time determining if the obstacle they’re facing is something they can handle internally or if they need external support. So we’re discussing the four big signs that it’s time for a business to look for an agency partner.

1. Need for New Expertise 
As organizations continue to grow, so do their marketing needs. And while they may be hiring for key roles in different departments, there can often still be key skill gaps in marketing-related areas. Some examples of these include:

• Digital Marketing Strategy
• Content Creation
• Graphic Design
• Copywriting
• Media buying

If organizations can identify a key area like one of these where they need support, it can make it easier to not only see an agency need but find the right one to solve that challenge.

2. Resource constraints
More and more businesses are boosting their marketing capabilities with in-house teams. From strategy to scheduling and creating content, these teams are responsible for handling all marketing support. But if a business decides to ramp up their marketing efforts, these teams can be stretched thin. The right agency partner can seamlessly alleviate the workload, boost productivity and act as an extension of the marketing team. 

3. Wanting a Fresh Perspective
CMO’s, brand managers and marketers know their product and business goals inside and out. But it’s easy for them to be “too close” to the work. That can mean difficulty figuring out how to solve a particular dilemma or being so sure that an idea will work that they don’t consider an outside point of view. Often these crossroads moments are a perfect time to seek out a second opinion. A new agency can bring an honest assessment, fresh perspective and creative ideas.  

4. Facing a New Challenge 
As companies expand into new markets or enhance their offerings, they need to consider how that changes their marketing strategy. Similarly, if the competitive landscape has changed or if an organization is dealing with criticism from their target audience, a new marketing approach could be the best way forward. Whatever the challenge, agencies can help analyze the situation and help find the right solution. 

By recognizing these key signs, businesses are better equipped to determine if it’s time to hire an agency. Ready to discuss your latest business challenge? Reach out to learn more about our collaborative approach.