If you are a manufacturer who is new to digital marketing or have previously relied on trade shows or (salesmen that don’t deliver results) to reach potential customers, partnering with a manufacturing marketing agency can be a game-changer for your business. Digital marketing is now a critical component of any successful marketing strategy, and a skilled marketing agency can help you navigate the complexities of this rapidly changing landscape.
By working with a manufacturing marketing agency, you can leverage the power of digital marketing to reach a wider audience, generate leads, and increase conversions. The right agency will help you create a customized digital marketing plan that aligns with your business goals and targets the specific needs of your customers.
When searching for a manufacturing marketing agency partner, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what you’re looking for in your business outcomes. Without a specific idea of your needs and objectives, it can be challenging to find an agency that is the right fit for your business. In this section, we will discuss four key considerations to help you identify exactly what you’re looking for in a manufacturing marketing agency partner.
Determine Your Service Level and Marketing Budget
The first step is to decide on the type of relationship you want with your manufacturing marketing agency partner. Knowing the level of service you need can help you narrow down the options based on retainer commitments, budgets, and services. Consider whether you require an agency to handle specific segments of your marketing or whether you need an extension of your marketing team to collaborate on creating and executing a marketing strategy. You may also require an outsourced CMO or marketing department to take full ownership of your marketing efforts.
Alternatively, you may only need a one-time project, such as a website redesign. Once you’ve determined your needs, evaluate your budget to determine what kind of service you can afford.
Keep in mind that if you’re looking for an outsourced marketing department to take full ownership of your marketing efforts, a budget of $5,000 a month may not be sufficient to secure an exceptional service. However, it may be adequate to hire a team of skilled professionals who can effectively manage and own a specific area of your marketing.
If you’re not sure what a reasonable budget is, our clients have experienced tremendous success with our on-going proprietary system and partnership, which costs $10,900 per month.
Assess Their Digital Marketing Expertise & Historical Results
When it comes to choosing a manufacturing marketing agency, assessing their digital marketing expertise is crucial. The first step is to identify the type of expertise you require to achieve your marketing goals. For instance, if you’re using HubSpot as your marketing automation platform, you want to work with an agency that has extensive experience with that specific platform. The agency should be well-versed in the nuances of the platform and able to leverage its capabilities to help you achieve your marketing objectives.
In addition to evaluating the agency’s experience with your preferred marketing automation platform, you should also consider their track record of success. Look at their portfolio and case studies to determine the types of clients they’ve worked with in the past, the results they’ve achieved, and the strategies they’ve used. This will give you a sense of their expertise in various areas of digital marketing.
It’s also important to evaluate the agency’s experience with different types of clients. Do they have experience working with B2B or B2C clients? Do they understand the unique challenges and opportunities of your industry? A manufacturing marketing agency with experience in your specific niche is more likely to have a deep understanding of your target audience and be able to develop effective strategies to reach them.
Finally, consider the agency’s experience with other tools and platforms that are critical to your digital marketing strategy. For example, if you use a specific CRM, website host, or email service provider, you want to ensure that the agency has experience working with those tools. This will enable a smoother transition of information and data between the agency and your company, leading to a more effective overall marketing strategy.
Evaluate Their Manufacturing Expertise
It’s important to select a manufacturing marketing agency that has a deep understanding of your specific industry. A specialized agency will be familiar with the unique challenges and opportunities that come with marketing in the manufacturing sector. They’ll be able to identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) that matter most to your business and develop targeted strategies that drive results.
When evaluating potential agencies, take a close look at their manufacturing expertise. Do they have experience working with clients in your specific field, whether it’s automotive, aerospace, or industrial equipment? Look for case studies, testimonials, and references from other manufacturing clients to get a sense of their track record. You want an agency that can demonstrate a proven ability to generate leads, increase brand awareness, and drive revenue in the manufacturing space.
However, keep in mind that working exclusively with manufacturing clients isn’t necessarily a requirement. An agency with a diverse portfolio may bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. They may have experience working with other industries that can be applied to your manufacturing marketing efforts. So while industry expertise is important, don’t automatically disqualify an agency that works with a variety of clients. Just make sure they have the skills and experience to create effective manufacturing marketing campaigns that meet your specific needs.
