Posted

The web CAN make you and your business more successfulthan ever before.

  • Reach MORE prospects.
  • Pay LESS money advertising.
  • Actually SEE where your dollars are going and HOW EFFECTIVE your efforts are, like never before.

But don't say I didn't tell you to WATCH OUT for impersonators (even the one's whose name(s) you may already know). Good help is hard to find.

Here is a helpful list of questions you can ask to figure out who knows their stuff and who is pushing the canned solution of bad-tasting SPAM (my apology to you Spam lovers who are offended by this comparison)... 

  1. Is search engine marketing (SEM) right for my business?
    This is something a true SEM expert should be able to help you answer. Because frankly, it isn't for everyone. There are all kinds of reasons this might not be a fit for your business. The cost of your goods or service may be too low. No-one might be searching for your product (although there can be ways to get around that too : ) There may be too many big-boys spending too much money for you to compete effectively. You may not be able to do business with people all across America or even the world (Although you CAN make a lot of money locally online, if done properly). A good agency will take time to assess your personal situation before telling you to throw money at the problem.
  2. 2) I see and hear a lot about SEM or Pay-per-click Online Marketing from various firms. How do I know who to work with?
    A good firm will take the time to listen to your concerns and your situation and knows the right questions to ask. They will also study your online market, the efforts of your competitors, and opportunities and trends in your industry. You also want to hear the company you work with mention things like return on investment (ROI). This means they are watching to make sure the money you spend will be less than the money bring in.
  3. 3) I've heard a lot of different claims about what is good with SEM, Pay-per-click and other Online marketing. What REALLY works?
    Unfortunately there is no one-size-fits-all magic pill. If what you see and hear doesn't seem custom-tailored for your business, your industry, and your product - it's probably not a good fit.
  4. 4) How do you measure the success or failure of a SEM, Pay-per-click or Online marketing campaign?A good agency will explain to you ahead of time the performance indicators they track, how and why they measure them, what reports you will be provided with and how often. This detail allows you to know you are working with a firm that cares about your ultimate success, rather than trying to squeeze out a quick buck.
  5. 5) How do I AVOID making a big commitment that returns NO RESULTS?
    The truth is that EVERYBODY makes mistakes sometimes and even when things go smoothly, not every good plan works. To continue with an ineffective campaign is definitely not in your best interest and should not be in the best interest of your agency either. Make sure the company you work with allows that your campaign be discontinued if given a reasonable notice. Of course, notice by email at 3:00 in the morning the day before may not be entirely sufficient or reasonable.

TradeMark Advertising

865-966-1690

TradeMark Advertising is based in Knoxville, Tennessee and is a full-service marketing, advertising and web design/online marketing firm. We've served both national and local clients within Tennessee and surrounding states since 1996. While we have strong roots in traditional media such as radio, television, billboards, video and direct mail, we've also kept with the times and now specialize in web and online marketing.