Starting a new project with an agency can be challenging, but by following a structured process and clearly communicating with the agency, you can increase the chances of a successful outcome.
Some key steps to consider when starting a new digital marketing project include defining the project's goals and objectives, creating a detailed project brief, identifying the target audience, and creating a budget and timeline for the project.
It’s crucial to choose a reputable agency that has experience in optimizing business performance that is similar to what you have in mind and to have regular check-ins and progress updates throughout the project to ensure it stays on track.
So, what are the prerequisites for a project's success?
Know what you want
Having a clear plan and a detailed brief is very important when starting a digital marketing agency project. This can help ensure that the final product meets your needs and expectations. Before you begin, it's a good idea to think about the overall goals of your business, and what you want it to achieve.
It's also important to consider your target audience and how you want to engage them. This can help inform the overall persona, objective, design, and user experience of the website.
All these elements/components should be detailed in the brief, that way you and your agency have a shared understanding of what is needed. This will help you to avoid confusion and delays and can make the entire process run more smoothly.
Find an agency you can trust
Finding an agency you can trust can depend on a variety of factors, including the specific services offered, the reputation of the agency, and personal recommendations from others.
It may be helpful to do some research and compare different agencies to find one that best meets your needs and has a good reputation in the industry.
It's also a good idea to check for any certifications or accreditations the agency may have, as well as reviews or testimonials from past clients.
Then, you can also consider having a consultation with the agency to get a sense of how they operate.
Make a project action plan
A project action plan is a document that details the exact stages and tasks that must be done in order to attain a given goal or aim. Working with an agency requires a clear and precise action project plan to ensure that the project is finished on schedule, within budget, and at the required level of quality.
Here is a general outline of what an action project plan may include:
- Project Overview
This section should provide a high-level overview of the project, including the goal or objective, scope, and key deliverables.
- Project Scope
This section should clearly define what is included and excluded in the project, including specific deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.
- Project Timeline
This section should outline a detailed timeline for the project, including specific milestones and deadlines for each task and deliverable.
- Project Resources
This section should outline the resources required for the project, including personnel, equipment, materials, and budget.
- Task List
This section should provide a detailed list of all tasks that need to be completed as part of the project, including the responsible party, due date, and any dependencies.
- Risk Management
This section should identify any potential risks associated with the project and outline a plan to mitigate or address them.
- Monitoring and Control
This section should describe how the project will be monitored and controlled, including how progress will be tracked and how any issues will be addressed.
- Communication and Stakeholder Management
This section should describe how communication with stakeholders will be managed throughout the project, including how the information will be shared and how feedback will be obtained and incorporated.
Working with an agency, you should ensure that the agency understands and agrees with the project plan before proceeding with the project. The agency should provide their input and experience to adjust or improve the plan.
Have a clear budget
Having a clear budget for your digital marketing project is essential for ensuring that the project stays on track financially. It's important to agree on a budget with your agency before you start any work so that you can make sure that the project stays within your financial means.
Be upfront with your agency about any additional features or changes that you might want to include in the project, even if they are outside the initial scope of work. It's better to discuss these upfront and establish a separate budget and timeline for them, rather than risking unexpected costs or delays later on.
It's also worth mentioning that going for the cheapest option may not always be the best decision. While it's important to stay within budget, it's also important to choose a web designer with the skills and experience necessary to create a website that meets your needs and expectations. Choosing an agency that has experience in creating websites A to Z of digital marketing similar to yours, is a good idea, even if it costs a little more.
It's also important to keep in mind that cheap does not always mean good quality, so ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of what is included in the pricing and make sure that what you are paying for aligns with what you expect.
Be prepared to give feedback
Giving feedback throughout the agency’s project process is an essential aspect of creating a successful website. It helps ensure that the final product meets your needs and expectations, and helps to keep the project on track.
It's important to provide feedback on each step of the design process, from the initial wireframes and mockups to the final design and development stages. This allows your web designer to understand what you like and dislike about the design, and to make any necessary revisions or adjustments.
When providing feedback, it's helpful to be specific about what you like or dislike about the design. For example, instead of saying "I don't like this", you can specify "I don't think this particular font works well with the design". This will make the designer understand exactly what you would like to change.
Keep in mind that the agency may not always agree with your feedback, and they may have their own reasons for making certain development or optimization choices.
It's important to have an open dialogue and to listen to the agency's perspective, but ultimately, the final decisions should be in alignment with the project's goals and objectives.
Providing clear and timely feedback will help to keep the project on track, and can ultimately lead to a better final product.
