How Marketing Agencies Can Choose a Tech Partner

21.10.2024

IT News & Guides Software Development Marketing and PR Digital Transformation

Note: This article is over a year old. Some information may be outdated. We recommend reading the latest documentation or talking to one of our experts.

If you're facing technical challenges involving custom software development, third-party platform integration, data migration, or AI usage and you're searching for a partner, this guide can help you!

Setting agency goals: When do you need a tech partner?

It's essential to have clearly defined goals for your agency before beginning a collaboration with a tech partner. In addition to objectives, a forward-looking vision that anticipates how client needs may evolve is necessary to position yourself favorably in the market.

For example, an increasing volume of client requests for services like data integrations might suggest a growing demand for such services.

If providing these services represents a growth opportunity for your agency but you lack internal resources to deliver them, you can explore a technical partnership by considering the following criteria:

What kind of expertise?

Your tech partner’s expertise should be relevant to your needs! This relevance can be determined through discussions or by reviewing examples of successfully completed projects.

In the software development field, this means programming languages, frameworks, known tech stacks, etc.

Examples:

Front-end programming languages:

JavaScript, CSS, HTML

Back-end programming languages:

PHP, Python, Java, Bash

Frameworks:

Angular, ReactJS, Vue.js

Tech stacks:

MEAN, MERN, LAMP

In terms of integrations, your partner should have experience connecting platforms you work with, such as HubSpot, PipeDrive, Zoho, ERP systems, and other third-party platforms.

For data migration, the partner should:

Have a methodical approach
Ensure data is transferred correctly and efficiently to the new system without compromising integrity
Be ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified, which confirms compliance with security standards, including those related to data.

How do you test quality? With a pilot project!

In programming, quick thinking and continuous adaptation to problems that may arise are crucial. While these skills are essential, they can be hard to identify through mere interaction.

To determine if the tech partner is suitable, you can propose pilot (test) projects or request examples from previous projects where they successfully solved unexpected challenges.

The most important aspect: Communication

Most misunderstandings stem from communication.

Unclear communication can lead to confusion regarding technical requirements (the team works on the wrong tasks, project components are prioritized incorrectly, software is developed incorrectly, etc.), as well as frustrations on both sides.

Both parties must take responsibility for providing prompt and clear information, using various communication methods (Zoom calls, emails, texts, etc.) if previous communication methods proved ineffective. The right partner should also have a collaborative approach and a commitment to long-term loyalty.

OPTI has collaborated with agencies worldwide

Here are a few examples of projects completed by OPTI for marketing agency partners:

Book a meeting!

Steps Overview

Step 1: Initial Alignment Session

We organize a meeting to understand your client's technical need and the marketing campaign's objectives. We define the scope, deliverables, and the collaboration model.

Step 2: Technical Evaluation and Proposal

We technically analyze the requirement and provide you with a detailed proposal, including recommended technologies, an implementation timeline, and a transparent quote. We act as your technical team in front of the client.

Step 3: Development and Constant Communication

We develop the solution (e.g., a microsite, an API integration) on a 'white-label' basis. We keep you constantly updated on the progress through a dedicated project manager and clear communication channels (e.g., Slack, Jira).

Step 4: Delivery, Testing, and Handover

We deliver the technical solution for testing by the agency and/or the end client. After validation, we do a complete handover, including the necessary documentation, so that the agency can present the project as its own.

References

OPTI offers a very process-orientated service for CRM integrations involving HubSpot. API connections of all kinds can be easily implemented with them. We are very satisfied with the projects

Levi Meyer

CRM Manager, Content Moves

After working for more than two with OPTI, it's always a pleasure, they are very reliable, deliver in time and work proactively. They handle the external software integrations in HubSpot, Pipedrive and Worpress and our clients are delighted with the results. OPTI ask the right questions and always strive to solve the task as simply as possible. We definitely recommend OPTI to anyone looking for HubSpot integration provider.

François Benner

CEO, Brandsensations

They are our trusted technical partner for more than three years, best professionals for building anything on HubSpot, especially apps for the HubSpot Marketplace, integrations and data migrations with other CRM or data systems. Excellent collaboration"

Karin Tamir

Manager, Glare Marketing

OPTI offers a very process-orientated service for CRM integrations involving HubSpot. API connections of all kinds can be easily implemented with them. We are very satisfied with the projects

Levi Meyer

CRM Manager, Content Moves

François Benner

CEO, Brandsensations

Karin Tamir

Manager, Glare Marketing

Quick Questions

Do you work on a 'white-label' basis for agencies?

Yes, most of our collaborations with agencies are on a 'white-label' basis. We act as an extension of your team, and communication with the end client can be managed entirely by the agency.

How do you handle communication and project management?

We assign a dedicated project manager for each collaboration. We use modern project management tools like Jira or Asana and fast communication channels like Slack to ensure transparency and efficient collaboration.

What happens with the intellectual property of the developed code?

By default, the intellectual property of the custom-developed source code is fully transferred to the client (the agency or the end client, as per the contract) upon project completion and full payment.

What is the TLDR (conclusion)?

For agencies using HubSpot, your tech partner must have deep expertise in custom HubSpot integrations. This includes connecting to third-party APIs, building serverless functions, and handling complex CRM data migrations while maintaining data integrity.

What technologies and methodologies are involved?

Technologies: HubSpot, API Integrations, ISO 9001, ISO 27001, Tech Stacks (MEAN, MERN, LAMP)
Methodologies: Technology partnership, Software development, Data migration, CRM integrations, Project management