Can a small business afford an agency?

The economic environment has been tough for several years-especially for small businesses.  And, when budgets are strained, business owners are often tempted to cut back on marketing. But in tough times, it is critical to resist the temptation to retreat and instead look for ways to invest your marketing dollars to grow and stand out. The reality is that small businesses not only can afford the services of an agency, it is smart strategy to use professionals like The Focus Group. An agency like ours can turn your marketing dollars into an investment by using our knowledge, out-of-the-box thinking and creative ideas to drive customers to your business. We live and breathe these things every day, and we love nothing more than hearing that our work has helped make you successful.

 
Unlike the traditional media sales force, our goal is not to get you to spend money and buy the “deal of the month.” Our goal is to take your budget-whatever you feel that you can spend- and make it work. Here are a few ways agencies can help small businesses: 

BUDGET PLANNING - many small businesses do not have a marketing budget. Instead, they make their marketing decisions based on cash on hand and the latest “deal” that local media salespeople are offering. It is very important to develop a yearly marketing budget, but how do you even begin? Budget planning involves looking at your previous year sales and evaluating the buying cycle. Most businesses have an ebb and flow throughout the year-some months are slow, some months are busy. The goal is to maximize the return in the busy months and minimize the drop in the slow months. Once you have developed a budget, you can make informed marketing decisions. Creating an effective long-term plan can save you money in the long run and increase business.

MEDIA PLANNING- all salespeople for every marketing company (print, cable, direct mail, outdoor, broadcast, radio, phone books, etc.) believes they have a great product. You can’t blame them. But the fact is that “the deal” is not always the best deal or the right deal for you. Additionally, the medium quite possibly could be a bad fit for your business. How do you know? Our team can help. We know all the mediums-their strengths and weaknesses. We’ve heard the pitches and can make informed recommendations to increase success rate and return on investment.

BRANDING, THEME, AND CREATIVE - a professional, polished image can be invaluable, and the right idea can make an impact. Professional production and graphic design definitely can help you stand out from your competition. Our costs are competitive and affordable for most businesses. Click here to view some of our branding work.

WEB DESIGN - your website is quite often your first impression with a potential customer. Professional web design is affordable and effective. No matter the size of our clients or the site, all of our custom websites convey a professional, branded image that impresses and informs prospects. We are also versatile in SEO (search engine optimization), social media integration and functionality. A good website can be one of your best investments, and it can last for years to come. Click here to view some of our websites. 

SOCIAL/NEW MEDIA - social media and online advertising have completely changed the game in marketing. Businesses now have the ability to speak directly to customers at little or no cost. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media platforms give you the power to interact with customers and prospects. Just like other areas of The Focus Group, we’ve assembled a talented interactive team that stays on top of the trends so they can be ready to provide your business with the best advice. With these newer mediums, you can achieve big results with a small investment. Click here for more on Social/New media.

We can provide these services, as well as many others such as public relations at very reasonable rates. The return on investment and potential increases in business can be large when you make sound marketing decisions.

BEN HUNTER 

Marketing Consultant