6 Things You Must Know When Hiring an Account Manager
As an agency owner, you wear multiple hats (if not all of them)! Keeping up with every aspect of the business — from sales and development to project management and client meetings — feels unsustainable. Wouldn't it be nice if you could have someone who already knows the gist of digital marketing come in and take the day-to-day tasks off your hands?
If you are looking to hire an experienced Client Account Manager, you've come to the right place!
The right Client Account Manager by your side can make all the difference when scaling your agency. Finding the perfect match, though, is a tedious task in itself. The process requires more than a quick resume scan and a traditional interview. Before you start, there are some nuances you should know to ensure you are making the best choice for your agency's success.
Specialization and Experience Matters ⭐
You may think any account manager will do, coming into your company.
Like any role, client management has its niches — especially with digital marketing agencies.
If your agency focuses on social media campaigns📱 and digital content, consider a candidate who excels in managing campaigns and reporting or has experience working with multiple creative teams. An SEO-focused company may want someone who understands basic concepts or possesses an analytical approach.
Having a Client Account Manager with prior knowledge and experience in digital marketing within your agency will empower them to navigate the nuances of client needs. Plus, it will give you the confidence to step away and know your client management is in good hands.
Knowing Both Business and Digital Marketing is Key 🔑
Client Account Managers have the unique skill of understanding the world of digital marketing and general business. Familiarity with digital marketing services like SEO, paid media, and content creation supports the specificity of the client and your team. On the other hand, account managers comprehend the ins and outs of sales, strategy, and client retention.
The Client Account Manager should be able to nurture the client relationship while also knowing how to identify opportunities for upselling or expanding services. All these elements matter; each will provide more value to your client services team!
Account Managers Act as the Agency's Eyes and Ears 👀
As the agency owner, you can't be everywhere at once, no matter how hard you try. With a Client Account Manager leading the charge, you can rely on them to be the eyes and ears on the ground floor. Don't mind us while we flaunt our keen listening and observing abilities! We take pride in this skill, and you should too — it significantly benefits agencies.
Client Account Managers are often the first point of contact when receiving feedback or hearing client concerns. They create a direct line of communication, which helps eliminate mistakes, generate productivity, and address problems more effectively.
Release the urge to stretch yourself too thin! Let our Client Account Managers be the channel to all client-related items so they can report back with insight and solutions.
Client Account Managers Wear Many Hats, but Not Every Hat 👒
While we have no shame in cheerleading the many talents a Client Account Manager carries 📣, there are specific boundaries to uphold and respect. Once you experience working with a Client Account Manager, giving them more and more commitment is easy. Establish clear definitions for the role to ensure team members focus on their core responsibilities.
The Client Account Manager will collaborate with any Project or Operations Manager; they may even take on specific operations and project management tasks — but there is a difference. To make this the most successful entity, ensure tasks and obligations are understood across the teams to avoid duplicating work and keep everything organized.
You're Going to Want To Utilize Underrated Skills 🗣️
Some of the most essential skills of a Client Account Manager have nothing to do with digital marketing or business at all. However, soft skills such as emotional intelligence, active listening, and adaptability in the business world are required for the role. These skills are usually underrated but make all the difference.
As the face-to-face contact for clients, speaking only to business or sales won't take the relationship too far. Client Account Managers have the gift to build client rapport and foster an empathetic approach when needed. For instance, the client may relay a concern, and the Client Account Manager will know how to relate to the client genuinely and navigate the core issue to find solutions. More often than not, concerns aren't connected to performance or mistakes but are more related to needing to be heard and understood.
When you are looking to hire an Account Manager, discuss soft skills and apply them to build trust and client retention.
The Perfect Match is Crucial 👯🏽
Last but certainly not least, consider the overall fit. Your account manager will represent your agency to clients and work directly with your teams. They must align with your agency's values, vision, and work culture and have a collaborative spirit.
Lucky for you, DOT and Company have a never-ending parade of genuinely passionate Client Account Managers who embody and love their work. Better yet, they are willing and able to drive your agency's success with unwavering enthusiasm. This is what we live for!
With these six tips in mind, you will be well-equipped to find the perfect account manager to elevate your digital marketing agency.
Are you ready to find the perfect match? Book a call with us today to explore our matchmaking services. We can connect you with top-tier Client Account Managers tailored to your agency's unique goals and your client's needs. Let's scale your agency's success together!