10 Easy Steps To Start A Digital Marketing Agency (Company) In Nigeria

Having a working digital marketing agency in Nigeria is every digital marketer’s dream!

Perhaps:

Just like every other business, running a digital marketing agency in Nigeria may not be easy as you think.

This is because…

…you have to undergo various stages before you can say I have arrived.

The steps I am talking about involves series of challenges, and you have to be proactive enough to surmount these challenges and get your digital marketing agency running in Nigeria.

Take this from me, it is imperative: A lot of newly emerging digital marketers never had hands-on experience in digital marketing. They felt that they had gotten the skill and knowledge perhaps in using one or two digital marketing tools and for that reason, they went ahead to set up a digital marketing company.

The chances that you will do well are very slim. No matter the knowledge and skills you have acquired, you need to work with a digital marketing agency or company in the past before you can start thinking of setting up your digital marketing agency.

Working with a digital marketing agency before setting up your digital marketing agency gives you the room to understand the modus operandi and gives you the chance to avert any mistake.

In this article, I am going to be explaining what you need to start a digital marketing agency (Company) in Nigeria

Is Starting A Digital Marketing Agency Worth It?

Starting a digital marketing agency can be worth it if you have the right expertise, resources, and a solid business plan. It offers the opportunity to tap into the growing demand for digital marketing services and can be a lucrative venture if managed effectively

10 Actionable Steps To Start Building A Successful Digital Marketing Agency in Nigeria

Step 1: Set Clear Goals

In order to be the resounding success that we both know you can be, you’re going to need clear goals to work towards. Because without a goal, it’s hard to score.

Where you don’t look at goals in terms of attainable, you look at them as aspirational.

The fact you’re here and looking to start an agency, suggests one of your goals is money and that sweet six-figure agency status. But your goals can be anything else that excites you or drives you forward.

In all honesty, you should be taking what Google executives call Moonshots. Where you don’t look at goals in terms of attainable, you look at them as aspirational. Where you set yourself something above, and beyond, what you think you can achieve.

But on a more actionable level, it pays to set your business goals using SMART. Because, as boring and unoriginal as it sounds, it works at all levels. If you’ve never set a SMART Goal, here’s how it should look:

• Specific: Be clear about what you want to do. Replace vague terms like, “be the best in the industry” with “Generate N10,000,000 in sales from retail companies”.

• Measurable: This is answering the question, “How will I know when I’ve achieved it?”.

• Attainable: This is normally Achievable, but as research found, having aspirational goals here is far more beneficial. Try adding 20-25% onto what you think you can achieve, and you’ll find you’re hitting goals faster than ever.

• Relevant: By the same token, know what’s in your reach. Landing N1,000,000 worth of work probably won’t happen in your first year. But, over five years, why the heck not?

• Time Based: Set a clear, specific, time frame to achieve your goal in. This can be short, medium or long term, depending on the goal you’re setting.

So, if you were going to start an agency today, your SMART Goals might look like:

• Get N10,000,000,000 worth of SEO contracts from retail clients in six months
• Have a team of 10 workers on N1,000,000 a year each by March
• Build to 10 clients at an average of N2,000,000 a month in one year’s time

While you might not know your exact goals right now it’s important to take the time to figure this out. They’ll give you a lot more focus and direction, and help you maintain that positive attitude, even at the toughest times.

Step 2: Find Your Focus

Goals allow you to focus your time and effort. But, this level of focus is about who you’re going to focus those time and effort with. This step is where you get to know your audience, who they are and what makes them tick.

A great brand – as you’ll read about next – delivers a specific set of ideas to a specific type of person. And, it’s your job to decide who you’re trying to appeal to.

Who is it that you want to work with, and why? Is it small independent businesses, Fortune 500 companies, fashion brands?”

Now when you’re at the beginning of the road, it’s tempting to try and appeal to everybody. Because you want money in your bank account and clients under your belt. Feeling that way is normal, so don’t worry about it. Just don’t give in to it.

Try and answer these questions to give yourself a little more focus and clarity on what it is that you’re trying to build, and who for:

• What is your niche? Who is it that you want to work with, and why? Is it small independent businesses, Fortune 500 companies, or fashion brands? Knowing this will help you narrow down where you go looking for contracts.

• Who do you want to appeal to? Are you here for the geeks, the wizards, the whizz-kids, the hardened professionals or the new kids on the block? This will help you find the people you’ll associate with, and how you’ll begin to build a loveable brand.

• What makes you unique? There are thousands of agencies out there, so what is it that makes you different? What do you (or will you) value, care about, or do differently to others?

