When I began my boutique digital marketing agency, it was more of a transition from a virtual assistant agency. The other reason I created the digital marketing agency was because of high client requests (or demand) for these services. That’s why I was creating a digital marketing agency. What are some of your reasons for wanting to create one?
In this article, I want to lay out some of the reasons for creating a digital marketing agency. I will also provide a broad overview of the basic steps to creating one.
Steps to Creating A Digital Marketing Agency
- Decide which service niche(s)
- Marketing & Competitive Research
- Put your packages together for your digital marketing agency
- Set up your social media accounts
- Set up your website
- Start marketing efforts
- Put together a free offer
Step One: Decide Which Service Niche(s)
The first step is deciding which service niche(s) you will provide for your clients. For me, this was one of the easiest steps because our clients had been requesting some of these services.
We ultimately began providing some of these services prior to our official transition to a digital marketing agency. Services like social media management were provided probably 6 months to a year before our transition because clients were in such need.
These were people who were already our loyal clients and didn’t want to have several people helping them, but one company that already knew their audience and other factors about them. If we could provide all they needed in one place, it was a win for our clients and for us.
Services We Provided:
The services we ultimately provided with our digital marketing agency were:
- Email Marketing – helping clients send out their’email blasts’) large quantity of emails (used to be referred to as ’email blasts’).
- SEO Blogging – writing articles on your website’s blog focusing on SEO terms.
- Social Media Management & Engagement – managing a client’s social media and their engagement.
- Graphic Design (Logos, Speaker OneSheets, PR Kits, & more) – many clients who came to us were in desperate need of rebranding (new website, logo, etc.).
Service To Consider Providing:
- Content Marketing
- Email Marketing Services
- Graphic Design
- Membership Management (may be software-specific or not)
- Paid Ads (Search Engine and/or Social Media)
- SEO Services
- SEO Blogging Services
- Social Media Management & Engagement
- Social Media Community Management
- Online Event Management
- Online Course Management (can be software-specific or not)
- Website Design
Content Marketing Versus Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing and content marketing can seem very similar; however, there is a difference. Some providers only want to create content. This can include writing copy for your website, social media posts, etc. It can, however, include graphics for your publications, such as social media posts & banners, blog posts, videos, website design, and more.
None of these must include all of the services we are discussing. I suggest you choose the services that excite you and that you like providing. I also suggest that you try services that may be new to you or your team to see how you like them. Sometimes we can find a new passion by trying a new skill set.
HubSpot’s community summed it up this way:
“While content marketing and social media marketing often overlap, they serve different purposes in a digital strategy:
- Content Marketing
Focuses on creating long-form, valuable content (blogs, articles, videos, guides, case studies, etc.) to educate, build trust, and drive organic traffic over the long term. It’s about owning content on your website and nurturing an audience.- Social Media Marketing
Centers around promoting content and engaging audiences on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or X (Twitter). It’s more about real-time interaction, brand awareness, and community building.
Think of it this way: Content marketing creates the assets, and social media marketing distributes them. Both work best together.” –Hubspot Community
Think of it this way: Content marketing creates the assets, and social media marketing distributes them. Both work best together.” –Step Two: Market and Competitive Research
Completing competitive and market research is crucial to your success. You will also find that you need to revisit these at times, especially competitive research, to make sure you are priced properly.
This type of research (competitive) is imperative in helping us stand out both in our messaging and in our pricing.”
fearless business boss blog
Market research is about the audience you are serving. Whereas, competitive research is all about your competitors and finding gaps and comparing pricing strategies, so you land properly in the marketplace.
Step Three: Price Your Packages for Your Digital Marketing Agency’s Services
You know what services you will provide, but do you know how much to create packages and pricing for each of these services?
I’ve seen too many new online service providers set their pricing too low, especially in the beginning. This is where competitive research can also help achieve a good pricing strategy.
Don’t be shy about your expert skills because clients won’t be shy about using them. So, be sure to charge the right price for your services.
Step Four: Set Up Your Social Media Accounts
The next step is setting up your social media accounts. You should choose one platform on which you will be active weekly. You can still post to others by using a scheduler.
Start building out your social media content. Always be authentic, truthful, and the real you. People can see through the fake (or pretending to be something you are not).
If you are vulnerable and real with your audience it gives others permission to be vulnerable and real with you.”
tammy durden
Be consistent in sharing your content with your audience. This helps them know when and what type of content to expect it.
It is also important to stick with your brand (colors, logos, etc.).
Step Five: Build Your Digital Marketing Agency Website
Many online providers do not think you need a website. And to be fair, some of them have seen much success without it.
I, however, believe it is important to build your website for legitimacy reasons. I also believe it shows your professionalism when you have one.
Another aspect of building out your website that is just as important is starting to do SEO Blogging on your own website.
Step Six: Create Your Free Offer & List It On Your Website
The sixth step is to create a free offer. There is a large variety of types of free offers you can create for the services you offer.
Key to Remember:
It is key to remember that any free offers you create should help your ideal client solve a problem. If you offer a solution, then they are more likely to download it and stay active on your email list.
- checklists
- ebook
- free consultations
- guides
- masterclasses/webinars/workshops
- mini course
- planner
- templates
- workbooks
There are so many options for free offers today.
Why Give Free Offers
The reason for the free offer is to attract potential clients and get them into your nurturing funnel (email list). Then you can email them and continue to speak to them about how you solve the issue they are having. And later can become a client.
Giving Away Too Much Information
You cannot give too much information away. I used to think, “I don’t want to give my ‘secrets’ away.” The reality is that, although they are looking for a solution, most are unlikely to put it into practice. That is why they need you. It is perfect then that they are on your email list. They will often come back to you later for help.
Step Seven: Build Out Your Marketing Plan
I cannot, of course, give you a detailed marketing plan specific to your agency. I can offer you a template to use so you can plan out your marketing.
(click below to download your free template)
Most agencies will use a combination of social media ads, Google ads, and organic traffic from their free offers, blogs, SEO, and social media platforms.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, transitioning from a virtual assistant agency to a boutique digital marketing agency was not easy, but it was worth it. It enabled me to work less and earn more.
One of the final steps in all of this is hiring subcontractors (1099 employees in the U.S.) to assist you with providing services for your clients. This enables you to have the time to attract & onboard clients, do marketing campaigns (work on your business), and manage your team. Ensuring your clients have the best services provided by your team while you manage other aspects of your agency.
Tammy S. Durden is an award-winning business coach and consultant who specializes in helping women online service providers grow a business to fit their lifestyle rather than squeeze a life around their business.
Tammy is a Business Coach & Consultant. Tammy loves empowering others to create and grow their agencies. Add your first subcontractor with her help. Don’t put it off – Reach out if you have questions, or set a Free 30-Minute Session with Tammy.
Tammy has established herself as an authority figure over the last 18 years while creating and growing several online service businesses. She is also a thought leader, course creator, and speaker in the online service industry.