Marketing Retainer Packages 101
If you're on a mission to grow and scale your business, then let's talk marketing – it’s like the secret you didn’t know you needed!
But here’s the kicker: many small businesses can’t afford to hire a fancy in-house marketing guru, let alone a whole team of marketing wizards. Sure, you could try those one-off campaigns, but they can be as pricey as a gourmet coffee habit and just as hard to keep with over time.
So, how do small businesses snag top-notch marketing without emptying their wallets? Enter marketing retainers! These packages are like your trusty sidekick, offering ongoing, cohesive marketing services without the headache of paying for each little thing separately.
In this light-hearted guide to marketing retainer packages, we’ll spill the beans on their perks, the usual services they include, and what they typically cost. Plus, we’ll toss in some tips to ensure you get the most bang for your buck. Let’s dive in!
What is a Marketing Retainer?
A marketing retainer is like having a loyal sidekick in the world of business—it's an agreement between you and a marketing agency where they swoop in with a set of services on a regular basis, usually for a fixed monthly fee. Think of it as your marketing BFF, ready to tailor its services to your unique needs and goals, who doesn’t want a personalized touch?
Now, unlike a contract, which is more like a one-night stand focused on a specific project, a marketing retainer is all about that long-term commitment. Payments for retainers are typically made monthly or quarterly, while contracts are paid off once the project is complete—kind of like settling the tab after a fun night out!
Why Invest in a Marketing Retainer Package?
Marketing retainers are like that reliable friend who always has your back, except this friend is a team of marketing wizards working their magic for your business. For small and medium-sized businesses, retainers are a no-brainer: they’re way more cost-effective than hiring an in-house squad. Plus, who needs the hassle of office drama when you can get expert support without the HR headaches?
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Consistent Support, Zero Drama: With the same team running your marketing campaigns on an ongoing basis, everything stays nice and coordinated. No more “wait, what’s the plan again?” moments. Your campaigns will work together like a well-rehearsed boy band, harmonizing toward the same goals and hitting all the right notes.
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Savings Galore: Hiring an in-house marketing team? Expensive. Paying for one-off campaigns? Painful. Signing a fairly priced retainer? Brilliant. Research says working with a marketing agency is nearly 50% cheaper than building your own team. Plus, you don’t have to worry about office birthday cakes or awkward watercooler chats.
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Budgeting Without the Guesswork: Marketing retainers make your expenses as predictable as your morning coffee order. Fixed monthly fees mean no surprise invoices or late-night freakouts. Retainers let you plan for the long haul, and who doesn’t love financial stability? (It’s what your accountant dreams about.)
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Tailor-Made for Your Business: Think of marketing retainers like a customizable sandwich: you can pile on the toppings you want and skip the ones you don’t. Need help with strategy? Check. Want to hand off the whole shebang? Double-check. Agencies like OS Media Group even let you choose the retainer length, because sometimes commitment is hard, and we get it.
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Better Results, Less Stress: With a retainer, you’re not just hiring any marketing team—you’re assembling an elite squad of specialists. Think Avengers, but with spreadsheets and social media ads. You’ll get strategic, forward-thinking support that doesn’t just chase short-term wins but also sets you up for long-term success.
In summary, marketing retainers are the ultimate cheat code for better marketing results, predictable expenses, and fewer headaches. It’s like having your cake, eating it, and also getting a second slice just because. So, why not give it a try? Your business will thank you.
What’s Usually Not Included in a Marketing Retainer?
"Exciting news! When diving into a marketing retainer package, it's to keep in mind that there are a few related costs that might be covered. For instance, ad spend is typically handled directly with platforms like Google and Facebook, allowing you to maximize your reach!
Plus, special projects or marketing assets that aren’t part of your ongoing strategy, such as website builds, logo, or brand messaging strategies, usually aren’t included. It’s a fantastic idea to establish these foundational assets before launching your retainer for seamless support! By partnering with the same team that crafts your foundational elements you ensure a consistent and powerful message in your ongoing marketing efforts.
So, remember to review what’s included in your marketing retainer package before on the dotted line! This way, you can budget and plan like a pro!"
How Much Do Marketing Agencies Charge?
Get ready to explore the exciting world of marketing retainers! The cost can vary dramatically based on the array of services you choose. Typically, the more services you incorporate, the higher the monthly fee, but don’t worry—there are options for every budget! Basic packages can start at just a few dollars monthly, while more comprehensive ones may soar into the thousands. According to Agency Spotter, the average monthly retainer fee for U.S. marketing agencies in 2021 ranged from $4,000 to $7,000. It’s super smart to gather pricing from different agencies so you can compare and find the perfect fit for your needs!
