Things You Need to Tell Your Marketing Team

An Ongoing List That Keeps Your Business Running Smoothly When Working With a Marketing Team

This is going to be a very honest blog. As a marketing agency, we want the best for our clients. This should be the case for all agencies. However, none of us are mind readers, and we do not typically work in our clients’ offices. Therefore, it is imperative for clients to inform marketing agencies of all information pertinent to the business.

Sounds pretty simple, right?

You’d be surprised by the information that does not get shared with the marketing team. This happens even if the marketing team is an in-house team. Why is the marketing team left in the dark? If they don’t have the inside scoop on what’s happening within the business, they can’t help the outside world know either. 

Think of your marketing team as the key to the outside world of your business. We’re the ones unlocking doors to your customers, both current and potential. But if we don’t have the right keys, or any keys at all, those doors stay closed.

Your marketing team isn’t just a group that “makes posts.” We’re your brand voice, your reputation-builders, your storytellers, and your megaphone. When you keep us in the loop, we can create timely, accurate, and engaging messaging that works for you. But when you don’t? The message dies somewhere between your office and the audience, like a round of the game telephone.

Here’s an ongoing list of things your marketing team needs to know:

  • Holiday Hours

It may sound small, but it’s a big deal. Your customers search your business hours constantly, even more around holidays. Nothing is worse than a frustrated customer who drives across town for your services only to find the doors locked. Let your marketing team know your adjusted hours well in advance so they can update your Google listing, social media, website, and email communications.

  • Events You’re Attending or Hosting

Whether it’s a trade show, fundraiser, local fair, or networking luncheon, if your business will be there, people should know! Your marketing team can promote your presence, share photos, and encourage others to attend or stop by (if acceptable). This helps build your visibility and strengthens community ties.

  • Specials, Discounts, or Promotions

Running a daily, weekly, or monthly special? Tell us early! The earlier we know, the more effectively we can plan campaigns around it. A well-promoted special can bring in customers who didn’t even realize they needed what you offer, but only if it’s marketed in time. Don’t wait until the last minute to tell your marketing team about a special.

  • Employee/Company Updates

New hire? Congratulations! Someone left? That’s important too. Team and company changes matter to your brand story because customers like knowing who’s behind the business and what is going on. People are nebby (yes – remember we are from Pittsburgh). We can update your website, share a post on social media, and keep information accurate when we know all of the information.

  • Website Updates and Annual Reviews

Your website is often your customers’ first impression. But information can become outdated fast. Each year, your marketing team should review:

  • All information, including year-to-year statistics and data 
  • Service descriptions 
  • Contact information 
  • Team photos and bios 
  • Testimonials or case studies

Keeping it current makes your business look professional and trustworthy.

  • Address or Phone Number Changes

Even one wrong digit or an outdated address can cause confusion and lost opportunities. As soon as something changes, notify your marketing team. We’ll make sure all online platforms, from Google My Business to Facebook to your website, are consistent.

  • When Your Internet or Phone Isn’t Working, or Something is Broken at Your Location

It may not sound like marketing news, but it is! If customers are calling and not getting through, we need to know so we can post a quick update online or adjust contact forms. Communication breakdowns can cause frustration and lost business but a simple “We’re experiencing technical difficulties” post can save the day. Same with operating equipment. If customers are heading to your business to purposefully use something and they arrive unbeknownst to the “thing” being inoperable, they may become quite frustrated for their wasted time. It may be frustrating posting that a big piece of equipment is broken, but in the long run it will save many customer headaches.

  • Planning Ahead for Campaigns

Please don’t wait until a week before you want to run a campaign to tell your marketing team. Good marketing takes time: planning, designing, writing, scheduling, and analyzing. When you give advance notice, we can craft something strategic and powerful, not rushed and reactive.

  • Charities and Community Support

Do you sponsor a local charity or participate in community events? That’s gold for your brand reputation. Customers love supporting businesses that give back. Your marketing team can spotlight your involvement and show your business values in action.

  • Personal Social Media Posts

If only we could write a book about this. When people who are employed post on their personal social media, their post could affect their employer/business. Business owners, high-level employees, and even those who are face-to-face daily operations need to be cautious about their own social media postings. If an employee does post something that could be an issue with your business, tell your marketing team. We have matter-of-fact ways to educate people about their posts, the situation overall, and can help them take down the post. 

In turn, employees could also share positive news on their personal social media in which you as the business may want to reshare. Share this positive information with your marketing team so we can make a big deal about whatever it is (example: an employee got married, had a baby, graduated from college, volunteered in the community outside of work, the team they coach won a championship, etc.).

The Bottom Line

Communication matters. Period.

Your marketing team isn’t a separate entity. We’re part of your business family. And we don’t just represent your brand; we amplify it.

If we don’t know what’s happening inside your company, how can we share it with the world? Every update you give us, no matter how big or small, helps us tell your story more effectively.

Remember, marketing is all about spreading the word. But that word has to start with you.