Small and large businesses always struggle with finding the right agency that works for their needs and goals. But what I’ve discovered is that many don’t know the most important red flags when working with one.
Letting an Agency Have Full Control of the Advertisement Account
Agencies should have some control in regard to A/B testing, research, and translating the data for you. But when allowing the agency to have your ad account solely on their end, you’re not going to have any of that information yourself and it’ll hurt you in the long run when changing to a different agency.
If an ad agency pushes you in this direction – run as fast and far as you can. This is bounds for a scam.
When I’m working with my clients, I always request they add me to their ad account and start doing my magic. This way, I can still have full control of the advertisement and goals for my clients while they have full control of the data. Plus, my clients love that I provide them with steps on how to do this correctly.
Contracts aren’t on the Table
Most companies know that common law governs contacts for services when the UCC can’t govern it, but we know that sometimes these laws may lack protection for both parties. Having a contract drawn up to show what you should expect from the agency is important. Don’t hand over your money until you have signed a formal contract, even if it is a bullet list.
Contracts are necessary when doing any work with an agency, even if it’s written on a bar napkin or discussed in an email. Make sure you have it in writing exactly what the agency is going to do for you.
Here are a few things that should be included in a contract
- Advertising length (weekly or monthly)
- Cost (payment schedule, and methods of acceptance)
- 30-day out clause
- Scope of services
- Termination policy
Not Vetting their Process
Everyone has a way they like to work to give the best results. But have you wondered how they do what they do? Do they research your competitors? What about your company? Are they staying on top of the trends in your industry or is it a weak point for them and how will they overcome it?
Asking questions to the agency you’re trying to do work with is extremely important. I have seen time and time again clients asking questions with agencies and getting nowhere or someone else is handling their ads for them, but you can’t speak to them. Uh, what?
Really take the time to get to know the agency or person you are going to be working with that will be handling your ad campaigns. Because the more they know about you and your company, the better your campaigns are going to be.
