How to Work With a Marketing Agency: What to Expect (and What You Shouldn’t Tolerate)

Sep 17

Hiring a marketing agency should make your life easier — not more stressful. But if you’ve worked with an agency that ghosted you, overpromised and underdelivered, or left you wondering what you were paying for… you’re not alone.

Whether it’s your first time hiring help or you’ve been burned before, here’s the honest truth: the right agency should feel like a partner, not a mystery.

In this post, we’re breaking down what working with a marketing agency should actually look like — and red flags you shouldn’t ignore.

What You Should Expect From a Good Marketing Agency

1. Clear Communication (No Jargon + No Ghosting

From the first discovery call, your agency should be responsive, clear, and transparent. You should know:

What they’re doing
Why they’re doing it
When things are happening
How you’ll measure success

If they’re throwing out buzzwords and vague timelines (“We’ll circle back after optimizing the funnel KPIs with brand synergy”)… run.

At Red Ball, our clients get plain-English updates, proactive communication, and a clear content calendar every month.

2. Strategy First — Not Just Pretty Graphics

Good marketing is about more than posting pretty pictures on Instagram.

A real agency should start with a strategy that aligns with your goals: whether that’s more leads, better clients, or a stronger online presence.

They should ask about your business, your customers, your brand voice, and what success looks like — and then create content with purpose.

3. Custom Solutions, Not Cookie-Cutter Offerings

If you’re getting the same exact social captions as the HVAC company three towns over; something’s wrong.

A good agency should tailor their work to your business — your industry, your audience, your goals.

That includes:

Custom graphics and copy
A unique tone of voice
Industry-specific content (because your clients don’t care about TikTok dances)

At Red Ball, we specialize in working with trade professionals and small businesses. Everything we do is 100% customized.

4. Measurable Results (and Real Transparency)

We’ll say it louder for the people in the back: you deserve to know what you’re paying for.

An agency should show you how their work is impacting your business — not just in likes and followers, but in leads, traffic, and visibility.

Make sure your agency offers:

Analytics reports
Performance breakdowns
Insights that help you make smart decisions

And no, “it’s too soon to tell” shouldn’t be their only update four months into working together.

What You Shouldn’t Tolerate From a Marketing Agency

1. Vague Promises with No Plan

If someone tells you they’ll “make you go viral” without asking a single question about your goals, that’s a red flag.

Good marketing isn’t magic — it’s strategy, consistency, and data-driven execution. If you’re not being presented with a roadmap, deliverables, or timelines, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.

2. One-Way Communication

Your agency should feel like a teammate, not a black box. If you:

Don’t know who to contact
Can’t get a straight answer
Haven’t seen or approved content in months…

…it’s time for a change.

You’re the client. You deserve to have a say, give feedback, and be looped in without letting people down.

3. Confusing Reports (or No Reports at All)

If you’re getting reports that make zero sense — or worse, getting nothing at all — how can you know your investment is paying off?

Transparency matters. You should always feel confident knowing what’s working and where you’re headed. A great agency helps you understand the data without overwhelming you.

Want a peek at what reporting should look like? Ask us for a sample — we love walking through what matters (and what doesn’t).

4. Shiny Objects and FOMO Tactics

Every week there’s a new app, platform, or marketing “hack.” But if your agency is constantly shifting focus and selling you the next big thing (without considering your goals or capacity), that’s a red flag.

Smart marketing is intentional. You shouldn’t be jumping platforms every month or blowing your budget chasing trends.

We’re here to help clients stay relevant, but grounded. We’ll tell you when something like Threads makes sense — and when it doesn’t.

The Bottom Line

Hiring a marketing agency should feel like a weight off your shoulders — not another job on your plate. When done right, it’s a partnership rooted in strategy, clarity, and results.

So if you’re ready for a marketing partner who actually gets it, we’d love to chat.

Book a free discovery call with us.

Let’s talk about where you’re at, where you want to go, and how we can help you get there — no fluff, no BS.