Attention Clients: Manage Expectations
READ TIME: 1 MINUTE 57 SECONDS
As a prospective client, you are in the decision-making phase to join a marketing agency partnership. The choice of onboarding a new person to manage your entire online presence is a big step though it can reap significant rewards. One element we know is present is goal expectations. While having main objectives for the marketing agency is positive so all can remain on the plan, expectations can also be unrealistic. As a new client and an agency form a new collaboration, the future activity remains unknown until the client sees it for themselves, which can cause speculation upfront. Unfortunately, customers unknowingly can set too much responsibility on a marketing professional.
A prospective client will enter a consultation and have a 'want-it-all' mentality meaning they want everything possible the marketing company can produce within its service realm. At that point, the prospect may then present objectives that are far-reaching for the new relationship. When you embark on a joint venture with a new company, the only element you have in the ethos of evidence is the agency's book of work. Ideally, a marketing professional has client work, about and testimonials represented on the website to show credibility and trustworthiness. Since other businesses sought the marketing company and appreciated their work, then any new client will too. An available portfolio restores confidence in the new, long-term relationship.
Sales
High Expectation:
"We want you to double our revenue in the first year."
Real Expectation:
"We want you to help us gain a presence online in the first year."
Follower growth
High Expectation:
"We want to gain 1,000 followers per month."
Real Expectation:
"We want to see a steady follower increase over time."
Business development
High Expectation:
"We want you to respond to all questions online."
Real Expectation:
"We want you to start the conversation, and we will continue it."
Placing your complete yearly business plan on your marketing team's shoulders is not the best idea for the development of a real relationship. A new relationship means you, as the client, invest in the company by the perception of service output. The client and agency are practically strangers for the first several months of the collaboration. The marketing agency uses its internal expertise and resources to organize your goals and effective campaign so you will stay a client. Bottom line, you know your business, the marketing agency, helps you with a percentage of the company efforts. Your company's operational direction is still your primary responsibility.
Francesca Ragucci Marketing is transparent to our client about the output of work labor and service we provide in the monthly marketing plan options. We make sure to troubleshoot questions, so we are the right fit for you. We get honest with bringing your expectations down to a reasonable working level for the service and investment you choose on the consultation. Each marketing professional functions differently, so find a company that can work with your realistic goals.
