Picking a marketing agency is kind of a big deal. The right agency can help you grow, but the wrong one? That can be an expensive headache. Before you sign on the dotted line, here are 10 must-ask questions to make sure you’re making the best choice.
1. Have you worked with businesses like mine before?
Every industry has its own quirks, and you want an agency that gets them. Have they worked with companies in your field? If not, have they tackled something similar? Experience matters when it comes to understanding your audience and challenges.
2. Can you share some success stories?
A solid agency should have proof that they get results. Ask for case studies, testimonials, or real-life examples of past campaigns. If they can’t back up their claims with data or happy clients, that’s a red flag.
3. How do you define success?
Not all businesses measure success the same way. Some care most about generating leads, while others focus on brand awareness or return on ad spend (ROAS). Make sure your agency sees success the way you do—otherwise, you might find them celebrating metrics that don’t actually move the needle for your business.
4. What’s your game plan for building a strategy?
Great marketing is never accidental—it’s strategic. Ask about their approach to research, planning, execution, and continuous optimization. Do they customize strategies for each client? That’s essential.
5. Who will I actually be working with?
This is a big one. You want to know who’s handling your account day to day. Will you have a dedicated account manager? Who’s on the team, and what’s their expertise?
6. How will you keep me in the loop?
Transparency is key. Will you receive weekly or monthly reports? What do they include? How are insights and recommendations shared? Choose an agency that’s as invested in your success as you are.
7. What tools and tech do you use?
Marketing is part art, part science—and the right tools can make all the difference. From analytics platforms to automation software, ask about their tech stack and how it helps improve performance.
8. How do you manage budgets effectively?
Your marketing budget needs to be spent wisely. Find out how they allocate ad spend, optimize campaigns, and ensure you get the best bang for your buck.
9. How do you stay ahead of industry changes?
Marketing evolves fast—new trends, algorithm updates, privacy laws. Ask how they keep up and ensure your campaigns stay ahead of the curve. If they’re still stuck in 2018 tactics, that’s a problem.
10. What’s your approach to collaboration and feedback?
Great partnerships require clear communication. How do they handle feedback, revisions, and strategy shifts? You want an agency that listens, adapts, and works with you—not just for you.
Bonus: 5 More Questions to Dig Deeper
If you really want to get a full picture of how an agency operates, here are five extra questions worth asking:
- What if I have an urgent request? When working with an agency, you need a team that understands that things don’t always go as planned. You want a team you can count on—even after hours if needed (knock on wood). Ask about their process for handling urgent requests.
- Do you offer any additional services beyond marketing? Some agencies provide creative design, web development, or branding support—good to know if you might need these in the future.
- How do you evaluate the pricing options? Ask about their pricing structure, what’s included, and any potential additional fees. Check out our article on understanding marketing agency pricing models to learn more.
- Can you walk me through your onboarding process? A smooth onboarding experience sets the tone for a strong partnership. Find out what to expect.
- What sets you apart from other agencies? This question lets them showcase their strengths and unique selling points.
Key Credentials to Look for in a Marketing Agency
Not all agencies are created equal. Here are some credentials that can help you determine whether an agency is truly qualified to manage your marketing efforts:
- Meta Business Partner & Google Premier Partner – These certifications show that the agency meets high-performance standards and has direct support from major platforms.
- Years of Experience – While newer agencies can be innovative, a proven track record often indicates stability and reliability.
- Experience of Senior Leadership – Strong leadership with a history of success in marketing is a key factor in an agency’s effectiveness.
- Client Portfolio & Testimonials – A solid reputation backed by satisfied clients speaks volumes about their ability to deliver results.
- Analytics & Reporting Capabilities – Look for an agency that offers transparent, data-driven insights to track progress and optimize campaigns.
Your marketing agency should feel like an extension of your team, not just a service provider. Asking these questions and checking for key credentials will help you find an agency that understands your business, delivers results, and collaborates with you every step of the way. Choose wisely—it’s an investment in your future success!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lola Lam Quang
Lola is Marketing Specialist at Bloom. In charge of coordinating all of Bloom's internal marketing projects and producing content for multiple channels.
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