Hiring a marketing team should feel like a power move for your business—not a gamble. But with so many agencies out there claiming to be “data-driven,” “full service,” and “award-winning,” how do you separate the true partners from the red-flag factories?
(Full disclosure—ADsmith is data-driven, award-winning, and full service. But unlike a lot of snake oil salespeople, we can back all of those claims up. But more on that later.)
Choosing the Right Marketing Team
Hiring a marketing team is one of the most impactful decisions a business can make. Whether you’re launching a new brand, revamping your digital presence, or trying to drive leads after a plateau, the agency you choose will influence your success far beyond ad clicks or social media likes.
But finding the right team? That’s where things get tricky.
There are thousands of agencies out there—some big, some boutique, some promising results that sound almost magical. Many are great. Others? Not so much.
Some will become a true extension of your team, working in sync with your goals, your values, and your voice. Others will hand you templated strategies, lock you out of your own accounts, or worse—vanish once the invoice clears.
It’s not about finding the flashiest portfolio or the lowest price. It’s about hiring a marketing team that gets your business, is transparent with their process, and is genuinely invested in your growth.
And while red flags can be easy to miss when you’re dazzled by a slick sales pitch or a beautifully branded proposal, they tend to surface quickly after the contract is signed.
So before you put your marketing in someone else’s hands, here are five red flags you should absolutely not ignore—plus real-world insight, questions to ask, and what to expect when you get it right.
Red Flag #1: They Promise Instant Results
We get it—fast results sound great. But in the world of marketing, anything that seems “too good to be true” usually is.
Real marketing strategies take time to build, test, and refine. Anyone promising first-page Google rankings in a week or instant social media fame is either overpromising or cutting corners.
Why it matters: Shortcuts like buying followers or black-hat SEO can damage your brand in the long run.
What to look for instead: Agencies that talk about goals, timelines, and realistic projections—not magic tricks.
Red Flag #2: They Can’t Explain Their Strategy in Plain English
If you ask, “How will you help us grow?” and they respond with a buzzword salad of “cross-channel synergy” and “programmatic demand-side vertical integration,” back away slowly.
Why it matters: Good communication is key. If they can’t explain their process clearly, they either don’t understand it themselves or they’re hoping you won’t ask questions.
What to look for instead: A team that can walk you through their strategy in language that makes sense to you.
Red Flag #3: They Don’t Ask About Your Business Goals
A marketing agency should be obsessed with your success—and that starts with understanding what success means to you. If an agency jumps straight into packages and pricing without asking about your audience, competition, or business goals, that’s a major red flag.
Why it matters: You’re not buying a one-size-fits-all service. You’re investing in a strategy tailored to your industry and your specific brand.
What to look for instead: An agency that listens first, asks smart questions, and builds around your needs—not just their own offerings.
Red Flag #4: They Avoid Accountability
No reporting. No clear metrics. No transparency. If your agency is vague about results or hesitant to share performance data, that’s a problem.
Why it matters: You deserve to know what’s working and what’s not. Period.
What to look for instead: Regular reports, clear KPIs, and a team that owns both the wins and the misses.
Red Flag #5: They Say “Yes” to Everything
Need a new website by tomorrow? Want 10,000 new leads on a $50 ad budget? If the answer is always “Sure!”—be cautious.
Why it matters: Good agencies don’t say yes to everything. They say yes to the right things. A partner who never pushes back might not have your best interest at heart.
What to look for instead: Honesty. Guidance. The occasional, “That’s not a good idea—and here’s why.”
What a Good Agency Looks Like
While red flags are helpful to watch for, green flags are even more important. Here’s what to look for in a marketing partner who’s actually worth your time:
- Proactive and consistent communication
- Transparent pricing and deliverables
- Data-driven decisions, backed by reporting
- Willingness to challenge ideas when necessary
- A collaborative, not controlling, working style
- Proven results backed by case studies or references
Questions to Ask Before You Sign a Contract
Make sure you’re entering into the right partnership by asking these key questions upfront:
- How do you define success for clients like us?
- Who will I be working with day-to-day?
- What does your onboarding process look like?
- How often do you deliver reports, and what do they include?
- Can I keep access to my accounts and platforms (ads, website, analytics)?
- What happens if we need to cancel or pause the contract?
How to Transition Away from a Bad Agency
Already seeing some of these red flags? You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. Here’s how to take back control:
- Review your contract. Look for cancellation policies and ownership clauses.
- Secure your assets. Get access to your ad accounts, website logins, branding files, etc.
- Document everything. If there are problems, keep a paper trail.
- Start exploring options quietly. Vet new agencies while wrapping things up professionally.
- Plan your exit. Make the transition as smooth as possible, ideally with a buffer overlap.
What to Expect in the First 90 Days with a Good Agency
Not sure what “good” looks like? Here’s what a healthy, productive first few months typically include:
- Discovery & Onboarding: A deep dive into your business, goals, audience, and competitors.
- Strategic Planning: Clear roadmap with tactics, timelines, and responsibilities.
- Asset & Access Setup: Smooth transfer of logins, platforms, and creative files.
- Launch & Measure: Campaigns begin, results are tracked, and optimizations are made.
- Consistent Communication: Regular meetings, reports, and conversations—not ghosting.
Look for a Partner, Not a Vendor
A great marketing agency isn’t just an order-taker—it’s a strategic partner. One that aligns with your goals, communicates openly, and brings real value to the table.
Before signing on the dotted line, ask yourself:
- Do they listen more than they pitch?
- Can they explain their strategy clearly?
- Are they realistic, transparent, and goal-focused?
If not, it’s probably time to keep looking.
Tired of guessing who’s the real deal?
Let’s talk. We’ll show you what a no-BS, results-driven marketing partnership looks like—complete with full transparency, clear communication, and zero red flags.