
Setting up a digital marketing agency is one of the most lucrative businesses in Nigeria today.
One of the reasons for this is the rising awareness of its importance since the covid19 pandemic struck in 2020.
Maybe you’ve been looking for a way to start a “digital marketing” agency in Nigeria, this article will really help you.
See also: How to Sell Luxury Homes in Nigeria on Facebook in 2021
Table of Contents
Introduction
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic crippled so many business operations all over the world.
Marketing of services and products using conventional channels was largely impacted, and so many businesses had to shut down their operations.
To curb the spread of the pandemic, most countries had to enforce a total lockdown of offices, schools, restaurants, shopping malls, event centers, and every other place people could gather socially.
Sit-at-home and work-from-home became the new trends.
Media consumption was on a new high because people spent more time surfing the internet and interacting with friends and family on social media.
This was time for any smart business owner or advertiser to fully adopt digital marketing for the promotion of their products and services.
The use of online digital marketing channels used to be an option but now, for so many businesses, it is the main marketing solution.
Some of the reasons for this change are its cost-effectiveness, ease of setting up campaigns, and measurability.
On this premise, it is important to state here that the survival of a digital marketing agency business in Nigeria is inarguably predicated on results.
Broadly, the entire digital marketing includes websites, SEO, pay-per-click, mobile marketing, email marketing, social media platforms, web TV, SMS, banner placement, and anything else with a digital foundation.
Below are a few ways on how to go about starting a digital marketing agency in Nigeria.
Business Checklist

Before taking that bold step, you need to plan.
Do some intensive research, and because it is an internet-based business, it’s easier to get information than a conventional industry.
Your checklist should enumerate and map the setup and implementation stages of building a digital marketing agency.
One of the easiest ways to build a checklist is to research your competitors.
You can check their websites. That’s a good place to begin especially for the businesses already doing very well.
By doing this, you could have a clear view of their services and it’ll also help you to create your unique business plan checklist.
Find Your Target Audience

Once you have built a checklist, the next thing you need to do is determine your target audience.
This helps you to focus your resources on a more viable market segment.
This market segment will be one that you have evaluated to have a more competitive advantage in.
We all know that at the beginning of every road, it’s tempting to want to satisfy everybody and that never works.
Also read: Selling Is Story Telling
But the truth is simple, nobody ever gets far that way.
and the services you really want to offer. Try not to mix up your business with SEO consulting. This is the issue most upcoming digital marketers face.
The main thing is who you’re really going to focus the time and energy with. This is when you definitely need to know your audience and what captivates their attention.
To give yourself a little more clarity, it is necessary that you ask yourself some of these questions.

What is your niche?
Who is it you really want to work with and why?
Is it a Small business or not?
Who do you want to appeal to? You definitely need to have this in mind.
There are lots of agencies out there, so you have to be different from the others.
Knowing who you are and what you’re able to do is a huge step to building a profitable brand.
Always remember to take a step back from things that don’t fit your focus and goals, then without stress, you’ll be a success in no distant time.
Register your business

First and foremost, you must register your digital marketing agency with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
After this has been done, you will be issued with a certificate of Incorporation,as your RCC number, before going ahead to build your website.
Steps to registering your business name online. √Search for the availability of name √Register the business name √Physical submission
Get Yourself online

A very good website actually helps to market your business brand with ease. It is also easy to navigate and it as well offers high quality content. I’m about dishing out a secret.
Did you know that your website is one of the most important strategies when it comes to digital marketing strategy?
Oh yes!
This is because all your digital marketing elements direct guests to your website for more details about your services and possible conversions.
Before you think of setting up a digital marketing agency in Nigeria, it is so necessary that you have a fully optimized website.
Be Social!

You have to be deliberate about your social media presence.
Since the social age came booming in 2008, every media or advertising agency has come to understand the need to have social media channels in place. Those social media channels are there for:
•Marketing: It’s made easy and free and you can literally share anything from offers to blog posts,any other other materials that might likely drive sales on your pages.
• Social Engagement: You can easily deal with complaints. Then get to know what the public is saying about your service and simply become a better brand to anyone who finds you online.
Networking

One thing you should know is that your biggest clients and opportunities as well will often come from chance meetings, try attending every conference, connect very well with people you meet on social media, and always look out for new opportunities.
Most of your biggest deals might come in unexpected ways. You really have no idea where your next client will likely come from.
Partnerships

This helps in business growth.
It’s sometimes better, to begin with collaborating with any firm that has a competitive advantage in a particular area.
The partnership might not be so essential at the preliminary stage, but definitely, you get more sales in the long run. We all know that we rise by lifting others. This is exactly what partnership helps you do.
Gain More Experience

Become experienced in critical aspects of digital marketing.
Digital marketing is a fast-paced business with an ever-increasing volume of new tools and solutions, it is important to research every day in order to remain relevant and valuable to customers and prospects.
Hello there, did you know that digital marketing is not only about making your website visible?
Don’t get restricted to getting found on the first page of search engine results.
There’s really more to it than that.
A huge part of your job should be to offer a broad range of digital marketing services that could be of value to your diverse customers and think of ways to make this better.
You could run SEO services, email marketing, digital marketing campaigns, etc.
Generate quality leads

This might seem easy but it is an aspect you can’t do without.
Your leads bring money to your business.
You could go about this in so many ways, it just depends on how much effort you intend to invest in the area.
You can get leads through paid advertising, organic traffic source and most times referrals.
Conversions Funnel

A conversions funnel is sometimes referred to as a SALES FUNNEL.
To run a successful digital marketing agency business in Nigeria, one should integrate clear conversion paths to making the outcomes that contribute to the business.
A conversion funnel needs to be systematic to help your digital marketing business convert as many of its prospects into potential clients.
Conclusion:
I really hope these 10 powerful steps in starting your digital marketing agency will help you attain greater heights as a digital marketer in Nigeria?
The best time to start is always NOW, not tomorrow. Good luck!