30+ Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Marketing
At REFUGE, we’re committed to transparency, even when the answer isn’t simple. Working with a digital marketing agency shouldn’t feel confusing or full of jargon. You deserve to understand what’s happening and why.
This page breaks down common questions about digital marketing terms, services, and how we work. Our goal is to give you clarity, not canned answers.
Still wondering about something? Just ask — we’re happy to explain.
Categories
Working with a Digital Marketing Agency
Social Media Marketing
Digital Marketing and Online Advertising
Web Development and Web Design
Search Engine Optimization
About REFUGE Marketing & Consulting
Working with a Digital Marketing Agency
Should I hire a marketing agency, do it myself, or hire an in-house professional?
It depends on your goals, resources, and how much time you can realistically invest. Doing it yourself can work early on, but it often leads to inconsistent results and burnout. Hiring in-house gives you more focus, but comes with higher costs, management responsibilities, and the limits of one person’s experience.
An agency might feel like a bigger upfront investment, but it often delivers better returns — especially in competitive industries. You gain access to a full team of experienced specialists across SEO, PPC, social media, strategy, web development, and more, without the cost of building that team yourself.
At REFUGE, we don’t operate like an outside vendor. We plug in as an extension of your team, helping you make smarter decisions and see better results without sacrificing your time or sanity.
Why are digital marketing services important for a business?
Your ideal customers are out there, right now, looking for what you offer – but they just haven’t found you yet. Digital marketing is the bridge that connects your business to those customers, wherever they are online.
Digital marketing services are crucial as they provide businesses with modern strategies to reach their target audience effectively, as well as tools to tailor messages to specific demographics, interests, and behaviors.
How much does a digital marketing agency cost?
The cost of a digital marketing agency varies depending on the services required, the scope of the project, and the agency’s expertise. Some agencies work on a project basis, while others may charge a retainer for ongoing services. Prices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per month.
The biggest factor influencing the cost is the type and complexity of the service. For instance, a comprehensive strategy that includes multiple services will naturally be more expensive than a campaign focusing solely on one aspect, like email marketing.
It’s important to discuss your goals and budget with potential agencies to find a partnership that offers value and aligns with your budget and expectations. And who knows – that might very well be us.
How long will it take for a digital agency to produce results?
Working with a digital agency feels like a new relationship – you want to be sure it’s the right fit before you take the plunge. A typical commitment might last 6 months, which allows enough time to see meaningful results.
At REFUGE, we ask you to commit for a minimum of 3 months for online advertising and 6 months for SEO. After that, it’s a rolling monthly retainer, but we don’t lock you into a long contract. We want you to stay with us because you love the results you’re getting.
In fact, we’re proud to say that we have a 95% client retention rate. We’ve nurtured relationships since 2009. We still have clients who’ve been with us since our early days.
Is digital marketing better than traditional marketing?
Choosing the best approach for marketing your business involves balancing what you’re comfortable with, what you can afford, and where you want to go. Traditional marketing methods (e.g., print ads, billboards, TV commercials) have their charm and effectiveness, especially in reaching local audiences and creating a tangible presence.
Digital marketing, on the other hand, offers sophisticated targeting options that traditional advertising can’t match. Through platforms like social media, search engines like Google, and email marketing, you can narrow down your audience based on demographics, interests, behaviors, and even specific keywords they use.
In the heart of it all, both digital and traditional marketing have their place in a comprehensive marketing strategy. However, the digital age demands that you adapt and meet your audience where they spend most of their time, which is likely online.
Digital Marketing
and Online Advertising
How much should I spend on digital marketing and paid social ads?
You want to invest enough to see results but are cautious about overspending, especially when every dollar counts. A good rule of thumb is to start with what you can afford without causing stress to your finances.
From there, think about your specific goals: are you looking to grow brand awareness, increase sales, or enter new markets? Your objectives will guide how you distribute your budget across different channels. Start small. Test. Adjust as you go.
If you’d like a ballpark figure, we have a minimum $2,500 monthly retainer at REFUGE – this number adjusts based on your goals and timeline.
How quickly will I see results from online advertising?
No campaign is perfect the week it’s launched. Typically, it can take at least 3 months to see significant outcomes from online advertising efforts. This period allows for testing, optimizing the little details, and understanding what resonates with your audience.
Digital marketing is more of a marathon than a sprint. It can be disheartening when the results don’t come overnight or when a campaign doesn’t perform as expected right out of the gate. While the wait can be challenging, we promise that the insights gained are invaluable for guiding future marketing decisions.