Analysing who you are, and what you bring to the table – whether that makes you a digital content agency, advertising or otherwise – is a key step in building a profitable brand. Also, remember to say no to things that don’t fit your focus or your goals, and you’ll be a success in much less time.

Step 3: Register your business

Before proceeding to go to the digital aspect of it, you must have registered your digital marketing agency with the Corporate Affairs Commission. Afterward, you are issued with a certificate of incorporation, as your RCC number, perhaps before building your website.

You can now register your Digital Marketing Agency Business Name with the online portal of The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Steps to Registering Your Business Name Online

1. Search for availability of Name:

• Visit http://services.cac.gov.ng/
• Sign up as a new customer and provide all necessary details accurately.
• Once you are properly signed in click on ‘Name Availability Search’ Type in two names that are as creative and uncommon as your proposed business name and try to avoid cliché names.
• Fill the form with your best Email address and Phone number and submit the form when done. The submission of the form would cost some amount and can be paid using your MasterCard, Visa card, Verve card Online banking, etc.
• The name search would take one to two working days to be approved or disapproved. If disapproved try again With a different and more unique name.

2. Register the Business name:

• Once your name has been approved the next step is to register the business name. Log in to your account with CAC and once logged in click on ‘action’ and download the letter of approval from the CAC portal, open it, and take note of the approval number.
• Go back to the website, Click on ‘Registration’ on the top left of the webpage select the business name, and paste the number from the approval document in the space provided click on enter. Ensure you know the nature of the business, the proprietors of the business, and all other relevant information accurately. NOTE: You can ‘save and exit’ the form at any point where you have difficulties.
• When it comes to the nature of the business ensure that you type in the three (3) nature of the business and it is always a good idea to add General contracts so you do not need to get another business name in the future as General contracts encompass everything. (I made the mistake of not adding General contracts and I had to apply with an additional cost of N6000 to get it changed and it was a stressful process)
• Fill out the form Accurately avoid Mistakes as a Correction would cost you more money and waste your Time.
• Now one important thing is When asked if you need additional copies of Certified true copies and documents, select Zero as this applies to only those who are registering a limited liability company.
• Submit the form and Pay N10,000 for the business name using your ATM card. You will be given a form to submit to the CAC office in your selection.

3. Physical Submission:

Download and print and make two photocopies of

• All receipts of payment from Remitta and CAC,
• The approval of the business name document
• The form you received upon payment for the business name
• Take these documents with two passport Photographs, the N250 stamp duty fee – to be paid into the CAC Skye Bank Account (you can do this before going to the office the bank has the account number) and submit for filing with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

That’s the practical steps it takes to register your digital marketing agency in Nigeria.

Step 4: Get yourself online

Okay, I’m not going to teach you to chew nuts here. You’re in internet marketing, and you know you have to have a website to start generating income. But, what you don’t have to do is break the bank.

Building a website is a prerequisite.

Did you know that a website is the most important aspect of a digital marketing agency?

A good website not only reflects your business brand, it also offers high-quality content and is easy to navigate.

Your website is the key to a successful digital marketing strategy because all other digital marketing elements direct guests to your website, which should effectively convert guests. Elements of website design that generate conversions are using best SEO practices and tools, having a great user experience, and capitalizing on the wealth of analytics websites offer.

Before you get started with your digital marketing agency in Nigeria, It’s very necessary that you have a working and dynamic website.

I’ve previously covered how to build a website or blog, click the link for more details.

There are different companies where you can get the domain name of your site registered. For instance, I have been using Findigitaltools in registering all of my domain names, and trust me; it has been awesome dealing with Findigitaltools.

You also have to host your website with any good hosting company to make the process complete.

However, a WordPress CMS is what I always used to build a website for my business. Using a WordPress site is easy and seamless, but if you haven’t used it before, you will spend some time learning how to use the platform to get going with your agency website. (You can click here to join our digital marketing training, we’ll show you how to build your website step by step)

Meanwhile, if that could take much of your time, you may need to outsource the service. Candidly, you need to understand the ins and outs of WordPress. Sometimes, I may need to optimize the website, and I do that because I know.

Further, the kind of theme you use in building your WordPress website also accounts. The theme you use should communicate professionalism. I often search for themes on ThemeForest; you can also use One Paper Themes.

You can click here to join our digital marketing training to learn how to build your website step by step.

Apart from setting up your digital marketing website, other things to do to set up your online presence are:

Create a professional email address

Creating a professional email is very essential. You don’t need to start using your email.

An example of a professional email is “community @ digitalmarketingskill.com”.

