Top 5 Mistakes Businesses Make When Choosing a Marketing Agency

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I’ve had many conversations with small business owners who’ve been burned before—by big promises, confusing strategies, or just not knowing what to expect from a digital partner. And I get it. Choosing a marketing agency isn’t just about outsourcing work. It’s about finding someone you can trust with your brand, your time, and your money.

If you’re thinking about bringing someone on board to help with your marketing, I want to share the five most common mistakes I see people make. Knowing these upfront might help you make a more confident, informed choice.

1. Prioritising Price Over Partnership

I understand budgets are tight—especially when you’re growing. But if you’re only choosing based on the cheapest quote, you’re likely missing out on the depth and quality that a seasoned team can bring. A low price might mean cutting corners, generic strategies, or minimal support. Instead, think about value. Will this team take the time to understand your business? Are they asking the right questions? Long-term success rarely comes from the lowest bidder.

2. Not Looking Beyond the Sales Pitch

Agencies are great at marketing themselves. That’s the job, right? But a slick proposal or polished website doesn’t always mean consistent delivery. One of the biggest mistakes I see is choosing a team based only on how well they present during a pitch—without asking for real examples, case studies, or client experiences. Dig deeper. Ask to speak with someone they’ve worked with. Look for transparency and substance behind the style.

3. Choosing Based on Size, Not Fit

Bigger doesn’t always mean better. Some small business owners think that hiring a large agency guarantees results. But with large teams often comes less personal attention. Your project could get passed between departments, and you might find yourself repeating the same things over and over. In contrast, a smaller, experienced studio can often offer more focus, continuity, and a stronger client relationship.

4. Expecting Instant Results

Marketing is rarely an overnight fix. A good agency won’t promise that. If someone tells you they can rank your site at the top of Google within a week or double your leads with no data or history—be cautious. Look for someone who’s honest about timelines, willing to explain their process, and focused on building something sustainable. Good marketing is a steady build, not a shortcut.

5. Not Being Clear on What You Actually Need

Sometimes the issue isn’t the agency—it’s a mismatch of expectations. I’ve spoken with business owners who thought they needed Google Ads when their website couldn’t even convert visitors. Or they wanted more traffic, but hadn’t nailed their message yet. The best agency will help you figure this out, not just take your request at face value. Clarity on your goals and where you’re starting from makes all the difference.

Choosing a marketing partner is a big step, especially when it involves your livelihood. Take your time. Look for people who want to understand your business—not just sell you a service. Ask questions. Look for chemistry. And above all, choose someone who’s in it with you for the long haul.

If you ever want a second opinion or just a no-pressure chat about what your next move should be, I’m always happy to talk.

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What to Ask Before Hiring a Digital Marketing Agency?

Once you’re aware of the common mistakes to avoid, the next step is knowing the right questions to ask—before you sign on the dotted line.

If you’re a small business owner, you’ve probably been approached by a dozen different agencies promising clicks, traffic, leads, and growth. It can be overwhelming—especially if digital isn’t your zone of comfort. And while working with the right partner can absolutely change the trajectory of your business, hiring the wrong one? That can set you back months, even years.

I’ve worked with business owners who came to me after disappointing experiences—confused, burned, and unsure of who to trust next. So, I thought I’d share a few key questions you should ask before you commit to working with any marketing team. These aren’t just to test their skill, but to help you see if they’re the right fit for your business goals and working style.

1. What’s your approach to strategy?

A seasoned agency doesn’t jump into posting on social or running ads right away. They start by asking about your business goals, target audience, and current position. When you ask about strategy, listen for how they plan, test, and adjust. Are they taking the time to understand what makes your business different? Or are they pitching you a template?

2. Who will I be working with directly?

You want to know who’s on the other side of the screen. Is it a dedicated point of contact? Will you speak directly to the strategist, or only through an account manager? The best results come from clear communication. Knowing who’s responsible helps build trust and keeps expectations grounded.

