Comments on: 25 Signals of Credibility for Marketing Agencies

By: Adam

Adam — Thu, 29 May 2008 02:25:16 +0000

Nice article Lee. I was surprised to see Being Quoted by the Press, Blogs so high on the list. Also, I’m curious who all these “Word on the Street” people are? I have yet to eavesdrop on a “who’s your favorite marketing agency” conversation. I wonder if those that responded were considering the web as a metaphor for street?

I also agree that longevity is important. Also, I think it’s important to include your gut feeling about the agency just as you would with any human interaction. Can you see yourself getting along with these people in a working relationship? Do you feel that their trustworthy?

By: Grow A Blog » Blog Archive » AbleReach: 25 Signs Of Credibility For Marketing Agencies (Business and Marketing)

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 05:04:59 +0000

[...] I've been watching the poll results develop for Lee Odden's post, 25 Signals of Credibility for Marketing Agencies [...]

By: Lee Odden

Lee Odden — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:34:57 +0000

Thanks Mike. I think we’re scoring a D minus on the company web site but more like an A plus on the blog.

By: Mike Mothner

Mike Mothner — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:41:48 +0000

This a really comprehensive list and it truly is a goldmine for companies looking for a helpful resource in seeking out a high quality online marketing agency. Although I agree that such aspects as case studies and client testimonials are extremely important in assessing the credibility of a marketing agency, it is so important not to overlook the less obvious signs of a good company. For example, it is important not to ignore even the quality and organization of the company’s website itself, which provides a clear indication as to what you would expect from the services they offer. In addition, a company’s or CEO’s blog can be highly informative as well, and I would certainly recommend potential clients seek this out as an additional means of assessing the desirability of a company.

By: Lee Odden

Lee Odden — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:30:18 +0000

Hey Glenn, Tammy Mike and Scott. Thank you for your comments.

I agree, case studies are important – that’s why we’re making it a big part of our new site.

Scott, the combination you mention is a powerful one!

By: Scott Clark

Scott Clark — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:05:59 +0000

I agree with Glenn. Case studies with a plug in to the real world is critical. A hybrid of case studies with testimonials sprinkled in is the ultimate. Speaking + case studies + real world all in the same presentation is pretty much as good as it gets.

I love being able to say I’ve been mentioned in the Wall Street Journal, but having a short powerpoint deck with a relevant case study is always first out of the backpack.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:58:36 +0000

Great list, Lee. Very comprehensive. I put my vote in for case studies since that’s the “proof in the pudding.” Similarly, client testimonials essentially go hand in hand with the case studies as being important to credibility. Any agency worth hiring will have a strong history of providing top notch services for its clients, and the clients, in turn, will be happy to talk about it to the agency’s prospective clients.

Thanks again,
-Mike

By: Tammy Weiler

Tammy Weiler — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 14:34:47 +0000

This list is a fantastic resource. We are shopping for a new agency and although we know so much about marketing after all these years on the net, we are not techies, easy to get taken. Thank you.

By: Glenn Gabe

Glenn Gabe — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:41:40 +0000

Lee, you put together a great list. I’d have to rank Case Studies at the top of the list. But taking it even further, providing detailed, demonstrable results for specific clients. Sometimes case studies are a bit bland and generic… I think the “show me” factor is ultra-important in online marketing.

By: Jon Kelly

Jon Kelly — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 03:03:00 +0000

Thanks, Lee. I agree on the industry tradeshows, too. We started exhibiting this year and have had a tremenous response at the booth.

By: Lee Odden

Lee Odden — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 02:03:44 +0000

Jon, I can see longevity having a great deal of influence. Another I didn’t mention specifically was exhibiting at industry tradeshows.

Hopefully we can get some more votes on the poll.

By: Jon Kelly

Jon Kelly — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:15:33 +0000

I forgot to add one other criterion to consider — longevity in the industry. Someone who is calling themselves a consultant or agency should at least a few years’ worth of hands-on experience managing campaigns.

By: Jon Kelly

Jon Kelly — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:11:55 +0000

Lee, I think all of your indicators of quality are important in their own right. One I would add is the in-depth conversation all buyers should have with any vendor on methodology and definitions of success. We’re long past the point where success in either PPC or SEO is based on some “secret sauce” that can’t be divluged. These days it’s about staying current on what the SE’s are doing but mostly about doing the hard work to make a campaign succeed. Good agencies should be able to spell out in detail what there methodologies are in managing campaigns and exactly what they will deliver to the client.

By: Michael Dorausch

Michael Dorausch — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 15:59:49 +0000

I get the idea that “Web Site’s Design & Functionality” is over rated. It would be low on my list as a credibility factor.

It’s nice seeing Thought Leaders inside your organization. That would be a plus.