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If you’ve ever searched for an agency to look after your digital marketing or design a new website, I bet you’ve come across agencies claiming to “do it all”. Some agencies specialise in website development, while others focus on digital marketing services, whereas a full-service digital marketing agency will cover the lot.
From marketing strategy to website design to SEO (and everything in between), the list of services can feel a bit overwhelming. So, how do you find the right agency for you and one that will support your business, rather than just chucking a load of buzzwords at you?
In this article, we’ll help you understand what to expect from your digital marketing agency and what sets the good ones apart, to find the right fit for you.
What Full-Service Really Means?
We’ve already used the term “full-service digital marketing agency”, but what does that actually mean, and how does that benefit you? We’ve all heard the term “jack of all trades, master of none”, but that doesn’t apply here. Yes, having a specialist is a great thing, but what if you had a team of people specialising in different areas all under one roof?
It simply means that you can have a web designer and a social media specialist at the end of one phone number rather than having to manage multiple contractors. This also gives you the benefit of consistency and makes integrating all your online marketing efforts into your business much easier.
Why Settle for Less?
When you decide to work with a full-service digital marketing agency, you have a wealth of skills at your disposal. Whether you are a new business looking for help getting out there, or an existing business needing a new direction or a boost, you’ll find digital marketing services to help.
A full-service digital marketing agency offers services from the start of the marketing process through to the ongoing checks and maintenance that every successful business needs. So, let’s have a look at the services you can expect from an agency that offers the complete package.
Marketing Strategy and Planning
Every part of your digital marketing strategy needs careful consideration. Look for a team that can help you understand your goals and how to reach them. They’ll help you to realise what strategies you need in place to be able to get new sales leads and how to convert them into future business.
Branding
Whether you are a new business wanting help with your identity or if you want a refreshed brand, you need an agency that gives you more than just a logo. A great designer will give you meaning behind your identity and give you a complete set of branding guidelines.
Website design and development
Your website is an essential part of your marketing strategy; it is your shop window in an online space. It needs to be user-friendly, performance-driven and great to look at. Whether you want a simple brochure site, a complete bespoke design or an ecommerce site, your website should attract new visitors and convert them into customers.
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)
Whether you have an existing website or have had a new one built, SEO is essential to ensure that people can find you on popular search engines. Through on-page or technical SEO, a great team will help you find the best keywords and SEO strategies to improve your online performance.
Paid Advertising
Whilst organic strategies are a long-term plan for improving your visibility, paid advertising can give your business a quick boost. A digital marketing agency can help with PPC (Pay-Per-Click search engine activity) or social media sponsored ads. Knowing which is right for your business and managing these campaigns is vital for getting it right.
Copywriting
Good writing draws people in and creates stories that your customers can relate to. Copywriters produce written content for website pages, blogs, press releases, social media, and so much more.
Content Creation
An agency with designers and photographers in their team can create valuable assets for various parts of your business. From graphics to well-designed social media posts to videos, your business needs content for social media or articles and more to really tell your story in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Social Media Management
Social media is an excellent way for customers to find your business outside of normal search engines, if it is done right. However, many businesses find it time-consuming to keep their various social media feeds active and up to date. Find an agency that can manage your social media accounts and understand your business’s unique tone of voice.
Email Marketing
Businesses can engage with their clients and promote specific messages with effective email marketing campaigns. Look for an agency that can create emails that people actually open and click.
A full-service marketing agency can offer all these services and more. This can be overwhelming for some businesses. However, you may not need all of those services - you can pick and choose what you need. And it certainly helps to know that your chosen agency can see the bigger picture and has those capabilities should your needs change.
What Makes an Agency Stand Out from the Rest?
There are a lot of digital marketing agencies out there - many of them offering a similar list of services. So, how do you tell the good ones from the ones who just “tell” you how good they are?
People buy from people, and that’s particularly true when choosing a marketing partner. The right agency won’t just tick boxes - they’ll listen, ask the right questions, and feel like an extension of your team. Here’s what to look for:
They understand your business (or want to). A great agency doesn’t need to be an expert in your sector on day one (that’s unlikely), but they should be keen to learn about you and your business. Look for a team that takes the time to understand your goals, your customers, and your quirks… not just your budget.
They’re Partners, Not Suppliers. Some agencies work in a very transactional way: quick call, deliverables, invoice, done. But the best results come from collaboration. You want an agency that treats your success as their success, because when you grow, so do they.
They speak your language. Marketing jargon has its place (yes, even “omnichannel” and “metadata”), but it shouldn’t be used to hide behind poor communication. A good agency can explain what they’re doing and why in plain English - no waffle, no smoke and mirrors.
They create websites that do more than just look pretty. Sure, everyone wants a nice-looking site, but a good agency knows it’s about more than looks. Your website should help your business grow. It needs clear messaging, great design and brilliant functionality that works for your users and your team.
They’re honest. Not every marketing tactic is right for every business. A good agency will tell you what’s worth your time and budget… and what isn’t. They won’t oversell, and they won’t promise instant results (because there’s no such thing).
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Just like spotting a good agency, it helps to know what might signal a not-so-great one. Here are a few warning signs:
Overpromising “We’ll get you to number one on Google in a week.” If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Good digital marketing agencies don’t make wild promises; they explain the process, the effort involved and the realistic results.
Cookie-cutter packages Not all businesses need the same thing, so why should every client get the same package? If there’s no flexibility or conversation about what’s right for your business, that’s a red flag.
No clear reporting You should never be left wondering what your agency has actually been doing. Regular, transparent reporting is a must, and it should focus on what matters to your business, not just vanity metrics.
Poor communication If it’s hard to get hold of your agency, or you feel like your questions go unanswered, that’s a problem. You deserve a team that is responsive, clear, and easy to work with.
How to Know if You’ve Found the Right Fit
If it feels right, it probably is. The right agency will make you feel like part of their business, and they’ll feel equally at home with you.
The right agency will make your life easier, not more complicated. You’ll feel comfortable picking up the phone or dropping them a message, not like you’re “bothering” them. You’ll trust their advice and enjoy working with them. That might mean suggesting ideas beyond the original brief or gently pushing back if they think something won’t work.
Working with a full-service digital marketing agency gives you access to a whole range of skills. You’ll have a whole group of designers and marketers all under one roof who work as an extension of your team.
If you’re looking for a digital marketing agency that works as part of your team – a partner, not a supplier – give us a shout. No pressure, no jargon, just a friendly chat about what you need and how we can help.
