7 reasons why you need a retainer from digital agency
In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses are increasingly relying on digital agencies for their expertise in marketing, SEO, web development, technical support and more. However, the nature of this partnership is very important to highlight as it impacts both sides. That’s where a retainer agreement comes into play. Moving beyond project-based engagements, a retainer ensures that your business has ongoing access to professional digital services. Here are seven reasons why securing a retainer with a digital agency is not just beneficial but essential for your business.
1. Continuous and Predictable Support
With a retainer agreement, you’re guaranteed ongoing support and services, which means you can expect priority treatment and quicker response times. This level of predictability allows for better planning, resource allocation, and ensures that your digital needs are met promptly, keeping you a step ahead in the digital game.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
Retainers often come at a reduced rate compared to the costs associated with one-off projects. This is because fully quoted projects often have contingency built in up to 30% for so called “scope creep”. Having a retainer is like having a contract with multiple contractors on an hourly basis – it is very efficient. For businesses, this translates into high-quality services at a more budget-friendly cost, allowing for more efficient allocation of financial resources towards digital initiatives.
3. Strategic Partnership
A retainer relationship creates a deeper, more strategic partnership between your business and the digital agency. Over time, the agency gains an intimate understanding of your business goals, challenges, and needs, allowing them to tailor their services more effectively. This partnership goes beyond transactional interactions, aligning your business for long-term success.
4. Access to Expertise
Digital agencies specialize in areas like SEO, content marketing, and web development, offering a level of expertise that can be hard to maintain in-house. By having a retainer agreement, you ensure continuous access to this pool of specialised knowledge, keeping your business at the forefront of digital trends and practices.
5. Flexibility and Scalability
The digital market is ever-changing, and a retainer agreement offers the flexibility to scale services up or down as your business needs evolve. This adaptability is crucial for staying competitive and allows you to respond quickly to market changes or pivot your strategy as necessary without renegotiating terms or finding new vendors.
6. Focus on Core Business
Outsourcing your digital efforts through a retainer agreement allows your team to concentrate on what they do best—running the core aspects of your business. This strategic division of labor improves operational efficiency and capitalizes on your competitive advantages, driving your business forward. Let the specialists in their take away your website problems so you can focus on growing your business while a digital agency can focus on growing your business in digital space.
7. Measurable Outcomes and ROI
Digital agencies on retainers are driven to deliver measurable results to justify the ongoing relationship and fees. This results-oriented approach ensures that strategies are continuously optimised to improve your digital presence and contribute positively to your bottom line. Agencies become partners in your success, with their performance directly linked to your business’s growth.
What’s the difference between having a retainer and being a client of digital agency?
Here’s how it works at FutureLab:
| Clients with retainer | Supported clients without retainer |
|---|---|
| Have regular meetings with account manager | Have casual meetings with account manager |
| Prioritised support and ongoing work | Work is scheduled in a queue |
| Receive regular consulting support from the team | Consulting is project based |
| Receive regular performance reports | Have access to GA to check reports themselves |
| Have strategy to grow their business online | Need to create strategy themselves |
A retainer agreement with a digital agency is more than just a contractual commitment; it’s a strategic partnership that ensures your business stays ahead in the digital world. By providing continuous support, cost savings, access to expertise, and flexibility, a retainer can significantly enhance your digital strategy and overall business performance. Whether you’re looking to optimise your digital marketing, enhance your online presence, or drive more sales, a retainer with a digital agency is a strategic move that can lead to sustained success.
