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Top 7 Tips for the Small Business Who Is Looking to Hire a Marketing Firm

Marketing is what 99% of businesses fail to do correctly. Many small business owners recognize this deficiency and hire marketing firm. Yet, the results are not what are promised after these small business owners have spent their limited resources of time, money and energy. From my experiences as a business coach to help my clients with their process improvement plans to their strategic plans, I have identified these 7 marketing tips to help any business increase sales.

What are the clients' results from their marketing solutions?

The first question you should ask: “What are the results that your marketing firm has delivered to your clients within my industry? All marketing efforts should be directly tied to specific results and measured on a regular basis. If the marketing firm cannot answer this question, quickly and positively, then you may be talking with the wrong marketing firm.

Talk to at least 2 to 5 of the potential marketing firm’s clients

By talking to existing or past clients will help you determine if this marketing firm is the right fit for you. This is much like asking and checking references on a potential employee.

Determine if you want branding, name recognition or actual clients

Before you meet with the firm, you need to determine if you want name recognition, name branding or actual clients. Each of these determinations will deliver a different marketing strategy. For example, name recognition can be delivered by television, radio, print or billboard advertising. Name branding may require more expenditures using this media or from other marketing strategies such as article writing or speaking. Actual clients is really want you want and may involve trade shows where you have greater access to potential clients.

Set a time frame for the marketing firm's performance

Establish a time frame for the marketing campaign. A marketing campaign is very similar to a goal. All goals should include a target date or time frame as should your marketing.

Measure all results of the marketing firm's efforts

Marketing needs to deliver results. Let me repeat this: These results which should have already been identified can be increased marketing awareness through surveys to actual increase in number of incoming phone calls, Internet visitors, etc

Ask about the percentage of direct mail versus television, print, or other media?

Marketing employs various delivery vehicle. Television, radio, print and billboard deliver impressions. Direct marketing focuses on ctual contacts. Marketing research still supports that direct mail is the most successful form as it secures the most consistent measurable outcomes. For example, 1000 piece direct professional mail campaign will deliver 1% to 2% rate.

Look for a call to action in current marketing samples

The existing marketing samples should show a call to action. Many marketing firms fail to include this simple action that will generate you more sales.
After working with numerous small business clients, I have personally witnessed a lot of poor marketing campaigns being delivered with very expensive price tags. Taking the time to review these marketing tips in your selection of a marketing firm should truly help you increase sales by uniting your marketing plan to your sales plan.
Are you where you want to be? Are you experiencing repetitive marketing challenges? If you could overcome those challenges, what would that mean to your bottom line, your daily productivity or sense of personal achievement?
Leanne Hoagland-Smith, M.S., an Indianapolis business coach and Chicago business coach, helps individuals just like you to turn these challenges into measurable outcomes using results driven executable strategic plans for sustainable transformational change

Then, take a risk and call 219.508.2859 for a FREE telephone consultation.
Visit http://www.processspecialist.com/ and explore everything from free articles to learning the "Secret of Success."
P.S. Looking for a motivational speaker for a keynote or full day workshop? Give Leanne a call at 219.508.2859 to schedule for that important event.