With so many options available, how do you cut through the noise? Here’s a checklist to help:
1. Are they listed as a certified Salesforce Partner?
This is non-negotiable. Use Salesforce’s Partner Finder to verify their status.
2. Do they have relevant Marketing Cloud case studies?
Look for real client results that show they’ve solved challenges similar to yours. For example, MarCloud has generated 17,650% ROI and over £5 million in revenue for Bruntwood.
3. Are their consultants certified in Marketing Cloud and other tools?
It’s worth checking whether they have credentials in areas like Journey Builder, Automation Studio, and related products such as Data Cloud.
4. How do they measure success?
Do they report on campaign outcomes? Customer journeys? Data quality? If they can’t tell you how they track value, and particularly if they can’t tie activities to ROI, keep looking.
5. What’s their working style?
Do they align with your pace and preferred way of working i.e. fast and agile, or more structured and process-driven? Do they have transparent project management?
6. Do they offer more than technical support?
Many Salesforce Partners excel in CRM or technical tasks, but most aren’t marketing professionals. For enterprise marketing teams, you want both. This means that any activities are assessed from an experienced marketing perspective for better results.
Common mistakes to avoid
Having been a Salesforce Partner since 2018, we’ve seen some teams get stuck on:
Assuming all Salesforce consultants are certified
Choosing based on price rather than value or fit
Overlooking the need for industry-specific experience
Engaging on a one-off basis with no plan for long-term support
Underestimating the need for clear communication and shared goals
Assuming CRM and marketing consultants are one and the same
A bit of upfront diligence goes a long way. It saves time, budget, and frustration later on. In multiple cases, we’ve supported businesses that have been burned by previous supposed experts. Let’s not have that happen to you!
How to know when you’ve found the right fit
There’s no single profile for the perfect partner, but here are a few green flags:
They ask the right questions early on - not just about tech, but about tangible business objectives and long-term marketing strategies.
They explain complex topics and platform jargon in plain terms.
They share recommendations backed by experience, not just opinion.
They bring a sense of calm and clarity to what might otherwise feel overwhelming.
Ultimately, they should leave you thinking, “This is exactly what we needed.”
Still deciding? Here’s what to do next
If you’re not ready to commit but you have a shortlist of Salesforce Partners in mind, here’s how to test the waters:
Use the Salesforce AppExchange to check the reviews for your shortlist.
Arrange intro calls and ask about relevant projects, certifications, and project management approach.
Enquire about free audits or commission a small discovery project to give you a feel for how they work.
Align internally on what success looks like and what level of support you need.
This process will give you confidence in your choice and set you up for a more productive partnership.
Is MarCloud your ideal Salesforce Partner?
Choosing a Salesforce Partner is more than a technical decision. It’s about finding a strategic ally who understands what marketing teams are up against and knows how to make Marketing Cloud work harder for you - tactically and strategically.
At MarCloud, we use top-tier technical experience combined with excellent marketing knowledge to remove technical blockers, scale campaigns, and demonstrate ROI. As a certified Salesforce Partner and experienced marketers, we know how to make Marketing Cloud serve your goals. Request a free audit today.