So you need a real company email address where clients and prospects can reach you. Now, the way you set up a personal email account is entirely different from the way create a company email address.

However, some or most web hosting companies do offer a built-in mail platform through Cpanel. I recommend you to set your email on the Cpanel (This is covered in our digital marketing training WordPress module, click here for insight).

How to create an email account in cPanel:

To create a new email account in cPanel, follow the instructions below:

1. Log in to your cPanel > Mail section > Email Accounts menu:

2. If you have multiple domains, select the domain you want your email account to be associated with in the drop-down list in the top right corner and enter the desired email and a strong password of your choice:

Click on Create Account once all is set.

3. To log in to webmail, click on More next to the email account in question > Access Webmail:

4. Once done, you will see the icons of the three webmail interfaces:

5. Feel free to choose any access webmail.

Create Your Business on Google+

There is one unique complex role that Google Plus plays and that is Search Engine Optimization. When using Google Plus always have it in mind to continue optimizing relevant keywords. You just have to try establishing yourself on Google+ when you have started your digital marketing agency.

Create A Killer Portfolio

Actions have, and always will, speak louder than words. This is why having a strong, result-driven portfolio is paramount for generating new business.

If people see that you’ve worked with, and delivered results for, a brand that they know and trust, they’re more likely to buy from you. Because if they trusted you enough to work with you, why shouldn’t they?

Now if you don’t have a portfolio yet, don’t worry. That’s easily remedied. You can simply try and do some free work for people (and build some good relationships while you’re at it) to get these. Or, you can compile a list of previous projects your staff has worked on in the past as a placeholder until you’ve got some agency work under your belt.

A portfolio is now considered a minimum requirement for an agency to have. So, you must get one in place. A good portfolio is made up of:

• Headlines and short snippets
• Further, in-depth, result case studies
• Testimonials from clients
• Future goals and targets for that client

Showing people that not only you can deliver the results, but you will continue to deliver them to people continuously.

Setup Profiles Across All Social Media Platforms

You can set up all relevant profiles across all social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others). Write a summary of what you have crafted in your portfolio section and tailor your social media profiles to leverage social traffic.

Step 5: Go Social

A key piece of the puzzle for agencies, since the social-age boom in 2008, is to have social media channels in place. But they aren’t just there for you to be like, “Oh hey, we know how to use Twitter!”. Instead, they’re there for:

• Marketing: It’s free, it’s easy and it’s word of mouth. You can share anything from offers to blog posts and any other materials that might drive people your way.

• Customer Engagement: You can deal with (and be seen to be dealing with) complaints. See what people are saying about your service. And, just become a more human brand to anyone who finds you online.

• Lead Generation: It might not be the most successful tactic for finding new clients, but they are out there. Having a strong social media presence improves your chances of finding them, too.

Don’t worry about canvassing all the social media channels, though. Focus on just one (or two, if you’ve hired staff) to focus on. You’ll get more traffic, engagement, and leads from one really strong profile, than two mediocre ones.

Step 6: Network

Your biggest opportunities and clients will often come from chance meetings. Attend every conference, connect with everybody on social media, and always have your eyes peeled for an opportunity. I’ve landed some of my biggest deals in the most unexpected ways. You have no idea where your next big client is going to come from.

Step 7: Partnership

Partnership in most businesses usually works, you can partner with any firm that has a competitive advantage in a particular niche or area. For instance, I have an Indian partner, we do things together. Sometimes, I give him some website jobs to do for me when am indisposed.

The partnership may not be essential at the preliminary stage but in the long run, you will get more sales.

Step 8: Become vastly experienced in critical aspects of digital marketing

Digital marketing is not making your website just visible; do not get restricted to getting found on the first page of search engine results. It goes beyond that. Part of your job should be to offer a broad range of digital marketing services that could be of value to customers and prospects.

It could be to run a digital marketing campaign, SEO services, email marketing services, or copywriting.

Step 9: Generate Quality Leads

This is an aspect you can never do without; your leads bring forth the money to your business. There are many ways you can go about this. It depends on how much effort you intend to invest in this area. You can source for emails through LinkedIn. You can also get leads from organic traffic sources; you can also use paid advertising.

Step 10: Conversion Process

Every digital marketing business should have clear conversion paths to marketing outcomes that contribute to the business.

A conversion funnel should be designed and architected to help your digital marketing business acquire as many new prospects and clients as possible (at break even or better)…

An activation funnel should be designed and architected to help your digital marketing business convert as many of its prospects (or inactive buyers) into recent clients…

…And a monetization funnel should be designed and architected to help your digital marketing business generate revenue from its active buyers and indoctrinated clients.

