13 Things to Keep in Mind Before Hiring a Marketing Agency (From One Business Owner to Another)

Hey, if you’re reading this, you’re probably in that stage where you know you need help, but you’re not sure if hiring a marketing agency is the right move. Maybe you’ve been burned before, or maybe this is your first time considering it. Either way, you’re not alone.

We’ve spoken to dozens of small and mid-sized business owners across Europe and the US. You all share a similar set of concerns: budgets, trust, results, control, transparency. And that’s fair, it’s your money, your brand, your responsibility.

So this isn’t some polished sales pitch. This is an honest conversation. I’m part of the team at Rocket Agency, and here are 13 things we think you should consider before choosing any agency (including us).

13 Things to Keep in Mind Before Hiring a Marketing Agency (From One Business Owner to Another)​

1. You’re Not “Too Small” to Get Big Results

You don’t need a million-euro ad budget to benefit from an agency. Good agencies adapt. If someone makes you feel like you’re not worth their time – walk away.

2. Know What You Actually Want

Is it traffic? Sales? Leads? A better online store? If you don’t define this, agencies will give you fluff KPIs. The more specific you are, the better they can deliver. 

3. Not All Agencies Are Built Alike

Some are performance-driven. Some are creative-driven. Some sell more than they deliver. Dig into their portfolio, their website, their team. Ask hard questions.

4. Ask: Who’s Actually Doing the Work?

Many agencies outsource everything. Some hand you off to juniors after you sign. Ask: “Who will be my point of contact? Who’s running the campaigns?” You have the right to know.

5. Be Clear About Your Budget

Don’t play poker with your budget. A good agency will help you get the most out of it. Hiding it won’t get you better results, just wasted time.

6. Demand Transparency

You should know what’s happening with your money, your ads, your SEO. Monthly reports aren’t enough, you deserve clarity and communication.

7. Understand That Marketing Is Not Magic

Marketing takes time. Yes, some wins happen fast. But lasting growth requires consistency. If someone promises overnight success, it’s probably BS.

8. You Don’t Have to Understand Everything

You run a business. You don’t have to be a Google Ads expert. But a good agency will explain what’s going on in a way that makes sense to you.

9. There Will Be a Learning Curve  For Both Sides

Even the best agency needs time to learn your business. Expect 1–2 months of ramp-up. Don’t panic, this phase matters.

10. Avoid Agencies That Say Yes to Everything

If they don’t push back, challenge your assumptions, or ask tough questions, they’re just trying to close the deal. You want a partner, not a waiter.

11. Results Take Collaboration

We can’t do our job if you ghost us. The best outcomes come when agency and client work as a team. Trust, feedback, and communication are key.

12. Trust Your Gut

If something feels off during the sales call, it probably is. Culture fit, attitude, and values matter more than a flashy proposal.

13. Cheap Isn’t Always Cheap

We know budgets are tight. But the cheapest agency might cost you more in the long run, lost time, bad results, and broken trust. Invest smart, not cheap.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Look, we know this feels like a lot to consider. The decision to hire an agency shouldn’t be taken lightly, and you’re smart to do your homework. The key is finding a partner who understands that your success is their success, who communicates clearly and honestly, and who has the experience and systems to deliver real results for businesses like yours.

Remember, the right agency won’t pressure you into a quick decision or make promises that sound too good to be true. They’ll want to understand your business, your challenges, and your goals before proposing any solutions.

Take your time with this decision. Ask the tough questions. Trust your gut. And don’t settle for an agency that doesn’t feel like the right fit just because you’re eager to get started.

At Rocket Agency, we believe that informed clients make the best partners. Whether you choose to work with us or someone else, we want you to feel confident in your decision and excited about the growth that’s ahead.

Your business deserves a marketing partner who’s as invested in your success as you are. Don’t settle for anything less.