Branding. It's the way a company markets itself and burning and identifying mark on livestock. Both leave an impression; one just happens to be metaphorical and hurt a lot less. That's why Anna Mannerfelt Fingers doesn't say she's branding her clients—she's brand building. What might be semantics to some, is an important differentiation to others—especially for a horse lover and CEO and Managing Partner of Wired Mustang, a digital marketing firm for equine related businesses.
"Horse people are a special kind of people," explains Anna.
That's why her marketing firm predominately deals with equine oriented businesses. Back when she started her firm, Wired Mustang was doing everything for everyone. As time went on, the team realized their knowledge of horses and marketing would better suit a specific niche, than spreading themselves too far across the pasture. The Wired Mustang team became experts in this equine-marketing niche and hasn't looked back since.
Since Anna and her husband, Dave Fingers, started Wired Mustang in 2017, she estimates they've kept 96% of their original clients. Rather than trap their clients in a yearly contract, Wired Mustang clients sign on a monthly basis. Anna wants her clients to see growing success and give them the freedom to choose if they come back. With a retention rate of 96%, it's safe to say not many are straying off.
Wired Mustang not only helps companies across the country, but their employees also live nation-wide. Anna only wanted the best to work for her firm, no matter where they roam. She says it was hard, but worth it.
"We will always be a smaller team, but you get to do a lot," Anna says. "You don't want to lose the magic."
This "magic" is Wired Mustang's interaction with their clients. The teams' aim isn't to rack up a seven-figure profit—it's to grow with their clients and to cater to their changing needs. To stay on top of forever-evolving digital marketing strategies, Anna and her team meet with a business coach to deal with change proactively. Anna relates it to her riding coach: she knows how to ride and rides every day, but she takes lessons from a trainer to improve.
"Someone called me a control freak and I take that as a compliment," Anna jokes.
With equine businesses contributing $44 billion to the United States' GDP, they need someone to help with their marketing. Wired Mustang uses a hands-on approach to ensure their current and future clients' success. You could say, they give a Shetland pony.
Anna wants Wired Mustang clients to trust her team 100%. She understands that when you hire a marketing firm, you expect a return on your investment. She and her team go the extra mile to keep not only Wired Mustang's doors open, but all of their clients' doors open too.
"It's easy because we know horse people," Anna exclaims.
For more information about Wired Mustang visit their website at wiredmustang.com or reach them at info@wiredmustang.com or (303) 974-5281.
Hiring A Marketing Firm
Ask tough questions: Treat hiring a marketing firm like hiring a member of your own team—you want to make sure they fit your needs.
Know what you want: Be clear about your expectations. Not all firms are the same. Take the time to find one that fits your communication style.
Cater to your audience: Has this firm worked with your audience before? If you're marketing to a specific group of people, find a firm that speaks their language.
Set a timeline: Different firms will ask your company to sign a contract for a certain amount of time. Determine what length of contract you're comfortable with before signing.
Make an investment: For a higher quality product, you'll have to invest more money into the firm you hire. Set a budget that aligns with your goals.