Whether you're a small business owner or have a Marketing Manager role at a company, hiring a digital marketer could be just what you need to kick things up a notch.

Maybe you’re keen to increase brand awareness or make the most of your database of email addresses. Or you could be looking at ways to boost web traffic and get more sales. Whatever goals you have in mind, chances are, a talented digital marketing agency on your side will get the job done.

The challenge is finding the right one. There are so many options out there for digital marketers, and let’s face it — they’re not all going to be the right fit for you.

To help you with the match-making process for your digital marketing agency search, we’ve got three questions you can — and definitely should — ask before committing to a digital marketer to support your business.

Question 1: What do you think belongs in a digital marketing strategy?

A digital marketer's strategy is like a roadmap that guides them in achieving their marketing goals. Asking about what they think is essential in a digital marketing strategy during the hiring process to ensure it aligns with your business objectives from the get-go.

A reliable digital marketer will be able to explain what they consider in their approach, including the channels they tend to leverage, such as social media, content marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and email marketing.

A good digital marketer will talk about your target audience and tell you that they tailor their strategy to reach your unique demographic effectively.

Ideally, they’ll also mention their approach to analytics and reporting. A skilled digital marketer will measure the success of their strategies to allow you to track the progress of every digital marketing effort and make data-driven decisions.

Question 2: Can you provide examples of your work?

It’s one thing for your digital marketer to talk the talk, but how do you know they can walk the walk? Their portfolio of course!

When hiring a digital marketer, it's crucial to see tangible evidence of their skills and expertise. Asking for examples of their past work will allow you to assess their capabilities and determine if their style and approach align with your business's needs.

A reputable digital marketer should have a portfolio of past projects that they can share with you. This can include websites they have optimised for SEO, social media campaigns they have managed, or email marketing campaigns they have executed. Reviewing their past work will give you a sense of their creativity, attention to detail, and ability to drive results.

You can also consider asking for references from previous clients or employers if you’re still unsure. In doing this, you can learn valuable insights into their work ethic, communication style, and ability to meet deadlines. You can also ask about the results they achieved for their clients and how they handled any challenges that arose during the projects.

Question 3: How do you stay up-to-date with digital marketing trends?

The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and it's crucial to work with a digital marketer who stays up-to-date and on the pulse with the latest trends and best practices.

Asking about their approach to staying updated with industry changes is essential to ensure you hire a digital marketer who is knowledgeable and adaptable.

Skilled digital marketers may mention that they attend industry conferences, participate in webinars, or subscribe to industry publications and newsletters. They may also talk about their involvement in industry associations or their efforts to network with other digital marketing professionals.

Bonus question: Why do you think we’d be a good match?

This question puts the ball back in your potential digital marketing partner’s court.

Let them explain to you why they think you should work together. Maybe the digital marketing agency specialises in your industry and believes they have expert insights that will benefit your partnership. Or they might think their creative flair will help make your business look its best.

Take the time to get it right

Hiring a digital marketer is an investment in your business, so take the time to thoroughly evaluate the skills, experience, and approach to digital marketing of all the options on your shortlist.

And don't be afraid to ask tough questions and request references to verify their claims. By doing your due diligence, you'll increase your chances of finding a digital marketer who can deliver the results you need to succeed out there.

With these key questions, you'll be able to garner the information required to connect with a digital marketer who is right for you. Happy hiring!