UZoom Media's Online Marketing Blog

5 Things your Internet marketing firm should do for you

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It’s a new year with a new strategic plan, and you’re gearing up to take on the world. Perhaps it’s time for a website re-design. Maybe it’s a social media marketing plan, or even an entire internet marketing strategy. Whatever your plans to conquer your corner of the world, the Internet marketing firm that you trust with your business should do these things for you to ensure the successful and timely completion of your project:

1. Collateral materials needed from your business should be defined and a checklist given. A surefire way to ensure your project is late is for a designer or programmer to begin, realize they need a logo, log-in information, or other critical information, and then play phone tag or email hide-and-seek before they can move on. Making sure there is a clear checklist for your project goes a LONG way toward completing it on time. The clock should start ticking when all information is received.
2. Deliverables should be clearly defined.  While this may sound silly, it should be crystal clear exactly WHAT is expected. Instead of accepting “Facebook customization,” make sure you understand what is included in that. Will they tag photos for you, write copy that is SEO friendly, install a custom tab? Clearly defining what will be done will ensure satisfaction on both ends.
3. Timelines and milestones should be clearly defined. “About a month” just isn’t good enough when it comes to completing projects on time. Setting goals with clearly defined tasks, with timelines and milestones increases the chance that your project will be done the right way and on time exponentially.
4. You should have a point of contact at the company other than your sales representative. While it’s often comforting to talk to one person when you call a vendor, the process can go a lot smoother if someone else can answer a quick question, or even research the issue for you. Oftentimes the people on the front lines are not the best person to help you move your project along. Being on a first name basis with the receptionist, designer, or programmer may make a significant difference.
5. You should have a way to check the progress of your project. Does the firm send weekly updates? Use project management software that allows you to see progress being made? Hold regular update meetings to ensure that your project is moving along?

These are all best practices that will allow you to breathe easier. Transparency breeds trust, and the more you know, the better you feel, and the more you maintain some control over getting your project done the right way and on time. What other best practices have you come to expect? 

Planning a new website or a re-design of your existing site? Download our FREE guide on the 10 questions you should ask your designer.