Marketing services for business: how to choose a provider
When you need a marketer and when a narrow specialist
“Marketing services” hides strategy, advertising and content. If you know the channel for sure (say Instagram or Google), it is better to look for a specialist in exactly that. If you need “more customers” and aren't sure how, it makes sense to order a marketing audit and plan: who your audience is, which channels suit you, what to measure.
Different tasks suit different providers: a social media manager, a paid social specialist, a search ads specialist or an SEO expert. An agency usually takes on several directions at once.
What to put in your request
- which service — social media, paid social, Google Ads, SEO, strategy, content;
- niche — what exactly you promote and where, for example a dental clinic in Tsuen Wan;
- channels — Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Google, online marketplaces;
- scope of work — number of posts, campaigns, keywords, months;
- ad spend — the amount for advertising, separate from the fee;
- goal — enquiries, sales, followers, awareness, a target cost per enquiry;
- one-off or regular — a single task or ongoing support;
- payment for services — what you are ready to pay the specialist or agency.
Example: “A private dental clinic in Tsuen Wan. I need a marketer for Instagram and Facebook: strategy and paid ads, with a goal of 100 enquiries a month. Ad budget HK$3,800 a month, fee up to HK$2,400 a month, ongoing work.”
How to compare offers
First find out what the work includes: only setup or ongoing optimisation, whether there are reports, and who makes the creatives and texts. An agency and an individual may offer different scope for a similar sum, so compare point by point, not just by price.
- What counts as a result: enquiries, sales or just reach?
- How will it be measured: is analytics set up, a CRM, or at least a log of enquiries?
- Are there similar case studies in your niche, and can you talk to their clients?
- How is the work paid: fixed, a percentage of the budget or for results.
Common mistakes
Starting with ads before sorting out your offer: if the customer can't see why you are better, money spent on traffic won't pay back. Another mistake is demanding quick results from a single channel. An honest specialist will state realistic timelines and ask for time to test.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You don't need to write briefs for ten agencies: create one request in your own words. It is checked, and you get hints about details. Specialists reply in the chat with offers giving scope and price, and the platform shows the most useful one first. Providers see their position, so they often improve their terms. You pass your contacts only to the one you choose. More on the “How it works” page.
The “Advertising & marketing” section will help you find a narrower service.
