When it comes to digital marketing in Orange County, you’ll find no shortage of people who think they’re an expert because they’ve read the top ten posts on the major SEO blogs. In reality, most internet marketing “advice” that you come across online is just old information that’s been recycled many times over.
If the common advice worked, no one would need to hire an internet marketing agency now would they? The truth is, real internet marketing experts know very well what works and what doesn’t, from experience. That’s why they are able to charge for their knowledge.
So how can you tell the difference between the agency putting on a front and the true experts? Here are three ways to do just that.
1. Positive Feedback from Previous Clients
Established internet marketing agencies will have testimonials listed on their website or they’ll provide references when requested. You should avoid any companies that can’t provide client feedback because it means they either haven’t had any clients or all of the feedback has been negative.
It’s most likely the former of the two, but either way it’s not good for you. Every client is unique and each project presents its own set of problems that need solved. Would you rather pay someone who you know for a fact has helped others, or take a chance on the new guy who has likely never completed a project like yours?
2. They Have Data to Prove Their Claims
Testimonials are great, but numbers are less subjective. Even somewhat established online marketing companies with great referrals often can’t provide hard data to backup their services.
Respectable digital marketing companies will be happy to share case studies with specific data that shows the impact of their work. If the guy trying to sell you on his Adwords service gets hesitant when you ask about conversion rates, that should be a red flag.
Refusal to share data either means a lack of experience or the data isn’t favorable for them. You should have an idea of the results that are possible, but not based on wild claims.
3. They Have a Physical Location
This isn’t 100% true, but it’s worth noting. Many digital marketing companies have no intention of having a physical location for various reasons. That’s fine and it’s not necessarily a bad thing.
However, companies with a physical location are typically more committed for the long-term and are definitely more accessible for local clients. Again, there are exceptions, but in our experience we’ve found that more established companies have a physical location that clients can visit.
Setting up a website and pretending to be a reputable company is easier than ever. We’ve seen hundreds of digital marketing agencies come and go because the owner(s) only wanted to stay in business temporarily until a great job offer came along.
We help clients from all over the world with their internet marketing needs, but we love working with people right here in Orange County. We’re proud to be a part of the community here and have no plans of leaving.