If you are a business owner who wants to take your business to the next level or simply want to be able to compete with competition in a constantly changing business environment, then you should consider adding digital marketing to your arsenal by choosing the best digital marketing companies in Singapore.
While many Singapore business owners are familiar with the concept, not many understand the power that it holds. In this article, we will discuss the state of Singapore’s economy and the challenges marketers face, why companies are starting to move online, the importance of digital marketing, the challenges marketers face when choosing a digital marketing agency, the qualities that you should be on the lookout for when choosing an agency as well as the top digital marketing agencies in Singapore to date.
Singapore Economy and Challenges in Marketing
In 1965, Singapore made a gradual but swift shift; instead of exporting products that were labor-intensive, they started to put more effort towards offering those that were high in value. These products included things such as biomedical, electronics and chemicals. Ultimately, this is what has led to the boom in its economy. It is also what makes Singapore an important world player in terms of providing services. And the increase in Singapore’s economy shows no signs of slowing. It has developed a solid strategy that requires it to constantly re-evaluate its economic policies and strategies. Its goal is to be able to quickly adapt to constantly evolving priorities and challenges.
While the economy of Singapore may be showing signs of growth each and every year, the very thing that makes this city-state strong is what can serve as a hindrance in certain circumstances. This is particularly the case when it comes to Singapore’s ever-changing economic policies and strategies. These constant changes can make it challenging for marketers as they often lead to increased operating costs as well as the continued tightening of foreign labor availability. In fact, it is projected that over the next 50 years Singapore will face a greying workforce and increased competition from other trade agreements.
Why Companies Are Moving Online
Sure, traditional forms of advertising are still relevant. However, as time progresses and technology connects us in new ways, company owners are beginning to move their efforts from brick and mortar to online. Here’s why:
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It’s cost-effective
If you want to market your business without breaking the bank, then digital marketing is the way to go. Companies are starting to understand that while print and ad can be effective ways of advertising, they can also be quite costly. Just a small portion of the budget can expose businesses to thousands of people at one time. There are no hidden costs and if the company uses pay-per-click, they only have to pay if the desired goal is achieved.
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The success is measurable
Print and ad advertising tends to be a hit or miss in certain circumstances. However, this is where digital marketing succeeds. Companies are starting to appreciate how the metrics behind this form of advertising. They know what is and is not working and can make changes as needed.
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It connects them to mobile users.
Perhaps most importantly, digital marketing gives Singapore companies the opportunity to reach out to consumers in the place that they spend a significant amount of time–on their phones. This far surpasses print and ad advertising.
Importance of Digital Marketing
While many business owners are familiar with digital marketing, they still understand that it is needed. You see, digital marketing can easily be considered as a brand’s workhorse. It may not grab many major headlines but digital marketing services are a key part of the success and growth of your business
In 2016, Web Strategies reported that the top five channels for marketing spend were online display, social, email, retargeting, search and mobile. And there is a huge reason for this–they all work. Email has evolved into a targeted, much smarter channel, and offers fantastic data. A great social media strategy can ensure that you target specific interests, demographics, and even thought leaders so that your business grows awareness. Both display ads and search enables you to find people who are actually looking for you. Retargeting comes in hand as a “second chance” tool which allows you to recruit users who have already visited your site and did not register.
All of these elements combine to create new channels and pathways to your audience. They help you learn more about their behaviors as well as their needs. And this plays a massive role in attracting people to your brand and creating a loyal following.
Challenge in Finding the Right Digital Marketing Agency
There’s a constant struggle when it comes to choosing a digital marketing agency. What seems to trip most internal marketing teams up is not only finding the best agency but finding the agency that is actually best for them. Many don’t realize that though a digital agency may have the expertise, this doesn’t mean that it is without limitations. So instead of focusing on the weaknesses of the agency, the company focuses on its strength. Sure, the company is passionate, but are their efforts driven by data? Yes, the company has a large following, but do they actually understand your target audience? Putting all of your trust in a digital agency that is not the whole package is a recipe for devastation and disaster. Business owners must work hard to find out the elements that a company may be missing if they want to choose an agency that will be right for them.