Keep in mind, several factors can influence the cost of your marketing retainer, including the agency's expertise, location, your specific industry, target audience, contract length, agency size, and even the pricing model. Most agencies offer a fixed monthly fee based on services, while some might surprise you with performance-based pricing! Exciting times ahead!
Marketing Retainers vs. Hourly Rates
Let’s dive into the exciting reasons why so many businesses are opting for marketing retainers instead of hourly rates for their marketing services! Marketing retainers come with a fixed price for a set of fantastic services over a specific period, offering amazing predictability and stability in costs. This makes budgeting a breeze and allows for sustained, ongoing marketing efforts that can truly elevate your brand over time! While hourly rates can offer flexibility for short-term projects, they often come with the uncertainty of inaccurate estimates, making it tricky to plan for total expenses. Em the power of retainers for a smooth and successful marketing journey!
Getting the Most Value from Your Monthly Marketing Budget
Want to make your marketing retainer work harder for your business? It all starts with choosing the right marketing agency. Here’s how to find your dream team and crush your marketing goals:
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Experience and Expertise: Find an agency that knows your industry inside and out. You want specialists who’ve been there, done that, and have the case studies to prove it. Ask for examples of their past work to make sure they’ve got the skills you need to level up.
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Services Offered: Make sure they’ve got the marketing tools you need in their toolbox. If you’re starting small but plan to grow, look for a partner that can grow with you. Think of them as your marketing soulmate—there for the long haul!
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Customization and Flexibility: Your business will evolve, and your marketing strategy should, too. Pick an agency that can roll with the punches and adapt to your changing needs. A flexible retainer package is a must.
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Communication and Transparency: Clear, timely communication is non-negotiable. You need an agency that’s responsive, open, and keeps you in the loop. No one likes being left in the dark, especially when it comes to your business’s success.
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Reputation: What are people saying? Check out reviews and testimonials to see if the agency delivers on its promises. Can’t find much online? Ask them to share client success stories—they should be more than happy to show off their wins.
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Contract/Agreement Details: Read the fine print! Some agreements are as flexible as yoga instructors, while others are more rigid. Know what you’re signing up for to avoid surprises later on.
Once you’ve found your dream team, it’s time to make magic happen. Here’s how you can get the most out of your investment:
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Set Measurable Goals: Get clear on what you want to achieve. Need more leads? Higher sales? Spell it out! Sharing specific, measurable goals with your agency ensures everyone is rowing in the same direction. And remember—goals aren’t set in stone! Update them as needed to keep your marketing strategy sharp.
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Communicate Clearly and Regularly: Communication is the secret sauce to any successful partnership. Respond quickly to agency requests to keep things moving, and designate a main point of contact on both sides to streamline communication. Be open, honest, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or provide feedback—it’s your business, after all!
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Be Open to New Ideas: Trust your agency to bring fresh, innovative strategies to the table. Marketing is always evolving, so stay open to their ideas and be willing to try new approaches. Their goal? Helping you succeed. Let them do what they do best!
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Track and Analyze Results: Don’t just sit back—stay engaged with the data. Work with your agency to track results and use those insights to fine-tune your strategy. Progress updates are more than just numbers—they’re your roadmap to even bigger wins!
With the right agency and a proactive approach, your marketing retainer can become one of the smartest investments you’ll ever make. Get ready to watch your business grow, your goals become reality, and your marketing strategy thrive! Let’s do this!
Monthly Marketing Packages from OS Media Group!
Marketing retainers are the secret weapon every small business needs! They’re a cost-effective way to access top-notch marketing support and guidance without the hassle (or expense) of building an in-house team. With a fixed monthly retainer fee, you can unlock a treasure chest of marketing services to elevate your business and reach new heights.
At OS Media Group, we’re all about flexibility and customization. Our digital marketing packages are designed to fit your business’s unique needs and goals—no cookie-cutter solutions here! Whether you’re looking for high-level marketing strategy to steer your team or a fully comprehensive, done-for-you marketing campaign, we’ve got you covered.
Our services include:
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Marketing Strategy
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Sales Funnels
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Social Media
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Ad Campaigns
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Content Creation
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SEO
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Email Marketing
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Branding
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Website Design
As a boutique digital agency, OS Media Group offers rates that are surprisingly affordable compared to many other marketing retainer packages. We believe good marketing shouldn’t break the bank.
Ready to take the next step? Book a free strategy session with one of our co-founders today and let’s craft a marketing package that aligns perfectly with your goals and budget.
Let’s grow your business together! 🎉