As a small business owner in New Zealand, you know that taking your company to the next level requires a strong online presence, but navigating the complex world of digital marketing can be overwhelming, confusing, it’s a mighty beast that has been known to make some people cry. If you want to avoid the headaches this is how you can find and engage the right expert for your business:

Define Your Goals

Before you start your search, decide what it is that you want to achieve. Are you looking to increase website traffic, boost social media engagement, or improve your search engine rankings? Maybe you’d just like to increase brand awareness, to help people remember your business for next time. When you know, even vaguely, what you’d like to achieve through marketing, you can make sure you find a marketer who has the skill that might match your needs.

Research Potential Candidates

Start by searching for digital marketing professionals or agencies in New Zealand. Look for those with experience in your industry or with similar-sized businesses. Check their websites, case studies, and client testimonials to get a sense of their capabilities and results. Reach out and have a chat with anyone who stands out in style, tone, or anyone you think aligns with what you are trying to achieve in your business.

Check Out Their Skills and Experience

A qualified digital marketer should have a diverse skill set. Look for expertise in areas such as:

1. Search engine optimisation (SEO)
2. Social media management
3. Content marketing
4. Email marketing
5. Pay-per-click advertising
6. Analytics and data interpretation

Check Their Own Online Presence

A good digital marketer should practice what they preach. Have a look at their website, LinkedIn profile, content, and past projects. Are they effectively marketing themselves online? Are they displaying the information and expertise that you need to make a decision? Is their communication style working for you? All of this can give you insight into their style and capabilities.

Get In Touch to Discuss Pricing & Contracts

Be clear about your budget from the start. Digital marketing services in New Zealand can vary widely in price, so make sure you understand what’s included in their fees. Discuss contract terms, including the length of commitment and any performance guarantees. At Sunny Ēa Digital Marketing we appreciate honest and open conversations about what you’d like to spend, and we will do out best to gauge what can be done within your price-range. One of the magical things about the digital marketing world is that even a small budget can give your business a big boost, if you know how to use your dollars effectively!

Ask About Reporting and Communication

Regular updates are crucial for a successful partnership. Ask potential marketers how they plan to keep you informed about progress and results. What metrics will they track, and how often will they provide reports?

Check References

Don’t skip this step! Speaking with past or current clients can give you valuable insights into the marketer’s strengths, weaknesses, and working style. You can check for testimonials on their website, or have a look at their relationships and interactions, and past employers via LinkedIn.

Start with a Trial Project

If you’re still not sure which direction to go consider starting with a small project first. This allows you to assess the marketer’s skills and compatibility with your business before committing to a long-term engagement. For example, set up a short social media campaign for 3 to 4 weeks, or ask them to manage a short series of marketing emails or newsletters for you. These will give you a great idea of working style, and enable you to check if it’s compatible with yours.

Stay Involved

Remember, even after hiring a digital marketer, your input remains crucial. Stay involved in the strategy development and provide regular feedback to ensure the marketing efforts align with your business goals. Check in with your marketer regularly, or at agreed-on intervals, and be honest about how you are finding the process.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to find a digital marketing professional who can help take your New Zealand business to new heights online. The right partnership can open up a whole worlds of exciting growth opportunities that could help your business sparkle in the night sky of the digital landscape.