How to Choose a Reputable Marketing Agency: 10 Questions and 4 Red Flags

So you’ve done the hard work of getting your business up and running. Congratulations, that’s no small feat. Or maybe you’ve been in business for a while, but interest from new and existing clients has waned, and you need some fresh ways to get noticed.

In today’s digital marketplace, getting the right message in front of the right people is complicated. What you need is a strategic partner who knows the landscape, the pitfalls and the potential payoff and will navigate the journey with you. 

When it comes to finding the right digital marketing agency for your business needs, most searches (ironically) begin online, where the marketplace is crowded and bold promises are plentiful. With so many choices in every direction, it can be helpful to have a framework to follow. Below are 10 questions to ask and 5 red flags to watch out for when you need to find a reputable digital marketing agency that will help steer your business towards long term success.

QUESTIONS TO ASK

1. What is your process for understanding our business and goals?

• • This question helps clarify how the provider will gain a deep understanding of your business model, target audience, and objectives.
  • Their process may include conducting research, interviews, or audits to gather the necessary information.

2. How do you measure success?

• • You want to understand how they define and track progress toward your goals.
  • Success should align with specific metrics, such as revenue growth, customer acquisition, or engagement rates.

3. Can you provide examples of similar businesses you’ve worked with and the results you achieved?

• • By focusing on results, you can better understand their ability to deliver measurable outcomes that align with your objectives.
  • Hearing about specific examples allows you to evaluate their approach, expertise, and potential fit for your business needs.

4. Are team members in-house, or do you rely on freelancers/outsourcing?

• • Understanding their team structure gives you clarity on who will work on your project and their level of expertise.
  • This ensures transparency in how your project will be managed.

5. How often will I receive updates and reports?

• • The frequency of updates can vary but should be sufficient to keep you involved and aligned.
  • Clear communication around updates builds trust and avoids surprises.

6. Will I have access to raw data, or only pre-prepared reports?

• • Having access to raw data gives you transparency and the ability to analyze it yourself if needed.
  • Pre-prepared reports are convenient but may lack flexibility for deeper analysis.

7. How do you handle strategy adjustments if something isn’t working as planned?

• • This reveals their ability to adapt and pivot strategies based on performance data.
  • A proactive approach to adjustments helps avoid prolonged inefficiencies.

8. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies?

• • Their ability to stay current ensures your business benefits from modern tools and strategies.
  • Staying updated allows them to keep you ahead of competitors in a rapidly changing landscape.

9. Who owns the deliverables, such as website content, designs, or ad accounts?

• • This clarifies whether you or the service provider will have ownership rights to the work produced.
  • Ownership ensures you have full control over materials after the project ends, and avoids disputes or dependencies down the line if you switch providers.

10. Will I retain access to all accounts and materials created during the project?

• • Full access to accounts and materials ensures transparency and control over your assets, especially if you decide to transition to another provider in the future.
  • Clear access policies help avoid misunderstandings or disruptions.

RED FLAGS

1. Making commitments or setting expectations that are unrealistic, unattainable, or not grounded in practical capabilities.

• • “We guarantee your website will rank #1 on Google in 30 days.”

• • “You’ll triple your revenue within the first month of running ads.”

• • “We’ll deliver a custom website in 2 weeks.”
  • “We’re experts in every industry and can handle anything.”

2. Lack of strategy by focusing on tools or services (e.g., SEO, PPC) without tying them to your business goals

• • Offering pre-made packages without tailoring services to your unique needs.
  • Promising results without providing a clear, measurable, and strategic roadmap to achieve them.

3. Resistance to client ownership and accountability.

• • The agency insists on controlling your accounts (e.g., Google Ads, social media accounts) without giving you access.
  • No track record, with an inability to provide case studies or testimonials.

4. Poor communication and inconsistent organization

• • Delayed responses or unprofessional interactions.
  • Missing meetings, sending vague responses, or constantly changing points of contact.

As a team with a proven track record of building lasting client relationships, we understand what it takes to succeed in digital marketing. Our goal is to provide transparent and effective strategies tailored to your needs.

More than anything, our primary interest is to see every business owner get the quality marketing support they deserve. We’ve met too many entrepreneurs who’ve been burned by bad service, empty promises, or sheer incompetence. It’s frustrating, and we’re here to change that. 

Whether you choose to partner with us or another trusted agency, we hope these tips and ideas will steer you in the right direction. If you have questions about digital marketing or want to explore how we can help, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Because finding the right marketing partner isn’t just about boosting your business today – it’s about building the foundation for long-term success.

A digital marketing strategist and lifelong entrepreneur, Mark Sherman is the Founder & President of Nehmedia, Inc. | Pet Resort Marketing and My Pets Text™.