3. Can you walk me through a campaign you’ve run for someone like me?

A good agency should have stories, not just stats. Ask them to walk you through one of their projects—what the client wanted, what was done, what worked, and what didn’t. It tells you not just what they’ve done, but how they think.

4. How do you measure success—and how often will I hear from you?

Reports are one thing. Insights are another. Ask how often you’ll get updates, and more importantly, what they’ll actually show you. Will you know what’s working, what’s not, and what they’re doing about it? Frequency doesn’t always equal quality—clarity does.

5. What happens if things don’t go to plan?

No marketing plan is perfect. Algorithms change. Audiences shift. What matters is how a team responds when something doesn’t perform. Ask how they handle underperformance or surprises. Do they test and learn? Or point fingers?

6. What do you need from me?

This one’s often overlooked, but important. A good partnership goes both ways. Do they need content from you? Feedback within a certain timeframe? Clear boundaries make for better collaboration.

You’re not just hiring someone to run ads or post content. You’re trusting someone with your message, your reputation, and a slice of your growth. The right questions reveal more than a polished website or proposal ever will.

If you’re still unsure what to ask, or just want someone to guide you through the decision without pressure, I’m always happy to have a conversation. Because at the end of the day, the goal is to build something that actually lasts.

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Agency Red Flags: When to Walk Away from a Marketing Partner

Even with the right questions asked, not every partnership plays out the way you’d hoped—and knowing when to walk away can save you more than just time.

I’ve spoken with so many business owners who came to me feeling frustrated or burned by a previous marketing partner. And every time, the signs were there early on—they just didn’t know what to look for. If you’ve ever second-guessed your agency relationship or wondered whether something felt off, you’re not alone.

Let’s walk through a few clear red flags that I’ve seen come up again and again. These don’t always mean something malicious is happening—but they do mean you should pause and take a closer look.

1. They Don’t Ask About Your Business Goals

A marketing partner who jumps straight into tactics without understanding what you want to achieve is a concern. Every campaign, piece of content, or ad should tie back to something meaningful for your business. If your partner isn’t asking about your audience, revenue targets, or how you define success, they’re likely running a generic playbook—not a thoughtful plan.

2. You Don’t Know What’s Being Done (Or Why)

Transparency is foundational. You should never feel in the dark about what’s being worked on or where your budget is going. I’ve heard from clients who received vague reports filled with percentages and buzzwords, but no real insight. If your partner can’t clearly explain what’s happening or why it matters, that’s a sign they may not fully understand it themselves—or worse, they’re hoping you won’t ask.

3. Everything Feels Rushed or Reactive

There’s a big difference between agility and scrambling. If it always feels like last-minute ideas, shifting strategies, or inconsistent messaging, something’s not being planned properly. A good partner doesn’t just react—they guide. They bring structure, not chaos.

4. You Only Hear From Them When You Chase

You shouldn’t have to constantly follow up for updates, reports, or timelines. A dependable team will set clear expectations and stick to them. Silence followed by excuses is not a strategy. It’s a lack of commitment.

5. You Feel Like Just Another Client

If you’re always speaking with someone new, getting templated responses, or sensing they haven’t taken the time to really understand your business, that’s a red flag. A strong relationship is built on connection. You should feel like your goals matter—not like you’re one of many on a spreadsheet.

6. They Guarantee Instant Results

There are very few guarantees in marketing. Promising page-one rankings in a week or hundreds of leads from day one should raise concern. Quality marketing takes time, testing, and adjustment. The best partners will be honest about that—even if it’s not what you want to hear upfront.

When It’s Time to Walk Away

If more than one of these signs is showing up in your experience, it might be time to reconsider the relationship. You deserve a team that listens, communicates clearly, and takes your business as seriously as you do.

Finding the right fit is less about flash and more about alignment. Long-term success comes from working with people who want to build something real with you—not just push through another project.

If any of this resonates, and you’re looking for someone who values transparency and thoughtful work, I’m always here to talk.

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