Introduction
Digital marketing has become an essential part of our lives. Whether we are buying a mobile phone, furniture, or any other product, or even availing a service, we turn to the internet for information and search. The role of digital marketing in our lives is crucial, and it is no wonder that the digital marketing industry is worth a staggering $68 billion. In India alone, there are over 60 crore internet users, with a significant percentage of these users actively using social media platforms. In fact, 69% of users use search engines to research products, and 71% of users are influenced by social media when making a purchase decision.
The Need for Digital Marketing
Small businesses and even individual professionals such as lawyers, doctors, and teachers can benefit greatly from leveraging digital marketing to grow their businesses. With a well-thought-out digital marketing strategy, you can establish and grow your own digital marketing agency without any major investment. All you need is a solid business plan and a blueprint for success.
The Six Steps to Building a Successful Digital Marketing Agency
Building a digital marketing agency may seem like a daunting task, but it can be broken down into six simple steps. Let's explore each step in detail:
Step 1: Answer Your Questions
Before you embark on your journey to build a digital marketing agency, you need to answer a few key questions. Firstly, determine if there is a need for your services in your target market. Research existing companies and professionals in your niche to understand the competition and identify any gaps or opportunities. Once you have a clear understanding of the market, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Educate Yourself
While you may be starting with little to no experience in the digital marketing industry, it is important to educate yourself about the different aspects of digital marketing. Familiarize yourself with concepts such as Facebook ads, Google ads, SEO, SMO, ORM, and Ecommerce. Gain a deep understanding of these industries, such as education, hospitality, travel, ecommerce, handicrafts, manufacturing, and healthcare. To excel in these industries, you may need to specialize in a particular area. For example, if you are targeting the education industry, focus on video marketing for teachers or online reputation management for schools. Specializing in a particular industry or sector will set you apart from general digital marketing agencies.
Step 3 and 4: Client Capturing and Business Planning
Once you have gained the necessary knowledge, it's time to start acquiring clients. Begin by reaching out to small-budget businesses and professionals who could benefit from digital marketing services. Focus on small enterprises, professionals, and businesses in your local area. These small-scale clients may have limited budgets, but they can provide you with the necessary experience and help you build your portfolio. Offer your services at a discounted rate or even for free in exchange for a testimonial or referral. As you gain more experience and results, gradually increase your fees. Create a complete business plan outlining your monthly goals and how you will achieve them. Aim to earn at least one lakh rupees per month by the end of the first year.
Step 5: Complete Your Business Plan
As your business grows, you will need to create a comprehensive business plan. This plan should include your month-by-month strategy to grow and earn more revenue. Set specific targets and outline the steps you will take to achieve them. Consider incorporating various digital platforms such as websites, social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube), Google Search, and Google Maps into your marketing strategy. These platforms will help you reach the right audience and increase visibility for your clients' brands and products.
Step 6: Expansion and Vision
Once you have established your digital marketing agency and have a steady stream of clients, it's time to expand your services and reach. Consider creating specialized teams or departments to cater to specific industries or sectors. For example, you can have teams dedicated to serving the hospitality industry, healthcare industry, or real estate professionals. This expansion will allow you to offer more comprehensive services and cater to a wider range of clients, both nationally and internationally. With the right team and expertise, the sky's the limit for your agency.
Digital Marketing Agency Examples
When it comes to digital marketing agencies, there are several top companies that have made a name for themselves. Companies like Dell, MakeMyTrip, and ITO Group have built their digital presence and rely on digital marketing to reach their target audience. However, not all businesses can afford the services of these top-tier agencies. This is where small and specialized digital marketing agencies come into play.
Small-scale digital marketing agencies cater to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as individual professionals. These agencies provide cost-effective solutions and personalized services that are tailored to the specific needs and budgets of their clients. While they may not have the resources or reach of the top companies, they can still deliver exceptional results by focusing on their expertise and providing specialized services.
For example, let's say you have a friend who is a makeup artist. They have a strong presence on Instagram and are considered one of the top makeup artists in India. However, they lack knowledge and experience in video marketing. As a digital marketer, you can help them create high-quality videos showcasing their work and reach a wider audience. Similarly, you can assist restaurants in running effective Facebook ad campaigns or help hotels enhance their online presence through Google Ad campaigns.
By leveraging your expertise and specializing in a particular industry, you can provide targeted solutions and help businesses achieve their marketing goals. Whether it's improving a restaurant's footfall, increasing admissions for a school, or acquiring more clients for lawyers or doctors, digital marketing can play a pivotal role in driving success.
Choosing Your Area of Expertise
As a budding digital marketer, it's important to choose your area of expertise wisely. Consider your interests and passion when selecting a domain or industry to focus on. If you have a background in education, you may choose to specialize in marketing for schools or online education platforms. If you have a knack for hospitality, you can focus on helping hotels and restaurants improve their online presence. The idea is to leverage your existing knowledge and skills to provide the best value to your clients.
Once you have chosen your domain, it's time to select the right platform to showcase your expertise. You can become a Facebook ad expert, a Google Ad expert, an SEO expert, or even a video marketing expert. By honing your skills in these specific areas, you can position yourself as an authority in the industry and attract clients who are looking for specialized services.
Building Your Profile and Network
Building a strong profile and network is crucial in the digital marketing industry. Start by creating a compelling profile on freelancing websites such as Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer. Highlight your expertise and showcase your past successes and case studies. This will help potential clients gain confidence in your abilities and trust your work. Additionally, you can use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your industry and expand your network. Actively engage with your network by sharing valuable insights and tips related to digital marketing. This will position you as an expert and attract clients who are interested in your services.
Educate and Serve Your Clients
Once you start acquiring clients, it's important to deliver exceptional results and provide value to them. Be proactive in understanding their business and industry, and tailor your strategies accordingly. Conduct thorough research and analysis to create effective marketing campaigns and recommendations. Use the power of data and analytics to track the performance of your campaigns and make necessary adjustments. Regularly communicate with your clients and provide them with progress reports. This will help you build trust and maintain a long-term relationship with your clients.
Expanding Your Agency
As your agency grows, you can consider expanding and hiring more team members. Identify tasks that can be delegated and create systems and processes to streamline your operations. Hiring the right employees is crucial for the success of your agency. Clearly define their roles and responsibilities, and ensure they align with your vision and values. This will help you build a strong team that can deliver exceptional results for your clients. Keep track of your revenue and expenses to ensure a healthy profit margin. Remember, the ultimate goal is to create a scalable and profitable digital marketing agency.
Conclusion
Building a successful digital marketing agency takes time and effort, but it is a rewarding journey. By following the six steps outlined in this blog, you can establish your own digital marketing agency and help small businesses and professionals grow their online presence. With the right knowledge, expertise, and dedication, you can achieve significant growth and success in the digital marketing industry. So, take the leap, educate yourself, serve your clients, and expand your agency to reach new heights. The future of digital marketing is bright, and you can be a part of it.