Investigate Their Marketing Agency Website Content
When evaluating a manufacturing marketing agency, it’s important to investigate their website content. This can give you insights into the agency’s expertise and understanding of the manufacturing industry. A strong content strategy focused on the manufacturing vertical is a good indicator that the agency has experience in the field.
Start by looking for manufacturing-specific blog posts. These articles should cover topics relevant to manufacturing marketing, such as lead generation strategies, industry trends, and marketing tactics for manufacturers. The blog should be regularly updated with fresh content, indicating that the agency stays up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in manufacturing marketing.
In addition to blog posts, look for downloadable content such as eBooks, whitepapers, and case studies. These resources should be specific to the manufacturing industry and provide valuable insights and information. A manufacturing marketing agency that offers high-quality content for download demonstrates its knowledge and expertise in the field.
Another factor to consider is inbound links from high-authority manufacturing organizations. This indicates that the agency is respected within the industry and has a strong network of partners and collaborators.
Finally, take a look at the testimonials or video content about manufacturing on the agency’s website. These should feature real clients who have had success with the agency’s services. Testimonials can give you an idea of the agency’s track record and the quality of their work.
Overall, investigating a manufacturing marketing agency’s website content can help you assess their expertise in the industry and their ability to deliver results.
Ask Key Questions
Your choice of manufacturing marketing agency can mean the difference between success and failure. It’s crucial to understand their experience, service areas, focus, employee and customer satisfaction, and the nature of your relationship. Ask questions such as:
- How long have you been in business?
- What other industries do you specialize in?
- Where can I find results and case studies?
- Can I speak with an existing manufacturing client about their experience?
- How many months of commitment do you require, and how flexible is the retainer if our needs change?
Consider the Intangibles
Aside from the tangible factors such as expertise, experience, and pricing, the intangible factors are equally crucial when choosing a manufacturing marketing agency. The cultural fit between your company and the agency is essential for a successful partnership. You want an agency that understands and shares your company’s values and mission.
Trust & Transparency
When evaluating an agency, pay attention to the level of trust you have in their team. Trust is built through open communication, transparency, and accountability. You want an agency that is honest about what they can deliver and will work with you to develop a realistic strategy to achieve your goals.
Effective Communication, Comprehensive Reporting & Collaboration
Effective communication and top-notch service are crucial components to look for in a manufacturing marketing agency. You want an agency that is attentive, responsive, and easy to work with. This means they should have open lines of communication and be readily available to answer your questions or address your concerns.
Regular updates on your campaign’s progress are also important. The agency should be able to provide you with comprehensive reports, that are simple to understand, focused on metrics that matter, & that give you a clear idea of what is working and what needs improvement. These reports should be easy to understand, minimize technical jargon, and provide actionable insights that you can use to adjust your strategy and improve your results.
In addition to regular updates, a good manufacturing marketing agency should be willing to collaborate with your team. They should be open to your ideas and suggestions and work with you to create a customized marketing strategy that meets your unique needs and goals.
When evaluating an agency’s communication and service, it’s a good idea to look at their client testimonials and reviews. These can give you a sense of how well the agency communicates with its clients and how satisfied their clients are with their service.
Innovative & Current
Innovation is another critical intangible factor to consider. You want an agency that is creative and willing to explore new ideas to help you stand out in a crowded market. They should be up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in manufacturing marketing.
Overall, choosing a manufacturing marketing agency is not just about finding a vendor; it’s about building a long-term partnership with a team that understands your business, shares your values, and is committed to delivering results.
Choosing to Partner with the Best Manufacturing Marketing Agency
Choosing the right marketing agency for your manufacturing business can be a daunting task. It requires extensive research, careful planning, and a lot of effort. However, it’s a critical decision that can impact the success of your business.
At ORCA Digital, we understand the importance of selecting the right marketing partner to help take your B2B manufacturing business to new heights. Our team of experts specializes in the marketing verticals that count in a manufacturing business, including brand positioning, content strategy, design, sales, marketing alignment, and paid services.
Whether you’re looking to build brand awareness, generate leads, or increase conversions, we have the expertise to create a customized marketing plan that aligns with your business goals.
So, if you’re ready to take your digital marketing strategy to the next level, we invite you to schedule a meeting with our team to discuss your marketing needs and business objectives for the year. With ORCA Digital as your marketing partner, you can rest assured that your business and resources will be in expert hands.
