Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Media Group
A media group may be described as a team of professionals who work together to create and distribute content. This can include content creators, editors, publishers, and distributors. In today’s digital climate, there has never been a higher demand for such professionals. Think of all the social media platforms out there. Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn are just a few examples. How about all the blogs and online news sites? There is an unending appetite for content and hiring a media group is essential for any business that wants to stay relevant and competitive.
But there are hundreds of media groups vying for attention and many businesses make costly mistakes that cause big problems down the line during the hiring process.
Here are mistakes to avoid when hiring a media group.
Not Checking References
References can be a godsend when they’re utilized. How else would you find out if they’re actually good at what they do? Yet, countless hiring managers make the mistake of not checking references or only talking to one or two people. This is a big mistake.
When getting first-hand accounts from previous clients ask a variety of questions. Find out if the team was easy to work with, if they met deadlines, and if they delivered on their promises.
Failing to Negotiate Pricing
Pricing is always a sensitive issue but few things will cost your business more than overpaying for services.
When it comes to media content creation, there are a lot of variables that can affect pricing – the scope of work, the timeline, the number of revisions, etc. For example, a simple one-minute video may only cost a few hundred dollars but adding animation and graphics can quickly double or triple the price.
This is why it’s so important to negotiate pricing upfront. Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts or special rates. Many media groups are willing to work with you if they know you’re serious about the project.
Not Having a Contract
A contract is an absolute must when hiring any type of freelancer or contractor. Don’t make the mistake of skipping this step. It may seem like a hassle but without a contract, you’ll have no legal recourse if something goes wrong.
When drafting a contract, avoid using generic online templates. These often don’t cover all the bases and can leave you vulnerable. Instead, this document should outline the scope of work, the timeline, the price, and other important details about the project.
Ideally, you should also have an attorney review the contract before signing it.
Hiring a media group is a big decision and it’s important to do your homework before making a choice. By avoiding these mistakes, you can set your project up for success from the start.
Alex is a freelance writer and business consultant who specializes in marketing strategy development. He is an avid gamer and enjoys playing video games in his free time.