A slick pitch deck and a few glowing testimonials might sound convincing—but they won’t tell you how an agency handles pressure, how well they listen, or whether they actually deliver. And when you’re trusting someone with your brand’s voice and growth strategy, those are the things that matter. Before you sign anything, here are 10 questions to ask a marketing agency—questions that can help you figure out whether they’re the right fit, or just really good at selling themselves.
1. Can you show me what success has looked like for your other clients?
Skip the buzzwords. Ask for examples. Not vague claims—actual campaigns, real results, preferably for businesses that look a little like yours. Bonus points if they can tell you what didn’t work, too.
2. Do you have experience in our space?
Every industry has its nuances. Nonprofits, tech startups, and B2B service firms don’t play by the same rules. An agency that already understands your audience and landscape won’t waste time guessing.
3. How will you measure progress?
If they can’t tell you what success looks like in your specific case, that’s a problem. Whether it’s new leads, stronger engagement, or email open rates, make sure they’re tracking what actually matters to your business.
4. How do you keep clients in the loop?
You don’t need a daily call, but you do need consistent communication. Ask how often they check in, what kind of updates they provide, and who you’ll be hearing from regularly.
5. Can you grow with us?
You might need a handful of services today and a full marketing plan in six months. Make sure they’re equipped to scale up—or down—based on your evolving needs.
6. Who’s actually doing the work?
That charismatic person on the sales call? They might not be the one writing your copy or managing your ads. Ask to meet your main point of contact and find out who’s on the team.
7. How do you approach brand storytelling?
You’re not just selling a product or service—you’re building a brand people connect with. Your agency should have a plan for bringing your story to life in a way that makes people care.
8. What kind of timeline are we looking at?
Marketing takes time. If they promise overnight results, be skeptical. Ask when you can expect to see early signs of progress—and what they’ll do if you don’t.
9. How does your pricing work?
Flat rate? Retainer? Project-based? What’s included, and what costs extra? Transparency here saves a lot of stress later.
10. What happens if we’re not happy?
Sometimes things just don’t click. A professional agency will have a clear process for addressing concerns—and, if needed, parting ways respectfully.
You’re Not Just Hiring a Service—You’re Starting a Partnership
Finding the right agency isn’t just about finding an agency with the right skills or services. You want a team that understands your goals, communicates clearly, and actually moves the needle. That’s what we aim to do at Marketer on the Run. No fluff, no one-size-fits-all packages—just thoughtful strategy and creative execution that aligns with where you’re headed.If you’re curious about how we’d approach your brand, let’s have a real conversation.