As small agency owners, we thrive on the creative and strategic aspects of marketing programs, especially when it comes to email communications. These elements allow us to connect with audiences, build brands, and drive conversions. However, the technical production of these campaigns often presents a complex and ever-evolving challenge. Unlike larger firms, small agencies can find it difficult to maintain full-time technical teams, leading us to rely on part-time contractors for email production and other technical tasks.
This reliance brings its own set of challenges. The best contractors are in high demand, often prioritized by clients who can afford higher rates. So, how do we manage this essential part of our business effectively? Here are four strategies to help manage technical contractors more efficiently and ensure your agency continues to deliver top-quality work without the full-time overhead.
1. Consolidate Technical Work
Try to consolidate all your technical work into the hands of as few contractors as possible. This approach not only simplifies communication and project management but also allows you to build stronger relationships with these key partners. A contractor who feels more integral to your team is likely to provide better service and prioritize your projects.
2. Prioritize Responsiveness
When selecting contractors, responsiveness should be a top criterion. In the fast-paced world of agency work, waiting for a day (or even an afternoon) for a response can delay projects and frustrate your clients. Choose contractors who understand the importance of quick turnarounds and consistent communication.
3. Look for Deep Experience
In areas such as email marketing, technical know-how and familiarity with best practices are crucial. Opt for contractors who have a proven track record and deep experience in the specific technical AND business disciplines you need. While enthusiasm to learn is admirable, the stakes are too high to entrust critical tasks to novices. Your clients rely on your expertise, and by extension, that of your contractors.
4. Integrate Contractors Into Your Team
Even though we often rely on external contractors, it’s essential for them to appear as part of your team. Having contractors use your agency’s email addresses and listing them on your website contributes to a unified team appearance. This integration helps in building trust with your clients, presenting a cohesive and professional front.
5. Ensure System Compatibility
Finally, make sure your contractors will seamlessly integrate into your operational systems, including time tracking and billing. The last thing your agency needs is additional complexity in managing payroll or client billing because a contractor prefers a different system. Consistency here not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of errors.
Remember, continue to innovate.
No solution for technical contractors will work forever. Instead, we need to continue to innovate in order to deliver technical services to our clients. Make sure to take some time on a monthly basis to look for ways to consolidate your technical work, improve your systems, and seek ever-more-reliable contractors to support your team.
Managing technical contractors is an art form in itself, especially for small agencies that cannot afford the luxury of a full-time technical team. By consolidating work, prioritizing responsiveness and experience, integrating contractors into your team, and ensuring system compatibility, you can create a more efficient and effective technical production process. These strategies not only help manage the challenges of working with contractors but also strengthen your agency’s ability to deliver exceptional value to your clients.
Need help delivering technical services?
We’ve designed our services to support agency owners and executives like you. Need more help with your technical services or team development? Get in touch and let our team help you sort things out and make a plan for success.
No solution for your technical contractors will work forever. Instead, we need to continue to innovate in order to deliver technical services to our clients.