The giants in the marketing world – be it Nike, Apple, or Coca Cola – are not results of overnight success but of continuous experimentation, learning, and commitment to refining their approaches. They’ve weathered campaigns that didn’t meet expectations and used those experiences to build stronger, more resonant marketing messages.
What makes a successful Google PPC campaign?
Success here comes down to knowing who you’re trying to reach (your customers and their search queries), what you want to say to them (your message), and how much you’re willing to pay to get their attention (your budget).
Keep in mind the cost of a PPC ad campaign can vary depending on several factors, including your competitors, ad copy, landing pages and the specific keywords you target. With PPC, you have control over your budget and can set daily or monthly limits.
Can I track ROI from Meta ads?
Yes, you can track the ROI of your Meta ads by setting up conversion tracking to measure actions that people take after clicking on your ads. This could include making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or completing a contact form. By analyzing these metrics, you can understand how your ads contribute to your business goals.
What kind of ROI should I expect from LinkedIn ads?
Expectations around ROI can vary widely depending on your industry, the type of campaign, and your targeting criteria. LinkedIn tends to have higher cost-per-click (CPC) rates compared to other platforms, but it also offers the potential for higher-quality leads, particularly for B2B businesses.
Approach LinkedIn ads as you would any strategic decision – with cautious optimism. Define clear goals, monitor closely, and remember that finding the right formula may require patience and persistence.
Is digital marketing the future?
Yes, digital marketing is increasingly important as more people spend time online for shopping, entertainment, and socializing. While traditional methods still have their place, adding digital marketing to your strategy helps ensure you’re not missing out on potential customers who are looking more and more online for what they need.
In many ways, digital marketing isn’t just the future; it’s the present. While the digital landscape is always evolving, the essence of marketing – understanding and meeting your customer’s needs – remains constant.
Search
Engine Optimization
What determines search engine rankings?
Do I need a blog for my website?
A blog can be a powerful tool in your SEO toolkit. Blogs allow you to regularly add fresh, relevant content to your site, which search engines love. They also give you a chance to cover a broader range of topics and keywords that your audience might be searching for. While not mandatory, having a blog can improve your site’s visibility and attract more visitors.
How long does it take to see results from SEO?
SEO is a long game, but the payoff is worth it. Most businesses start seeing meaningful traction in 6 to 12 months on Google, with early improvements often leading to what’s known as the “hockey stick” effect — slow, steady growth that suddenly accelerates once your site builds trust and authority with Google.
That wait can feel slow, but behind the scenes, your content and technical improvements are compounding. And once those rankings kick in, you’ll start getting high-quality, organic traffic without paying for every click. This means less pressure on your ad budget and more room to scale.
Done right, SEO becomes one of your highest-ROI marketing investments, delivering sustainable growth that keeps working long after the initial effort.
What SEO key performance indicators (KPIs) should I track?
Key KPIs for search engine optimization include:
- Organic traffic: The number of visitors coming to your site from search engines. More traffic can mean your SEO efforts are working.
- Keyword rankings: Where your site or specific pages rank in search engine results for the keywords you’re targeting. Higher rankings can lead to more visibility.
- Bounce rate: Do visitors quickly leave your site, or do they stick around? If they’re staying, it’s likely because they find your site helpful.
- Conversion rate: The percentage of visitors who take a desired action on your site, like making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter.
- Backlinks: The number of links from other websites to yours. More quality backlinks can improve your site’s authority and rankings.
Web Development and Web Design
Do I really need a website?
You don’t get a second chance at a first impression.
You need a professional-looking website because it’s often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. Without a website, or with one that looks unprofessional, customers might question the legitimacy of your business. They might even wonder if they’re at risk of being scammed, which is the last thing you want.
Why are your website development services expensive? I can find a freelancer to build one for cheaper.
We get it. There are plenty of freelancers and DIY platforms offering basic websites at a lower cost. But that’s not what we do.
Whether you need a clean, strategic 5-page site or a fully custom, complex build with advanced functionality, our team can handle it. What sets us apart isn’t just design — it’s strategy, scalability, and results. We build websites tailored to your goals, your users, and your long-term growth.
When you work with us, you’re not hiring a single person. You’re gaining a dedicated team of designers, developers, strategists, and UX experts who collaborate to bring your vision to life and make sure it performs.
