8 things you need to know before you start working with a marketing agency

Marketing is hard. We get it. Tools and channels change constantly, and you need to create, maintain and promote a brand while serving guests and maintaining day-to-day operations.

One way to support your existing marketing team, or be your marketing team in the absence of one, is with a marketing agency.

But before you start splashing cash on an agency, it's important to have a clear understanding of your goals, budget and expectations. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Define your goals: Clearly define what you want to achieve with your marketing efforts. Are you looking to increase brand awareness, generate leads, or put bums on seats? Having a clear understanding of your goals will help you align with the right agency and ensure they have the expertise to meet your needs.
2. Understand your target audience: Know your target audience and share that information with the agency. Understanding your target audience will help the agency tailor their approach and create more effective campaigns.
3. Assess your budget: Consider how much you can afford to spend on your marketing efforts, and ensure that the agency you choose is able to work within your budget. Be transparent with your budget so that the agency can be clear on what is possible.
4. Look for an agency with the right expertise: Evaluate the agency's experience, skills and case studies, in particular, in the areas of your interest. It's important to select an agency that has a proven track record of achieving results in areas that align with your goals. Work in hospitality? It probably makes sense to work with an agency that specialises in hospitality.
5. Check references and read reviews: Do research to learn what others are saying about the agency, talk to other businesses that have worked with them, read their client's testimonials and reviews, and see if the agency has any industry awards or recognitions.
6. Understand the agency's process: Understand the agency's process, how they approach a project, how they communicate and deliver results, and their reporting metrics.
7. Establish clear communication: Establish clear lines of communication with the agency. Set expectations for how often you'll be updated on progress, who will be responsible for what, and what the next steps are.
8. Invest time in the relationship: Building a good working relationship with your marketing agency takes time and effort. Be prepared to invest the time in building a strong relationship so that you can get the most out of your partnership.

Having a clear understanding of these things before you start working with a marketing agency will help ensure that you choose the right agency for your business, set realistic expectations and establish a strong working relationship.

Need a marketing boost for your hospitality brand? Get in touch at yummm_studio@mryum.com and we’ll share what we know works. 

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