If you’re in the process of choosing a content agency, then this is your must-read article. A content marketing agency is vital to get your brand noticed, ranking in search engines and bringing in ROI. But, with so many marketing agencies to choose from, it can be challenging to choose the right one. This guide features your most frequently asked questions about selecting a content agency. We will also tell you why Contentworks Agency is the perfect choice for exceptional content marketing.
What is a Content Marketing Agency?
A content marketing agency may operate remotely with a global staff, or via a fixed office. These agencies specialise in creating, distributing, and managing content to help businesses connect with their target audience. These agencies produce various types of content, including blog articles, press releases, whitepapers, web copy, social media posts, video scripts, and more. The goal is to inform, entertain, and engage potential customers while enhancing brand credibility and online visibility. Content marketing agencies will often specialise in a sector such as finance, healthcare, government, food & beverage or fashion.
Why Should I Hire a Content Agency?
Many brands struggle to maintain a consistent content strategy. This can be due to factors like time, expertise, or resources. Outsourcing to a professional content marketing agency gives you:
- Expertise – Content agencies employ skilled writers, editors, strategists, and designers with experience in multiple industries.
- Time – Content marketing agencies free you up to focus on core operations by strategising and managing your content funnels.
- Consistency – Agencies ensure that content is published regularly and aligns with your brand messaging and tone of voice.
- SEO Optimisation – Agencies understand search engine optimisation (SEO) and craft content that ranks higher on search engines.
- Trends – Most brands don’t have the time and resources to follow daily emerging trends on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. A content marketing agency will be watching trends and helping your brand to remain relevant.
What Services Do Content Marketing Agencies Offer?
The services provided by content marketing agencies vary, but they typically include:
- Blog Writing – Informative and engaging articles to establish authority in your industry.
- Press Releases – Official announcements to communicate news effectively.
- Whitepapers & eBooks – In-depth researched reports that provide valuable insights for clients, shareholders and investors.
- Website Copy – Keyword optimised, persuasive and engaging web content.
- Social Media Content – Engaging posts tailored for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
- Video Scripts – Well-crafted scripts for promotional and educational videos. Also scripts and ideation for TikTok.
How Do I Choose the Right Agency?
Choosing a content agency requires careful consideration. But rather than going round in circles, you can have a checklist handy to help you decide. Here are some of the areas you might want to consider:
- Custom Strategy – Don’t skimp on the custom content strategy. It will be a roadmap for all your content marketing activities going forward. Ask if your content agency can create a strategy for your specific goals, brand and sector. This will also set you apart from your competitors.
- Industry Experience – Look for agencies with experience in your niche. For example, Contentworks Agency is especially strong in the financial services marketing space. Our writers are ex traders, portfolio managers and financial content professionals. This means we already understand financial terminology, compliance rules and what works when marketing to different regions.
- Portfolio & Case Studies – Review their past work to assess quality and effectiveness. Content marketing agencies may specialise in a particular vertical (eg articles and PR) so you can see if their experience matches what you need.
- Their Own Marketing – Great content marketing agencies take pride in their own content. Check their blog and social media content to get a feel for their expertise, style and consistency. A content marketing agency that doesn’t upload content regularly might raise a red flag or two.
- SEO Expertise – Ensure your agency understands SEO and can optimise content accordingly. If you haven’t conducted your own SEO audit or established your keywords, ask if the agency can provide this service. Often it will be conducted at the start after the content marketing strategy.
- Client Testimonials – Check reviews and testimonials to gauge client satisfaction. You can probably tell immediately if the reviews and companies are fake!
- The Chemistry – It’s important that the chemistry is there with your new agency. You will be looking for a balance of friendliness, professionalism and confidence. Find out who you will be working with in the company to ensure that you are not passed down to juniors or interns after you sign up.
Questions To Ask a Content Marketing Agency Before Hiring
Before hiring a content marketing agency, consider asking the following questions:
- How do you develop a content strategy?
- Can you provide examples of successful content campaigns?
- What industries do you specialise in?
- Do you offer SEO and keyword research services?
- What is your content creation and approval process?
- What are your pricing models and contract terms?
How Much Does a Content Agency Cost?
The cost of content marketing services varies based on factors like agency expertise, service scope, and content volume. Some agencies charge per project or offer monthly retainers. While it’s tempting to opt for the cheapest option, high-quality content requires expertise and should be viewed as an investment in your brand’s growth. Here are our tips on budgeting for a content marketing agency:
- Get your budget approved before speaking to agencies. Your content budget should already be in place along with your start date and an overview of your resources. Attempting to hire an agency when you don’t know your budget is a waste of everyone’s time.
- Be transparent about what you need. If you are vague, you may find agencies are not able to price accurately.
- Cheap doesn’t always equal great. A good content agency will have professional writers and editors on their team. They will also utilise professional marketing tools which are considered agency overheads. If an agency seems too cheap, they may be skimping on essential tools or using AI services like ChatGPT instead of human writers and editors.
Why Choose Contentworks Agency for Content Marketing?
Contentworks Agency is a leading content marketing agency that specialises in financial services content. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have when choosing a content marketing agency and you can view our client portfolio here.
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