Qualities Companies Should Look For in a Digital Agency
As you can see, choosing the right digital marketing agency can be somewhat difficult. And the challenge lies in not basing your decision entirely on the companies strengths, you must also consider their weaknesses. However, there are a few qualities that you should keep in mind when shopping around:
Data-driven
If you want to ensure that your company will be able to deliver results and make the best decisions on your behalf, then it is essential that you look for an agency that is driven by actual data. Sure, they may have innovative ideas, but are these ideas backed by measurements and analytics? Will you be able to track your success or lack thereof once the campaign goes live? No matter what agency you choose, you need to be able to track and chart your progress. You need to know what effects your conversion rates.
Great Story-tellers
Raw data is a great way to ensure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck, but remember that what attracts your clients isn’t strategy, it’s your brand. And a brand is nothing without a good story. That is why it’s so important to choose a digital agency that has mastered the art of telling a good story. Not only does it bring your business to life, but it tracks more people to your content. Most importantly, it ensures that you maintain a following that is loyal. Yes, content is key, but how this content is delivered is as equally important.
Design-focused
Story-telling and design go hand and hand. An excellent digital agency understands that user experience determines whether or not a potential customer continues to visit your website or is just a one time click. Even more importantly, they know that bounce rates can be affected by how well your content is presented. So choose an agency that has design experience.
Knowledgeable About Customers
The better you understand your customers, the easier it will be to reach out to them, get their attention and hold on to it. Not only is it your jobs as the owner, but also the digital agency’s job as well. An agency will not be effective at advertising if they don’t understand what will capture your target audience’s attention. And because your target audience’s needs may continually change, your agency needs to be willing to change with them.
Revenue and Growth Focused
It’s no secret, a huge part of success is attracting new leads. This involves all of the things we have just discussed, i.e. design, storytelling, knowledge of target audience and the proper metrics. However, getting a lead is not the ultimate goal. The ultimate goal is to generate more revenue. The ideal digital agency is focused on the growth of your business and how much revenue you can generate. They may want to ensure that you have a great brand, but they also invested in your financial goals as well.
Constantly Learning
Digital marketing is a field that is constantly making tweaks and changes. So it’s essential that you work with an agency that is always learning more about this field. They are always on the cutting edge of the newest trend. They know what changes need to be made and when they need to be made because they are always familiar with what is being said in the background. The more time your agency invests into learning more about their crafts and the “next big thing” the further ahead you will be of your competition.
Enthusiastic and Passionate
While you should definitely make it a point to look for a company that specializes in digital marketing, you should also search for that enjoys what they are doing. Passion and enthusiasm shows that the company will take your projects personally. The best agency is almost more interested in seeing your company succeed than you are.
Top Digital Marketing Agencies in Singapore
While there are no shortage of marketing agencies available in Singapore, there are a few agencies that stand out among the crowd. Take a look at the list below to see the top digital agencies in Singapore as well as a few things each has to offer.
MEDIAONE
Mediaone is an award-winning company whose client list boasts Singtel, Best Buy World, St. Electronics, Fuji Xerox, Berlitz and many more. Though the company specializes in white hat SEO it’s motto is “more than marketing.” It offers a real-time client reporting system which allows business owners to track their SEO progress, 24/7. Clients describe MediaOne as meticulous, internet-savvy, and cost-effective. On Google Reviews they have the highest rating of any agency.
iFoundries
iFoundries is a data-driven digital marketing agency. This company prides itself on websites that are conversion-optimized. It has worked with big name brands such as Subway, Country Holidays, The Tangling Club and Pasta Mania. Clients are most impressed by its web design and increase in mobile traffic.
Carbon Interactive
This award-winning digital agency is known for its experienced, think-tank consultants. It is also the home of technologists, strategists, marketers, and storytellers. Their focus is on creating fresh ideas and making deep insights.
3 IH Digital
IH Digital was founded in 2006 and focuses on creating, distributing and then amplifying content that is meaningful and consistent. They currently operate 8 offices in 8 separate locations. Clients describe this company as diligent, flexible and responsible.
Visibiliti
This agency has worked with clients such as Mullberry, Kumon, and ISS. It prides itself on lead generation and SEO recovery. Clients appreciate Visibiliti’s ability to take all of the guesswork out of ROI.
Takeaway
Digital marketing has the ability to transform your business. It creates a new gateway for reaching your target audience. It also ensures that your success is measurable. The key is to work with an agency that understands both you and the customer base that you cater to.
