5 Things to Know Before You Hire a Media Buyer

Traditional media is still an important part of any strategic and growth-centric marketing plan. However, executing this area isn't as easy as simply calling television and radio stations with what you want them to say about you. It takes a seasoned marketing strategist to craft the right message and pair it with the right outlet. In order to vet and hire the best media buyer, there are a few things to know.

1. The best media buyer should suggest a good mix

A strong marketing plan includes a good mix of channels. In order to get proper market saturation, there should be a good mix of relevant television and radio stations, newspapers, magazines, and other traditional media outlets. A good buyer will help find the best real estate in each area.

2. The best media buyer has plenty of experience

It may be worth your money to work with a marketing agency that already handles your business to be your media buyer. However, before you add that service to their list, be sure they have the experience it takes to be a successful buyer. Don't be afraid to ask for examples.

3. The best media buyer has industry knowledge

A qualified media buyer will have the industry knowledge to help you be creative in purchasing your traditional media. They can apply their wealth of experience to your plan and form a package with the biggest impact possible, and will be able to analyze past results to tweak future placement.

4. The best media buyer is an effective negotiator

Looking at their experience, you should be able to get a feel for the buyer's effectiveness as a negotiator. They should work to get the best price for your real estate, but it is sometimes even more important that they know how to get the best placement for you.

5. The best media buyer understand profitability

Traditional media can be an expensive investment. However, the best media buyers know how to help you formulate a plan to make the advertisements provide a return on that investment. Calculating the break even, profit margins, worth of a lifetime customer, sales cycles, sales seasons, and other important financial information help the buyer form an smart and profitable plan.

If you would like to learn more about traditional media in Dallas, click here.

5 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Web Development Company

As with any decision, it is good to know what to ask before you hire a web development company in Dallas. The relationship can be one of the most fruitful and best investments you ever make, or it could be a financial drain that needs constant fixing. The results depend on educating yourself about what your business needs, being honest about the budget, and learning how to spot the best fit for you. It is critical to find the best match, because they will be the one responsible for creating your online presence. 

 

1. What is their experience?

The first thing to ask any web development company in Dallas is about their experience. They need to know how to create an effective and attractive web presence. They also need to understand the market, ideal customer, and industry. Ask for examples of sites they've created that are similar in size and structure to yours.

2. Are they up-to-date on the latest technology?

As with any area of technology, web development is constantly evolving and growing. What was cutting edge even a year ago can be run of the mill or obsolete today. Be sure that the company is dedicated to keeping staff knowledgeable and current with the latest technology.

3. Are they willing to be tested with a small project?

A great way to see if a web development company in Dallas is right for you is to ask for a working interview. Come up with a small job for them and see how well they do. This stage is not for everyone you vet, but rather for your final choice. While it is good to get the right fit, you don't want to waste your money or their time if there is no real attraction.

4. How do they communicate?

Communication is key to the success of any relationship. Ask how quickly they reply to questions, how often they provide updates, and how well they handle criticism. While they are the professionals hired for their skills, it is good if they are able to listen to you and get back with you in a timely manner.

5. How well do they understand your company vibe?

Your company has a certain personality. There is a particular brand image, office morale, and customer profile. The web development company in Dallas should be perceptive of these areas and able to help you translate that image to your web presence.

If you would like to learn more about a web development company in Dallas, visit Creative Options.

5 Key Differences Between Branding and Marketing

With so much recent buzz about branding and marketing, it is important to know the differences between the two. While there is some crossover between the areas, they each have distinct approaches and purposes. A healthy marketing plan gives consideration to the proper development of both.

1. Buyers vs. Customers

Marketing efforts are typically about bringing any and all buyers. While any kind of sale is welcome to a company, branding efforts take into account the company's best attributes and strengths in order to attract and bond with loyal, repeat customers.

2. Tactics vs. Strategy

Branding and marketing each need an overall plan, but marketing is essentially about the day-to-day tactics that make sales and increase business. Branding is related to marketing, but it is a broader view than any individual marketing effort. The idea is to create an overall feeling or quality that all marketing efforts can be tailored to reflect.

3. Cost Center vs. Income Generator

Marketing is a cost center. While modern analytics make it possible to create a smart plan that isn't wasteful and helps increase business, there will always remain a certain amount of publicity that must be paid for with little to no direct returns. While it might be said this is true for both branding and marketing, if the branding plan is solid and done well, the return in investment is customer loyalty, tracked through repeat, increased, and referred business, which can be estimated and calculated.

4. Sales vs. Image

Branding and marketing are different, but work together to promote each other. Marketing reinforces the brand image in the ads that are created to drive sales. Branding strengthens the effectiveness and focus of marketing, helping attract the right people through a strong image that stands on its own.

5. Push vs. Pull

Marketing is about pushing products or services out the door. The market research, advertisements, and sales team are all working together to get products moving out to customers. Branding is about attracting people. Carefully crafted branding images pull the company's ideal customer to the store to do business.

If you would like to learn more about branding and marketing in Dallas, visit Creative Options.