10 Common Problems when Hiring a Digital Marketing Agency (and Strategies to Sidestep Them)
You need their digital marketing experience and expertise, but you’d rather avoid the common problems when hiring a digital marketing agency. Lucky for you, while there may be problems, there also are strategies to sidestep them.
At WorldLight Media, we recognize the challenges some businesses encounter when engaging digital marketing agencies. But we also believe that it doesn’t have to be that way. And we are committed to offering proactive solutions.
Because, let’s face it, your digital marketing should be a source of business growth and success, not stress and frustration.
With the right agency partner, it can be.
Common Problems with a Digital Marketing Agency’s Performance
Some of the common problems companies experience when working with an agency center around the agency’s performance and business practices. This may include the following:
1. Unreliability
Some agencies may promise the moon but fail to deliver on their commitments. This could manifest as missed deadlines, incomplete deliverables, or inconsistent campaign performance.For instance, a client might hire an agency for a paid advertising campaign with the expectation of increased website traffic and leads, only to find that the agency's ad copy and targeting are subpar, resulting in poor ROI.
2. Lack of Communication
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful agency-client relationship. However, some agencies may fall short in this area, leading to frustration and uncertainty.A lack of regular updates, responsiveness, or clarity on project status can leave clients feeling out of the loop and unsure about the progress of their campaigns.
3. Lack of Strategy
Without a well-defined strategic plan, digital marketing efforts may lack direction and fail to achieve meaningful results. This could occur if an agency approaches campaigns with a one-size-fits-all mentality, rather than tailoring strategies to clients' unique goals, target audiences, and competitive landscape.
4. Lack of Quality
Quality is paramount in digital marketing, whether it's in the form of content, design, or execution. Unfortunately, some agencies may cut corners or prioritize quantity over quality, resulting in subpar deliverables that fail to resonate with audiences or drive desired actions.
5. No Measurable Data
Effective digital marketing relies on data-driven insights to inform decision-making and optimize campaign performance.
However, some agencies may neglect proper tracking and analytics implementation, leaving clients in the dark about the effectiveness of their marketing efforts.
Common Problems Interacting with a Digital Marketing Agency
Other problems stem from how the client and agency interact with each other. Here are some examples of these types of problems:
6. Unrealistic Time Expectations
Digital marketing is a long-term investment, and results may not materialize overnight. Yet, some clients may have unrealistic expectations about the speed of success, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction with campaign performance.
7. Unrealistic Budget
Budget constraints can pose challenges for digital marketing initiatives, especially if clients have unrealistic expectations about what can be achieved within their allocated budget.
This could result in underinvestment in critical areas like ad spend, content creation, or platform fees. And this can affect the effectiveness and results of your digital marketing efforts.
8. Not Responding to the Agency Request in a Timely Manner
Timely access to data is essential for optimizing campaign performance and making data-driven decisions. However, some clients may delay or ignore requests from their agency for access to relevant data, hindering the agency's ability to deliver optimal results.
9. Lack of Trust
Trust is the foundation of any successful agency-client relationship. However, trust can be eroded if clients feel that their agency is not transparent, reliable, or competent.
This lack of trust can lead to strained communication, second-guessing of agency recommendations, and ultimately, dissatisfaction with the partnership.
10. Over Involvement (“Helicopter Clienting”)
While it's natural for clients to want to be involved in their marketing campaigns, excessive micromanagement — or helicopter clienting — can hinder progress and strain the agency-client relationship.
Micromanaging every aspect of a campaign can stifle creativity, slow down execution, and undermine the expertise of the agency.
Strategies to Avoid These Common Problems
Every problem has a solution. Here are some strategies you can use to avoid these common problems when hiring a digital marketing agency:
Do Your Due Diligence when Vetting and Hiring a Digital Marketing Agency
Research potential agencies thoroughly, review their portfolio, and request case studies or client testimonials to gauge their expertise and track record.
Have a Clear Realistic Goal for What Success Will Look Like
Define clear, measurable objectives for your digital marketing campaigns. For example, these could be increased website traffic, lead generation, or sales conversions. Communicate these goals to your agency upfront to ensure alignment and accountability.
Treat Them as Partners – You’re on the Same Side and Want to Achieve the Same Goal
Foster a collaborative relationship with your agency based on mutual respect, transparency, and shared objectives. Position your agency as an extension of your team rather than a separate entity.
Define Responsibilities and Deliverables … on Both Sides
Clarify roles, responsibilities, and expectations for both parties from the outset of the engagement. Establish clear deliverables, timelines, and communication protocols to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Set Clear Expectations
Establish realistic timelines, budgets, and performance metrics for your digital marketing campaigns. Be transparent about your expectations and discuss any concerns or constraints with your agency upfront.
Trust the Process
Trust in your agency's expertise and allow them the freedom to execute their strategies without constant oversight. Provide constructive feedback and guidance along the way, but avoid micromanaging every aspect of the campaign.
Ready to Experience Problem-Free Digital Marketing?
At WorldLight Media, we're dedicated to providing exceptional digital marketing solutions that drive results and exceed expectations.
Contact us today to start the conversation about your digital marketing needs and discover how seamless and successful it can be with the right agency on your side.
