To compete as a Managed Service Provider (MSPs) you need to stand out and a solid marketing strategy is key. One of the first steps in building that strategy is finding the right marketing agency that can deliver digital marketing services tailored to your business goals. But how do you go about finding the best for your MSP? In this post we’ll walk you through the must-do’s and considerations for choosing a marketing agency for your MSP.
Why Your MSP Needs a Marketing Agency
Hiring a MSP marketing agency is an investment for your MSP. An experienced agency can help you navigate the complexities of digital marketing and let you focus on delivering great service to your clients. Here’s why partnering with a marketing agency can be good for you:
Expertise and Experience: Marketing agencies are up to date with the latest tactics like SEO, content marketing and social media so your campaigns are always on trend. Working with a full service marketing agency can provide the resources and expertise to implement marketing strategies, particularly in areas like lead gen and SEO.
Cost Effective: Outsourcing marketing can be more cost effective than having an in-house team, especially when you factor in salaries, training and tools.
Time Saving: With an agency handling your marketing you can focus on your core business activities.
Advanced Tools and Technology: Agencies have access to specialist tools to optimize your marketing and deliver better results.
How to find the right marketing agency for your MSP
To find the best marketing agency for your MSP consider the landscape of MSP marketing agencies. These agencies specialise in MSP marketing, transparency, results driven strategies and key services to drive lead gen and business growth. Follow these steps:
1. Define Your Goals
Before you start your search you need to have clear objectives for what you want to achieve with your MSP marketing strategy. Are you looking to generate more leads, improve brand visibility or boost website traffic? Defining these goals will help you find an agency that matches your business needs.
2. Research and Shortlist Agencies
Not all marketing agencies are the same. Here’s how to research:
Check Their MSP Experience: Make sure the agency has experience working with MSPs. Industry specific knowledge can make a big difference in their strategies.
Review Their Own Marketing: A good MSP marketing company should practice what they preach. Look at their website, blog, social media presence and overall online visibility. If they get their own marketing right they’ll deliver similar results for your MSP.
Request Case Studies and Testimonials: Ask for examples of their previous work and testimonials from clients, other MSPs. This will give you an idea of their success rates and client satisfaction.
3. What Services Do They Offer
Consider if the agency offers the services your MSP needs. Look for agencies that provide:
SEO and Content Marketing: These are key to improving your online visibility and attracting potential clients through organic search.
Social Media Management: Social media strategies to increase your brand’s reach and engagement with your target audience.
Email Marketing: Nurture leads and existing clients through targeted email campaigns.
Marketing Automation: To streamline your marketing processes.
4. Ask the Questions
Once you’ve shortlisted your agencies ask more questions to further qualify:
What is their lead gen and qualification process?
How do they measure success?
Can they give you specific examples of how they’ve helped other MSPs achieve their goals?
How do they communicate and report?
What experience do they have of developing and executing marketing campaigns for MSPs?
5. Set Clear Expectations
Before signing any contracts make sure all expectations are clear. This includes:
Scope of Work: Define the specific services the agency will provide including comprehensive MSP marketing services to drive lead gen and digital visibility.
Deliverables and Timelines: Set realistic deadlines for each phase of the project.
Reporting and Communication: Agree on the frequency and format of updates and reports.
Long Term
A good marketing agency should be a long-term partner not a short-term solution. Consider these for a long-term partnership:
Scalability: As your MSP grows your marketing needs will change. Make sure the agency can scale their services to match your growth.
Adaptability: The digital marketing landscape changes fast. Choose an agency that stays up to date with the latest trends and can adapt their strategies accordingly.
Digital Marketing Strategy: A well executed digital marketing strategy is key to long term success. It takes several months of consistent effort to increase inbound leads and drive business growth.
Alignment with Your Values: The agency’s work ethic and approach should match your MSP’s mission and values.
“The key to choosing a marketing partner is to look for an agency that aligns with your long-term vision. They should be as invested in your growth as you are.”
Prasanna Perera, Managing Partner, RiseOak
Q&A: Hiring a Marketing Agency for Your MSP
How can a digital marketing agency help my MSP business?
A digital marketing agency can increase your online visibility, attract more leads and boost your conversion rates through targeted strategies like SEO, content marketing and social media management.
Is it cheaper to hire a marketing agency or build an in-house team?
Hiring an agency is often cheaper as it avoids the costs of salaries, training and tools for an in-house team. Agencies offer specialist expertise and scalability at a fixed cost.
What’s the first step to take when choosing a marketing agency?
Define your marketing goals and budget. Then research the agencies, focus on their experience with MSPs and ability to deliver results.
How do I measure success with a marketing agency?
Success should be measured by clear metrics such as more leads, more website traffic, higher conversion rates and overall ROI.
