5 Benefits of Working With a Boutique Marketing Agency
Hiring a marketing agency is an important business decision that needs to generate a return on investment. If you aren’t sure what to look for in a new agency partner, frustrated by search engine results; or, not happy with the relationship or performance of your current agency partner, we can provide some clarity on what to look for. There are several factors to consider when selecting an agency. Smaller agencies typically have less than 100 staffers and are often referred to as boutique agencies; compared to larger agencies, which are commonly owned by holding companies. We’ve curated a list based on feedback from our longstanding clients and our team’s collective experiences that highlight the benefits of working with an independent, boutique marketing agency, like Modera.
- Excellence in Client Service
Core to any successful agency partnership are the people. Understanding the agency’s culture around client service and account management is an early indicator of how your partnership will unfold. Get to know who you will be working with on a daily basis to achieve your goals. Ask about communication preferences and style. Dive into how the agency collaborates on solving client challenges. An account team at a boutique agency will be able to take the time to get to know you and your business on a one-to-one level which will support a productive business relationship.
- Adaptiveness to Changes
A flatter organizational structure and smaller team can mean faster decision-making and a more nimble response to changes in the market or with a client’s business. Having the ability to quickly pivot is a major advantage, especially in fast-paced and dynamic industries where staying ahead of the curve is crucial to maintaining a strategic edge. Being adaptive to change also means being culturally aware of what matters most to audiences and helping clients navigate diversity, equity and inclusion in their content strategy, creative and marketing campaigns.
- Industry Knowledge and Expertise
Oftentimes, a carefully curated team of experts, like those found in boutique marketing agencies, have spent decades developing deep expertise and knowledge in various industries and markets. For example, Modera has significant experience in insurance and health and wellness, but has also done work serving industry categories like retail, technology, financial services, nonprofits and government agencies. Having access to marketing talent with specialized skills can make all the difference in the planning and executing projects.
- Cost-Effective and Turn-Key Solutions
Quality marketing does require an investment, however boutique agencies can make your dollar stretch further. Optimizing time is one way to keep costs manageable; for example, we don’t have meetings for meetings’ sake. We create marketing efficiency without compromising effectiveness by analyzing how creative assets can be leveraged, and use data-driven insights to better understand your audience to inform your media spend and targeting. Also, while cookie-cutter marketing rarely meets anyone’s expectations, don’t dismiss strategic opportunities by turn-key solutions that an agency can provide around specific areas of their expertise, such as healthcare marketing.
- Strategic Partnerships
Boutique agencies are typically more intimately connected with the communities they operate in and serve, as there is a more on-the-ground approach to collaborating with other businesses, individuals, and organizations. By leveraging partnerships that have been forged over the years, boutique agencies, including Modera, have access to a pool of talented professionals with specific skills and expertise, as well as resources such as technology, equipment, and services that can unlock additional marketing opportunities and speed of execution.
Choosing a smaller, more tight-knit team as your agency partner is a strategic choice. Looking at ourselves, we are empowered to have fun innovating and experimenting as new technologies emerge, and developing thoughtful marketing for our clients. Being known for our expertise, creativity, and flexible approach to client needs, boutique agencies are proof that bigger does not equal better!
