Questions to Ask a Digital Marketing Agency Before You Hire
Choosing the right digital marketing agency can feel overwhelming. After all, this isn’t just about running ads or sending emails—it's about finding a partner who can genuinely grow your business. Here’s a shocking stat: The average cost of outsourcing digital marketing services ranges from $2,500 to over $10,000 per month, depending on the scope of work and number of channels managed. This investment is often more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house team, which typically starts at $200,000 per year.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. The key? Asking the right questions upfront. The questions you ask can uncover an agency’s real expertise, reveal how well they’ll fit your business, and save you from costly mistakes.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most important questions to ask a digital marketing agency before signing the dotted line. These aren’t fluff questions—they’re designed to help you get real answers, make smarter decisions, and find an agency that’s truly invested in your success.
Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
Not all digital marketing agencies are created equal. Some may specialize in one area, while others offer a broad range of services. Asking the right questions will help you:
Vet potential agencies effectively.
Confirm their expertise and success with businesses like yours.
Build confidence that they understand your goals.
The right agency should feel like a natural extension of your team. So, don’t be shy about digging deep during your conversations.
Key Questions to Ask a Digital Marketing Agency Before Hiring
What’s Your Typical Work Style?
You need an agency that operates smoothly with your team. Ask how they manage projects, prioritize tasks, and handle last-minute changes.
Red Flag: “We’re pretty laid back and adapt as we go along.”
This could mean they lack structure, leading to inconsistent results.
What to Look For: Clear communication, organized workflows, and flexibility when needed.
Who Will Be My Main Point of Contact?
Knowing who you’ll work with is crucial. A single point of contact ensures streamlined communication.
Red Flag: “Just email our general inbox.”
This suggests no one’s directly accountable for your project.
What to Look For: A dedicated account manager or team lead you can rely on.
What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
Transparency is key in any business relationship. Agencies should be upfront about where they excel and where they’re still growing.
Red Flag: “We’re great at everything we do.”
Nobody’s perfect, and this could indicate a lack of honesty.
What to Look For: Agencies that acknowledge weaknesses and have plans to improve.
What’s Your Experience With My Industry or Needs?
Find out if they’ve worked with businesses like yours. Ask for examples of how they’ve tackled similar challenges.
Red Flag: “We’re just starting to explore this area.”
They may lack the expertise you need.
What to Look For: Relevant experience, along with creative ideas that fit your niche.
How Do You Handle Failure?
Marketing isn’t always smooth sailing. What matters is how an agency responds to setbacks.
Red Flag: “We rarely fail.”
Everyone encounters challenges—an agency that claims otherwise might not be transparent.
What to Look For: Agencies that own their mistakes, learn from them, and adjust strategies to improve.
Can You Provide Examples of Success?
Ask for case studies or anonymized results that show how they’ve driven growth for similar businesses.
Red Flag: “We can’t share specific results due to confidentiality.”
While confidentiality is important, agencies should still offer general insights into their successes.
What to Look For: Data-backed results, testimonials, and clear evidence of their expertise.
Red Flags to Watch Out For in a Digital Marketing Agency
Keep these warning signs in mind when evaluating agencies:
Lack of structure or processes.
Impersonal communication or generic responses.
Overpromising or claiming perfection.
No tangible examples of past successes.
These could indicate an agency isn’t the right fit for your business.
The Benefits of Asking the Right Questions
By asking these key questions, you’ll:
Build a foundation of trust and transparency.
Ensure the agency aligns with your business culture and goals.
Gain clarity on their expertise and approach to challenges.
Remember, you’re looking for a partner—not just a service provider.
Final Thoughts: Building a Strong Partnership
Finding the right digital marketing agency is more than a checkbox exercise—it’s about forming a partnership that drives results and aligns with your vision. By asking the right questions, like understanding their work style, experience, and how they handle challenges, you’ll gain the clarity needed to make a confident choice.
Remember, a great agency isn’t just about impressive portfolios or buzzwords. It’s about how they collaborate with you, adapt to your needs, and deliver growth where it matters most. With these actionable questions, you’re equipped to cut through the noise and find an agency that truly gets your business.
FAQs About Questions to Ask a Digital Marketing Agency
What’s the most important question to ask a digital marketing agency?
It depends on your goals, but understanding their work style and past successes can give you a clear picture of whether they’re a good fit.
How do I know if a digital marketing agency is right for me?
Look for compatibility with your team, transparency in communication, and proven results in your industry.
What if an agency lacks experience in my industry?
This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker. If they’re experienced in the services you need and bring fresh ideas, they might still be a great choice.
What sets Schulze Creative apart from other agencies?
At Schulze Creative, we focus on personalized digital marketing strategies that reflect your unique brand identity. We’re not about generic solutions—we’re here to create marketing that works for you.
How does Schulze Creative ensure transparency?
We provide detailed monthly reports outlining completed work, performance metrics, and next steps, so you’re always in the loop.
Can Schulze Creative handle urgent requests?
Yes! Our flexible approach allows us to prioritize urgent needs while maintaining the quality of our work.
