Amy, a member of the WebFX Internet Marketing team, offers valuable insights to assist you in selecting the optimal PPC agency for your business. View the video (or read the transcript) for an in-depth understanding.
Transcript:
Many agencies claim to excel in PPC, yet identifying the genuine experts capable of generating revenue through your ads can be challenging. This video on selecting a PPC agency serves as an excellent starting point.
I will delve into the fundamentals of outsourcing your PPC initiatives, including understanding what a PPC agency entails, key considerations during your research, and how to compile a shortlist. Specific timestamps are available in the video description.
Before I proceed, I remind you to subscribe to our channel and enable notifications to stay updated on the latest digital marketing trends. Now, let’s explore the role of a PPC agency.
PPC, or pay-per-click, is a form of paid online advertising where you incur costs when users click on your ads. You can run PPC ads on search engines, social media, Amazon, and various other websites.
A PPC agency is a firm specializing in managing PPC campaigns, with some agencies focusing solely on PPC and others offering a range of additional services such as SEO, web design, and social media marketing. The scope of services included in a PPC management package can vary significantly from one agency to another, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the various pricing plans during your research.
When you hire PPC professionals, they typically:
Conduct research on your competitors, industry, audience, and keywords
Develop and launch campaign strategies based on their research
Design visual elements for your ads
Write ad copy
Manage your bids
Track and report PPC performance
Some agencies may also offer landing page design services as part of their PPC packages. You may find agencies that provide video production for PPC ads, while others do not. Frankly, listing the differences between every PPC agency is an exhaustive task that could take hours, if not days.
Fortunately, compiling a list of qualified agencies doesn’t have to be time-consuming. In fact, several existing lists can serve as a good starting point.
The simplest way to find a list of agencies you’d like to work with is through a Google search. While you still need to vet these agencies, it’s a solid starting point if you’re unsure of who to collaborate with.
A search for “PPC agencies near me” or “best PPC agency” yields a plethora of results to sift through. You may even encounter pre-made lists of agencies in your search.
For a more reliable approach, try searching on review sites like Clutch, UpCity, and G2. You can filter your results by location, rating, cost, services, and more, depending on the site you use. Plus, you can read reviews from actual clients to gain a better understanding of how the agency interacts with its clients.
The most classic way to gather information about reputable PPC agencies is to ask individuals in your professional network. If you know any marketing managers, business owners, or others who have previously hired a PPC agency, they can provide valuable insights into who is reputable and who you should avoid.
Wondering what questions to ask your PPC agency or what to look for in an agency? I have six factors that should influence your decision-making process.
Some of this information may be available on the agency’s website, but certain details might only be accessible through direct communication with a representative. Also, before reaching out to an agency, ensure you have your budget and goals clearly defined. These elements will help streamline your research and make it easier to eliminate candidates from your list.
Let’s move on to our list of factors to consider when choosing a PPC agency!
1. Services
The services factor encompasses two aspects.
The first aspect is whether the agency can address all your needs for your PPC strategy. If you require graphic design for your ads but the agency only offers copywriting, they won’t be much help. The same applies to the channels the agency manages. If you want to run PPC ads on Google and social media but the agency only handles Google, you should consider other options.
The second aspect is services outside of PPC. If you appreciate the agency’s work, can you expand your partnership to include SEO, web design, or other forms of digital marketing? This may not be relevant to you now, but it can save time on agency research if you decide to outsource more of your marketing.
2. Location
Would you prefer to work with a local PPC agency, or does geographic location not matter to you? Discover some of our locations by city:
Jacksonville PPC agency
Dallas PPC agency
Denver PPC agency
Hiring PPC experts locally is great if you enjoy in-person meetings, but it shouldn’t prevent you from considering an agency further away if you truly like them. With email, video meetings, phone calls, and other forms of transparent digital communication, you’ll feel just as connected with an agency far away as you would with someone closer to you. Thanks to the magic of technology.
3. Transparency
Regardless of your agency’s location and the services they offer, you should be aware of the actions they take to achieve results. You deserve to know what you’re paying for.
Transparency begins with PPC agency rates. Does their website provide a breakdown of how much you’ll spend on your ads and what factors contribute to that cost? And if this information isn’t available on their website, do you receive a clear answer from anyone you speak with at the agency? You don’t want any surprises when the bill arrives.
You’ll also want transparent communication from your agency. Do they provide reports outlining your campaign’s progress and metrics? They may even have their own tools to assist with reporting and communication, so be sure to investigate or ask directly if you can’t find the answers you need.
4. Industry expertise
Expertise extends beyond knowing how to use various ad platforms, although that is still crucial.
Hiring PPC professionals who have previously worked in your industry means they’ll pick up on the nuances that make your business and audience unique.
5. Pricing
While you might recoup the money you spent on your ads and even earn more, this isn’t guaranteed, especially if you’re new to online advertising. Don’t assume you’ll see a significant return on investment (ROI) just because you’re spending more. However, don’t settle for the cheapest option either, as affordability doesn’t always equate to quality. You might end up paying for lackluster results.
PPC agency rates may be structured as a flat fee or a percentage of your ad spend. Oh, and remember to factor in your ad spend when budgeting for an agency’s services, as this may not be included in their pricing.
6. Reviews/case studies
I briefly mentioned this earlier, but spend some time reading reviews. An agency isn’t going to tell you they’re bad.
Visit third-party sites like Clutch, G2, and UpCity, and also read customer feedback on Google, Facebook, Yelp, or other review sites.
Combine this third-party data with case studies and testimonials from the agency, and you’ll have ample information to make the best decision for your business.
Now, here’s the pitch. WebFX is a full-service digital marketing agency and the best Fort Myers PPC agency, having generated over $10 billion in revenue for our clients. If you’re seeking a PPC agency to help you achieve your goals, get in touch with our team!
Should you not be ready to contact us, that’s okay! Sign up for Revenue Weekly, our email newsletter, to continue learning about PPC and other digital marketing channels. You can find the subscribe link in the video description!
Until next time, revenue driver!
