How effective communication can make or break your digital marketing strategy.

Effective communication is one of the most important and often least recognized components in your partnership with a digital marketing company. You’ve done your homework and hired an agency that fits your needs, budget, and business preferences. You are relieved that you can hand off your social media, email, and website marketing to someone else, so you can focus on running your business. But just as any other team member, your digital marketing crew relies on clear messaging and timely updates. Even the very best expert can’t read your mind (hint – steer clear of those who claim they can!)

Here are 5 tips for keeping the channels of communication open and flowing:

1. Set regular meetings to review what’s ahead.

Whether it’s once a month or once a week, having regularly scheduled meetings is the best way to keep your digital marketing team up to date. Make sure to inform them about any upcoming events, anniversaries, new ventures, or product launches. Your digital marketing team needs time to prepare in order to deliver the best results for your campaigns. By keeping them in the loop, you are strengthening your overall marketing strategy and improving your chances for success.

2. Respond within a reasonable amount of time.

The world of digital marketing is incredibly fast-paced. If the digital marketing experts reach out to you with a request or ask for clarification, they need to hear from you within a reasonable amount of time. Ghosting them will only hurt your brand.

3. Be transparent about any changes or new developments.

If you have any major changes happening, whether it’s unexpected budget restrictions, shortened deadlines, or refocused set of goals, then your digital marketing team needs to know to adjust their strategy accordingly. Most agencies are perfectly familiar with making changes on the go. The sooner you let them know, the better equipped they are to deliver. It’s all about collaboration!

4. Give actionable feedback.

Offering specific input will minimize the back and forth. During your regular check-ins, take a moment to revisit the objective, scope, and timeframe for each project, and review the progress and results.

5. Keep an open mind.

Sometimes your digital marketing team might suggest unexpected or seemingly counterintuitive ideas. Just remember – you hired them because they are experts in their field. Marketing (of any kind) takes a certain amount of trial-and-error to test, review and tweak the best strategies. Trust their advice and keep an open mind.

It may sound cliché, but you can’t have a successful partnership without effective communication. The good news is that it doesn’t take a lot of effort, time, or energy to schedule regular check-ins. Now that you know how important it is to keep your digital marketing team in the loop, you are half-way there. (Next, check your mailbox and send them those product photos they requested a week ago! Ahem.)