Choosing a marketing agency is hard because every proposal sounds similar. These ten questions help you tell them apart.
1. Who will work on my account?
You should know the name of the person responsible and how to reach them.
2. Have you worked with businesses like mine?
Experience in your trade and with local service businesses shortens the learning curve.
3. What will you do in the first 90 days?
A clear plan with specific tasks is a good sign. Vague promises are not.
4. How will you report results?
Ask to see a sample report. It should focus on leads and cost per lead, in plain language.
5. Who owns the accounts?
Your Google Business Profile, ad accounts, website and data should belong to you.
6. What does it cost, and what is included?
Get the fee, the ad spend and any setup costs in writing.
7. Is there a contract, and how do I cancel?
Know the term, the notice period and what happens to your assets if you leave.
8. What do you need from me?
Good results need your input: photos, approvals and feedback on lead quality.
9. How do you use AI?
A sensible answer describes where it speeds up the work and where people stay in charge.
10. What can you not promise?
Honest agencies will tell you that rankings and results cannot be guaranteed by anyone outside Google.
Warning signs
- Guaranteed first-place rankings.
- Refusing to share account access.
- Reports full of impressions and nothing about leads.
- Pressure to sign immediately.
The right fit
Choose the agency that explains things clearly, answers these questions directly and treats your budget as if it were its own.