5 Red Flags to Look For When Outsourcing a Marketing Agency
As a savvy business owner or entrepreneur who has made the considerable decision to outsource digital marketing, you’re well aware of the potential benefits: More time to focus on your core business and employees, access to specialized expertise from a team of professionals, and the opportunity to scale your marketing efforts quickly through a team whose sole job is to manage your digital advertising and management.
However, not all marketing agencies are created equal. Some marketing firms may offer high costs for services but deliver minimal results, while others may lack communication, or send the simplest version of reports on marketing metrics.
To help you navigate the digital marketing agency landscape and choose a partner that will truly drive success for your business, here are some red flags to watch out for:
1. High Cost, Low List of Deliverables 🚩
No one wants to overpay for subpar services. But it is hard as an expert in your field to understand the list of action items for the marketing team, for example. Be wary of agencies that charge a premium but fail to deliver tangible results. Specifically, when it comes to Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services, you should expect an organized strategy, specific action items, regular reporting, and ongoing optimization efforts that keep you in the loop. If an agency offers a quick fix or promises instant results without a transparent process, it’s best to steer clear.
2. Lack of Communication 🚩
Communication is key in any successful business relationship, and this is especially true when it comes to outsourcing your digital marketing. Marketing necessities shift like a light switch, from social media trends to major Google Core updates. An agency that doesn’t prioritize communication is unlikely to understand your business goals or provide you with the level of service you truly deserve as a business owner.
Most importantly, quick communication signals the level of care put into your account management; and if your marketing agency isn’t talking to you, they probably aren’t looking at your account as often as we believe they should. Look for an agency that is proactive in reaching out to you, provides regular updates, asks questions, gives ideas, and is always available to answer your questions and concerns.
3. Screenshots = Reports 🚩
In the world of digital marketing, data is everything. You need access to accurate and detailed reporting to track your progress and make informed decisions. The truth is that basic “insights” from Meta, for example, do not give you a big enough picture to base marketing strategies off of. If the agency only provides you with screenshots of Meta Insights without any further analysis or insights, it’s a red flag.
One of the major advantages of partnering with a reputable agency is their investment in premium third-party software for reporting. These trusted tools provide comprehensive data and allow you to effectively track your results over time, ensuring transparency and measurable success. Additionally, a trusted marketing agency will share their own thoughts and recommendations based on your reports to further the success of their efforts for your business.
4. Lack of Transparency 🚩
Transparency is essential when outsourcing your digital marketing. You should have a clear understanding of the agency’s deliverables, and processes. If an agency is hesitant to provide you with this information or seems evasive when answering your questions, it’s a sign that something may be amiss. Look for an agency that is open and honest about its pricing, services, and reporting.
The common area your marketing agency should be able to answer for or provide more information about is specific SEO efforts, techniques, and results rather than a short list of tasks relating to keyword lists and rankings. Another common area of overpriced marketing services are digital ads, whether for Google Ads or Paid Social Ads. Be sure your digital ads aren’t being run on autopilot. Rather, your marketing agency should explain their regular efforts and results that are benefitting your business.
In today’s age of AI, it is easy to set things to “autopilot,” but our teams at Mountain Air Marketing believe no level of technology can replace the human touch of creative and strategic thinking.
5. No Clear Strategy 🚩
A digital marketing strategy is the roadmap to success for any business. If an agency doesn’t present you with a clear strategy that outlines their goals and objectives for connecting the right people to your offerings, it’s a red flag. A reputable agency will take the time to understand your business, your audience, and your positioning in order to develop a customized strategy that aligns with your goals.
Choose the Right Digital Marketing Agency For Your Business
Outsourcing your digital marketing can be a game-changer for your business, but choosing the right agency is crucial. By being aware of the red flags to look for, you can increase your chances of finding a partner that will deliver exceptional results and help you achieve your business objectives.
We are a full team of digital marketing professionals in Colorado Springs, from website design to Search Engine Optimization, social media management to social ads, Google Ads management, and more. Our team, with an incredible bandwidth of knowledge and expertise, is focused on your goals first, strategy second, and results third. Our work every day starts with our client’s goal in mind to guide us through our daily efforts in taking your business to new mountain tops.