The higher investment reflects the level of thinking, care, and capability we bring to the table.
How do I get my business website to come up on Google search results?
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is the process of optimizing a website to improve its visibility on Google. This involves refining website content, structure, and on-page elements like keywords, meta tags, and internal links, as well as off-page factors like backlinks, to attract more organic (unpaid) traffic from search engines.
It can be a lot to wrap your head around. So if all this sounds like technical gibberish, it’s okay – that’s why we’re here. Feel free to reach out to our team, so we can walk you through our process, step-by-step.
About
REFUGE Marketing & Consulting
What does REFUGE Marketing specialize in?
We pride ourselves on being a full-service agency. We specialize in a range of digital marketing services including web design & development, SEO, content marketing, social media strategies, and PPC campaigns, all tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients in Houston and beyond.
In a sea of one-size-fits-all solutions, REFUGE Marketing stands as your personalized haven. We sit down with you, understand what keeps you up at night, and then tackle those challenges together. You’ve put your heart into your business, and we’re here to make sure the world sees that passion and responds to it.
What is your approach to digital marketing for small businesses?
Your business isn’t just a business to you; it’s a dream, a life’s work. We get that. We’re a small business ourselves.
We start by getting to know you: your brand, your vision, and your audience. We’ll get to know your business from the inside out. We’ll then roll up our sleeves to craft a strategy aligned with your goals – whether it’s increasing visibility, generating leads, or enhancing engagement. We focus on what matters most to you.
How does your identity as a women-owned and LGBTQ+ owned agency impact your client relationships?
Being a women-owned and LGBTQ+ owned agency profoundly influences our approach to business and, by extension, our client relationships. We believe business is personal. Our clients often tell us how much they value being truly heard and understood.
In an industry where projects can sometimes feel transactional, our approach breaks the mold and transcends the usual client-agency relationship. The personal touch we infuse into our work, guided by our unique perspectives as a women-owned and LGBTQ+ owned agency, ensures that every client feels not just serviced but genuinely supported and championed.
We promise you that behind every campaign, there is a team that cares deeply about your success. We’ll always want to meet you where you are, with an open heart and a readiness to listen deeply.
How does REFUGE Marketing tailor its services to different industries?
With over two decades of marketing experience, REFUGE brings strategies that have been rigorously tested and proven — not just broadly, but within your specific industry. We leverage this deep expertise to tailor our approach, adapting what we know works to fit your unique needs and challenges.
What are the steps involved in starting a project with REFUGE Marketing?
Starting a project with us involves initial consultations to understand your business needs, followed by strategy development, implementation, and ongoing collaboration for optimal results. We’re here to take the journey with you, step by step, always mindful of where you’re coming from and where you aim to go.
What digital marketing services does REFUGE Marketing offer?
How does REFUGE Marketing approach branding and identity design?
How do you ensure the security of our digital accounts?
All digital accounts we create or manage for you – including social media, websites, and online advertising accounts – are unequivocally owned by you. You maintain full ownership and control. We ensure that all account credentials are handed over to you, and we guide you on best practices for access management to safeguard your autonomy over these assets.
My business is based in another country, REFUGE is based in Texas, United States of America. Does this matter?
Absolutely not! Your location, wherever it may be in the world, poses no barrier to our collaboration. We believe that great ideas and relationships know no borders. Whether you’re next door in Houston or halfway across the globe, we’re committed to bridging the distance between us.
Social Media Marketing
Social media, at its core, is about building relationships. By engaging genuinely with your audience, you’re not just another brand – they start to see you as someone they can trust. This trust is essential because when people decide where to spend their money, they’re much more likely to choose a brand they feel connected to.
If you’re running a small business or just starting out, you might be looking at an initial commitment of 5 to 10 hours a week to plan your content, create posts, and engage with your audience. This time can increase as your presence grows or if you’re aiming to be highly active and engaged with your followers.
For more comprehensive campaigns or larger businesses, the time investment can significantly increase. This could easily become a full-time job for one or more people, especially as you strive to create consistent, high-quality content and remain top-of-mind with your followers.
Consider where your target audience spends their time and how they prefer to consume content. Starting with one or two platforms and expanding as you become more comfortable can be a more effective strategy than trying to be everywhere at once.
Success on social media isn’t just about choosing the right platforms. It’s about creating engaging, valuable content that resonates with your audience and reflects your brand’s unique voice and personality.