About 60% of marketers say content marketing generates demand and leads. In fact, content can generate three times as many leads as outbound marketing. It even costs 62% less!

Without a content marketing strategy, however, your competitors might take those leads instead.

You don’t have to start strategizing alone, though. Hiring content marketing agencies helps businesses grow and expand their reach.

Not sure who to hire? Read on to discover how to best vet your options today!

1. Establish Goals

First, determine what you want to accomplish before you consider hiring content marketing agencies. For example, maybe you want to:

• Increase brand awareness and recognition
• Generate website traffic
• Create thought leadership content
• Create social media content
• Improve your search engine rankings

Establishing your goals can help you determine what services you need.

For example, you might need a content marketing agency that can also optimize your content for search engines. Search engine optimization (SEO) can help boost your organic rankings. Then, you can generate more traffic and leads.

2. Gather References and Reviews

Reading online reviews can help you learn from business owners who were once in your shoes.

Check each agency’s BBB and Google Business listing for reviews. Find an agency that has a strong reputation. If you find a number of complaints, take your business elsewhere.

3. Look for Experience

Determine how long each company has run and operated. Find an expert team with years of content marketing experience. Make sure they’re up-to-date with the latest trends, too.

An experienced team will have an easier time developing your content marketing strategy.

4. Check Their Services

Once you establish your goals, you can determine what content marketing services you need. For example, you might consider:

• Audience and keyword research
• Content creation
• Social media marketing
• Email marketing
• Search engine optimization

These services can help you develop an omnichannel inbound marketing campaign. An omnichannel marketing strategy will help improve the buyer’s experience with your brand. You’ll have an easier time remaining top of mind and generating leads, too.

5. Review Case Studies

Make sure you’re finding the best agency by requesting case studies. Case studies will help you determine if the agency can accomplish your goals.

How have they helped their past clients? Determine if they were able to generate traffic, leads, or sales through content marketing.

6. Compare Pricing

Request an itemized list of services from at least three different agencies. Then, compare the prices for their different services.

Don’t choose the cheapest option. Instead, choose the most capable team. Their ability to accomplish your goals can boost your ROI.