How to Choose a B2B Marketing Agency

Struggling with Marketing Results? Here’s How to Choose a B2B Marketing Agency That Delivers

steve phipps

Steve Phipps

CEO, President, Chief Strategist

August 26, 2024

As a B2B owner, choosing the right marketing agency is one of your business’s most critical decisions—especially if you’ve been let down before. Imagine this: You’ve invested significant time and resources into a partnership, only to see lackluster results, missed opportunities, and unmet goals. It’s frustrating, and it leaves you questioning your next steps. You know you need to make a change, but the question is: how to choose a B2B marketing agency that delivers results? That’s the challenge you face now.

What if you could find a marketing partner who understands your industry, aligns with your business goals, and has a proven track record of success? A partner who won’t just “talk the talk” but will “walk the walk,” driving real, measurable results for your business. This blog will guide you through exactly what to look for as you navigate how to choose a marketing agency that won’t leave you disappointed again.

These are the things you should look for in a marketing agency:

1. A Proven Track Record with B2B Companies Like Yours

Your previous experience might have left you doubting marketing agencies altogether, but don’t lose hope. Finding a marketing agency with a proven track record in your industry is key. For example, if you run a mid-sized accounting firm or an enterprise-level technology company, you’ll want to see a portfolio that demonstrates success with similar businesses.

Consider one of our clients who needed more strategic marketing direction. After partnering with us as their outsourced Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), they experienced a 141% increase in web sessions, a 316% increase in prospects, and a 71% increase in new traffic. These kinds of results speak volumes about what a targeted, well-executed strategy can achieve.

Ask for case studies and client testimonials that show measurable results in driving leads, increasing conversion rates, and delivering a solid return on investment (ROI). Understanding how to choose the right marketing agency starts with ensuring they can back up their promises with real-world success.

Case Study: Tech Firm Reaps the Benefits of An Outsourced CMO

2. Transparency and Communication

One of the most common frustrations B2B companies face with marketing agencies is a need for more transparency and better communication. Maybe your previous agency didn’t keep you in the loop or left you feeling unsure about their progress. Your new marketing partner should be committed to open, consistent communication.

As you evaluate potential marketing teams, it’s crucial to prioritize transparency and communication. Look for a B2B marketing agency that:

  • Sets clear expectations from the start
  • Regularly updates you on campaign performance
  • Is always available to answer questions or adjust strategies as needed

They should also provide detailed reports that demystify the data, helping you understand exactly where your investment in business marketing services is going and what results it produces.

Read More: How Much Marketing Agencies Charge Can Fluxuate Drastically; Here’s The Bottom Line

3. Strategic and Customized Approach

No two businesses are the same; your marketing strategy shouldn’t be either. If your last marketing agency relied on cookie-cutter solutions that didn’t deliver, it’s time to find someone who will take the time to understand your unique needs and challenges.

For example, one of our clients had an effective marketing team and employed solid tactics like blogging and social media, but they needed a cohesive strategy. By partnering with the right marketing agency, they developed a comprehensive, content-focused B2B marketing strategy that dramatically increased their qualified leads. This is what you should look for when considering how to choose a digital marketing agency—a marketing partner who can tailor their strategies to your specific situation and drive real results.

Read More: Accounting Firm Marketing Strategy Has 2,400% Boost in Organic Search Traffic

4. Focus on Results, Not Just Activity

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day activities of marketing—blog posts, social media updates, email campaigns—but what really matters is the impact these activities have on your bottom line. If your last marketing agency focused more on delivering content rather than delivering results, you need to shift your focus.

Your new marketing partner should prioritize outcomes over outputs. This means setting clear, measurable goals for what success looks like—whether that’s increasing qualified leads, boosting conversion rates, or driving revenue growth—and holding themselves accountable to those goals. For instance, one of our clients saw a 75% increase in year-over-year web impressions after implementing a strategic website optimization plan. Understanding how to choose a B2B marketing agency is crucial for long-term success.

Read More: How to Write a Call to Action in Marketing: Get Amazing Results with 10 Simple Tips

5. Strong Alignment with Your Company Values and Culture

Another reason why your previous experience might have been disappointing is a misalignment in values or culture. Your marketing agency should feel like an extension of your team, sharing your commitment to your company’s mission and values.

When learning how to choose a B2B marketing agency, it’s essential to evaluate whether potential partners align with your company culture. Are they as committed to your success as you are? Do they operate with the same level of integrity, transparency, and customer focus that you expect from your own team? A strong cultural fit can make all the difference in a successful, long-term partnership.

Read More: Digital B2B Marketing for Accountants: A Step-By-Step Guide

6. Expertise in Both Traditional and Digital Marketing

Marketing today requires a blend of traditional and digital strategies. Whether your business needs to focus on SEO, PPC, content marketing, or more traditional approaches like direct mail or trade shows, your marketing agency should have expertise across the board.

If your last marketing partner was too focused on one area, like digital marketing, but you felt you needed a more holistic approach, it’s time to find a partner who can offer a well-rounded strategy. This ensures you’re reaching your target audience with a cohesive message that drives engagement and results. Knowing how to choose a B2B marketing agency that provides both traditional and digital marketing services is crucial for comprehensive coverage.

Read More: 10 Common B2B Marketing Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Your Strategy

Need Help Finding the Right B2B Marketing Agency?

Finding the right marketing agency after a disappointing experience requires careful consideration. By focusing on a marketing partner with a proven track record, strong communication, a customized approach, and a commitment to results, you can ensure that your next experience is a positive one. Remember, the right marketing agency should feel like an extension of your team, fully invested in helping you achieve your business goals.

If you’re ready to turn your marketing around and work with a team that delivers results, it’s time to schedule your marketing review. Let’s explore how we can help your business grow and succeed where others have fallen short.

 

steve phipps

About Steve Phipps:

Steve Phipps, president of Wayfind Marketing and a certified They Ask, You Answer Coach, brings over 25 years of marketing expertise. His practical, client-focused approach has helped numerous businesses grow. As a former CMO for multiple companies and a Chick-fil-A franchise owner, Steve understands the challenges small business owners face. He leads Wayfind Marketing with a mission to help business owners grow their companies without the usual headaches, emphasizing strategies that position companies as authorities in their field.

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