How to Avoid Undelivered Promises from Reputation Builders

What questions to ask to get better results from Reputation Builders

So you want help navigating, posting, communicating, managing, and mastering the algorithms of LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. It takes time to post, engage, follow up, and master the schedule and rhythm required to get noticed without getting flagged.

You hire one of the MANY professionals who promise they can get you noticed, increase your audience size, drive engagement, and position you as a thought leader.

Where do I sign up, and how soon can we get started?

The proposal comes in; what should you pay attention to:

Are they solving a problem or providing a service?
Is the problem clearly identified and stated?
Is the 'solution' they provide your problem? OR is it the 'service' they provide?
Does their proposal have what is expected from you, and what is your role in achieving the desired results?

Assume you both have clarity and agreement on the problem...

How do they measure their 'solution' to SHOW the problem is being solved?
Do they tell you what success should look like after XX days/weeks of working with them? NOT MONTHS.
How do they measure progress? What should you see to know the needle is moving?
Are the goals they have for you clearly stated, with metrics? NOT QUARTERLY.
What goals have they set for themselves to know they are making a difference for you?
What indicators of success do they have with similar people like you? NOT testimonials - you want metrics.
Is there a process for ending the contract if the results aren't what you hoped for or expected?

Below is an excerpt from a proposal I received from a social media marketing company - (with my questions in parentheses)

SAMPLE:

Ongoing: Content, Growth, and Engagement (what outcomes should I expect? What does success look like?)

= Ongoing weekly content

= Ongoing weekly monitoring and engagement recommendations (monitoring isn't enough - what did we expect, did we hit it, what correction do you recommend)

= Monthly check-ins with your Client Success Manager (CSM) (this should be you telling me what your success has been in obtaining the expected outcomes)
= Quarterly report to track results (review mirror audit, too much time passes to make corrections)

I share this so you have a guide on asking some clarifying questions and what to look for in making sure you are getting what you need, not what they want to sell you.

Categories: : Marketing