Now, I know what you’re probably thinking…

“Which conversion funnel should I be using in my business?”

… but this is the wrong question.

The right question is…

“Which conversion funnel should I be using in my business, RIGHT NOW?”

Every business should deploy each funnel type at different times to different people.

An Acquisition Funnel can’t do the job of a Monetization Funnel.  A Monetization Funnel can’t do the job of an Activation Funnel. And so on… Each funnel excels at meeting one particular goal.

Define your conversion process, and know which funnel to use for the right purpose and when to use it. Also, have a retention strategy that allows you to retain clients. These types of customers will most likely hire you monthly.

That should be it.

I hope the 10 actionable steps in setting up your digital marketing agency in Nigeria will help you succeed as a digital marketer in Nigeria. If you have any questions or additions, you can communicate with us using the live chat medium at the bottom of the page or register to join our complete digital marketing training in Nigeria.

Types of Digital Marketing Agency

Here are some common types of agencies that vary based on their focus and services.

• Full-Service Digital Marketing Agency: Offers a comprehensive range of digital marketing services, including SEO, social media, content marketing, and more.
• SEO Agency: Specializes in search engine optimization to improve website rankings and visibility.
• Social Media Marketing Agency: Focuses on creating and managing social media strategies to enhance brand presence.
• Content Marketing Agency: Specializes in creating and distributing content to attract and engage the target audience.
• Email Marketing Agency: Concentrates on creating effective email campaigns to reach and nurture leads.
• PPC Agency (Pay-Per-Click): Manages paid advertising campaigns to drive targeted traffic and conversions.
• Web Design Agency: Specializes in creating visually appealing and user-friendly websites.
• Inbound Marketing Agency: Focuses on attracting, engaging, and delighting customers through content and experiences.
• PR (Public Relations) Digital Agency: Manages online reputation and brand image through PR strategies.
• E-commerce Marketing Agency: Specializes in strategies to promote and optimize online stores.

Each type serves specific needs, and businesses often choose agencies based on their goals and areas of expertise.

Pros of Starting a Digital Marketing Agency

• Flexibility: As a digital marketing agency, you can offer a range of services, from SEO and social media management to content creation and email marketing. This flexibility allows you to adapt to changing market trends and client needs.
• Scalability: With a digital marketing agency, you can scale your services to meet the needs of multiple clients, allowing you to grow your business and increase your revenue.
• Autonomy: As a digital marketing agency, you have the freedom to choose your own clients, projects, and services, giving you autonomy and control over your business.
• Potential for high earnings: Digital marketing agencies can generate significant revenue, especially if you’re able to attract high-paying clients and offer specialized services.
• Opportunity to build a team: As your agency grows, you can build a team of talented professionals, allowing you to share knowledge, skills, and responsibilities.

Cons of starting a digital marketing agency

• High startup costs: Starting a digital marketing agency requires significant upfront costs, including equipment, software, and marketing expenses.
• Competition: The digital marketing industry is highly competitive, with many established agencies vying for clients and talent.
• Constant learning: The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving, requiring you to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, tools, and best practices.
• Client management: Managing client expectations, relationships, and communication can be challenging, especially if you’re working with multiple clients simultaneously.
• Risk of burnout: Running a digital marketing agency can be demanding, with long hours and high-stress levels, especially during peak periods or when dealing with difficult clients.

Finally

Starting a digital marketing agency can be a worthwhile venture if you’re willing to put in the effort and dedication required to build a successful business. It’s essential to carefully consider the pros and cons, develop a solid business plan, and be prepared to adapt to changing market conditions.

To get practical knowledge about how to acquire digital marketing skills and start providing solutions or as an individual who wants to start a digital marketing agency in Nigeria, register for our practical digital marketing course.

How much does it cost to start up a digital marketing agency in Nigeria?

The cost of starting a digital marketing agency in Nigeria can vary based on factors such as office space, equipment, staffing, and marketing. While it’s possible to start with minimal resources, a more comprehensive setup may require a significant investment. For specific cost breakdowns, it’s advisable to consult industry experts or existing agency owners.

Can I Start a Digital Marketing Agency Without Any Experience?

It is possible to start a digital marketing agency without prior experience, but it can be challenging. Gaining experience and expertise in digital marketing through training, certifications, and practical work is highly recommended to ensure the agency’s credibility and the delivery of effective services. Collaborating with experienced professionals or seeking mentorship can also be beneficial for those starting in the industry.

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