If you’re reading his post, you’ve got questions about ecommerce marketing agencies, and we get it. Understanding what one of these agencies can do for you is really important because hiring a good marketing agency can make a huge difference for your business.
So, what exactly does an agency do? An ecommerce marketing agency specializes in helping online businesses grow by focusing on various digital marketing strategies specifically tailored for ecommerce. These agencies are experts in driving online traffic, converting visitors into customers, and optimizing all aspects of a brand’s online presence to increase revenue.
Most ecommerce marketing agencies offer a suite of services, including search engine optimization (SEO), paid media management, email and SMS marketing, social media strategies, and analytics.
Why Should You Hire an Ecommerce Digital Marketing Agency?
So, why hire an agency? Well, an ecommerce digital marketing agency can significantly enhance your brand’s growth potential. Here are several reasons why it makes sense to consider hiring one:
1. Deep Subject Matter Expertise
Ecommerce marketing agencies employ experts who specialize in various fields such as SEO, paid search, and social media marketing. Theirexpertise means that your business gains access to experienced marketers who understand ecommerce-specific challenges. This means navigating everything from product seasonality to implementing effective retargeting strategies. Agencies also bring knowledge that they’ve gained from working with numerous brands. So, they’re better equipped to navigate industry trends and complex market dynamics that an internal team might not be as familiar with.
2. More Efficient and Faster Results
Agencies operate with streamlined processes, tried-and-true methods, and advanced technologies that make execution so much faster and more efficient. Since agencies work with various clients in similar verticals, they have honed their strategies and approaches, allowing them to achieve results quicker than an in-house team might. This efficiency can lead to faster time-to-value and a more responsive approach to changes in the market or algorithm updates.
3. Fresh Perspective
An agency brings an outside perspective to your brand, which can be invaluable for seeing new opportunities and potential improvements that can be made. Sometimes, when you’re deeply embedded in the day-to-day operations of your business, it’s easy to miss things when it comes to your marketing strategy. An agency can provide unbiased insights and creative ideas that keep your brand relevant and competitive.
4. Lots of Data from Similar Clients
Ecommerce agencies work with multiple brands, which allows them to collect and analyze data across many different industries and observe different situations that arise. This data informs them about what works, what doesn’t, and which strategies might be particularly effective for your industry or niche. For example, if an agency observes that a particular email marketing campaign performed exceptionally well for other clients, they might adapt it to suit your brand. Your business can benefit greatly from an already proven effective approach.
5. Tools and Technology
Digital marketing agencies use advanced tools and technology to track performance, analyze customer data, and optimize campaigns. These tools are often expensive and may not be justifiable for an in-house team. This is especially true if marketing isn’t your main focus. Agencies typically use software for A/B testing, customer analytics, and marketing automation, giving you access to top-tier resources without needing a direct investment.
How Can a Digital Ecommerce Agency Help My Business?
An ecommerce marketing agency provides a full range of services that support growth and drive revenue for your business. Here’s a few ways an agency can really help:
1. Thorough Analysis
Before developing a strategy, most agencies conduct a comprehensive analysis of your brand’s current marketing efforts. This includes a review of your website, traffic sources, customer demographics, and competitor analysis. Doing this time of deep-dive audit helps the agency to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. This foundation can give your business a tailored strategy that better aligns with your goals.
2. Strategic Direction
Based on analysis, an agency can outline a strategy that better targets your business’s specific needs. This covers things like brand messaging, customer segmentation, and channel prioritization. Ecommerce marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all, and a good agency will work with you to create a plan that’s realistic, measurable, and scalable.
3. Execution Across Key Channels
An ecommerce marketing agency will work across different channels that fit well with your strategy A few of the ways they can do this include the following items:
- SEO: Search engine optimization (or SEO) is very important for driving organic traffic to your website. Agencies can perform keyword research, optimize your content, and ensure your site is technically sound. This can improve your search engine rankings and attract more potential customers.
- Paid Search: Paid search, or pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, is a key driver for immediate traffic to your website. Agencies use platforms like Google Ads to create targeted ads. This can help your brand appear at the top of search results when potential customers are actively searching for products like yours.
Paid Social: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are highly effective when it comes to reaching specific audiences. Ecommerce agencies create eye-catching ads that resonate with your target demographic, driving traffic and sales. - Email and SMS Marketing: These channels are important for nurturing customer relationships, improving retention rates, and boosting revenue. Agencies can set up automated campaigns for abandoned carts, post-purchase follow-ups, and seasonal promotions that keep your brand top of mind.
- Creative Development: Many ecommerce marketing agencies offer creative services to create visually appealing ads, emails, and social media posts. They can also make sure they are consistent with your brand identity. Strong creative assets help differentiate your brand from competitors, making your campaigns more memorable and engaging.
4. Analytics, Attribution, and Reporting
Lastly, measurement and attribution are essential for understanding your return on investment (ROI) and making informed decisions about your marketing spend. Ecommerce agencies can use analytics tools to track performance metrics, such as conversion rates and customer lifetime value (CLV) while providing regular reports. This transparency allows you to see which channels are performing best and adjust your strategy as needed.
Is It Better to Hire an Employee or Outsource to an Agency?
One of the biggest decisions ecommerce businesses face is whether to hire an in-house team or partner with an agency. Each option has its pros and cons.
If you decide to hire an in-house marketer, they’ll be solely focused on your brand and familiar with its day-to-day operations. However, a single marketer often lacks the specialized expertise across various digital channels. So, you might still need to outsource some tasks, such as SEO or paid media management.
If you decide to outsource to an agency, you’ll get access to a team of experts in multiple fields without the need to hire and train multiple employees. Agencies are also adaptable to scaling up or down based on your needs, making them a more flexible option. While an agency is an upfront investment, many businesses find that the level of expertise, tools, and measurable results make it worthwhile.
Ultimately, if your ecommerce business is in a growth phase and requires expertise across multiple marketing disciplines, an agency can provide the comprehensive support you need. However, if you prefer close, constant communication and the brand has a simpler marketing scope, an in-house hire might be more practical.
Hiring an ecommerce marketing agency can be a decision that makes a huge difference for your business, providing specialized skills, fresh insights, and access to top-tier tools that may otherwise be out of reach. By bringing an agency on board, you gain a strategic partner who can navigate the complexities of digital marketing, freeing you to focus on scaling and developing your business.
For ecommerce brands looking to thrive in a highly competitive market, the expertise, efficiency, and adaptability of a marketing agency make it a strategic investment that pays long-term dividends.
Laurel is a member of the executive team at Stryde. She’s been doing digital marketing for businesses for 10 years. Two years ago, she started set up her own ecommerce business selling baby gowns and knows the struggles of a small business owner. She loves talking about digital marketing, content, SEO, and conversion rate optimization.
