Avoid These Common Pitfalls When Working With a Marketing Agency

Make the Most of Your Marketing Agency

Choosing the right agency is critical, especially in a diverse hub like Los Angeles where options abound. With so many marketing agencies vying for your attention, it’s vital to ensure the agency you select aligns with your goals and values. Remember: you’re in charge. Your company’s needs, wants and boundaries are at the forefront, so you need to know what those are so you can advocate for yourself—and make the most of your partnership. 

Sometimes, your relationship with a marketing agency may go south not because the agency is bad—or even because you are bad—but because it’s not the right fit. Thankfully, with prep, you can avoid the common pitfalls that lead to disappointment.

1. Understand Your Needs

Before diving into the world of marketing agencies, it's important to clearly understand your own needs. A lot of brands—particularly those that have never worked with an agency—look to the agency to tell them their marketing goals. At EMB, we support our clients to achieve their goals; we don’t necessarily set those goals. In our partnership, you know where you want to go, and we get you there.

Identify Your Goals 🎯

Start by pinpointing your main objectives. Are you aiming to boost your online presence? Launch a product? Increase engagement through social media? Having a clear sense of what you want to achieve will guide your discussions and decisions. It’s like going to a fast food drive-thru and asking the cashier what you’re hungry for.

Communicate Clearly 💬

Open communication with your agency is necessary—nay, absolutely critical. You need to let them know your values, vision, roadblocks and preferences from the start. This transparency not only sets the tone for a smoother workflow and fewer misunderstandings, but it also establishes mutual trust and respect.

Set Realistic Timelines ⏳

Every project has a timeline. Nine times out of 10, even when a client says they don’t have a timeline in mind, they do. As a marketing agency, we need to know your expectations so we can either discuss how to meet them or let you know right away that they’re not feasible. Work with the agency to establish a timeline that’s realistic for both parties.

2. Research and Vet

Only once you know your needs, dive into the research phase. Selecting the right marketing agency involves more than a simple Google search. It's about understanding what aligns with your business aspirations and “vibe.” If you plan to work with the agency for a while, you’re going to want a solid relationship beyond what’s transactional. Here's how to make an informed decision:

Evaluate the Portfolio 📁

A strong marketing agency will have plenty of proof that its work is solid, including a portfolio of client success stories. Focus on marketing case studies similar to your brand and reflect creative solutions. Also, don’t be afraid to request more than what seems available. As an agency that’s worked with some big global brands, we have case studies we can’t share on our site but would knock your socks off.

Consider Client Feedback 👍

Reviews provide insight into an agency’s ability to deliver results—and how it works with its clients. While every review isn't a deal-breaker, consistent themes—whether positive or negative—are worth noting. Some sites you can check include DesignRush and Clutch.co. Engaging with past and current clients can provide a more detailed picture, though some brands might not want (or be able) to discuss past business relationships.

Understand the Process 🔄

Every agency has its own approach to managing projects and campaigns. Take the time to learn about their process, ensuring it aligns with your own operations. This step helps ensure you're comfortable with their approach and timelines. Elevate My Brand takes pride in our transparent, proven Discovery Phase process. We can onboard brands in 30 days or less—seriously.

3. Establish Collaboration

Once you've chosen a marketing agency, the collaboration begins. Either right before or immediately after you engage in a contract, talk about how your teams can collaborate. (Yes, when you work with a marketing agency, you have to be involved!) Success in this stage hinges on maintaining a healthy, communicative partnership. 

Schedule Check-Ins 📅

A strong partnership is built on mutual respect and open dialogue. Schedule regular check-ins with the agency to discuss progress and any adjustments. This routine helps everyone stay aligned and prevents misunderstandings or missed expectations. Be sure to communicate openly about what’s working well and what might need a tweak. Our Account Managers meet with their clients at least every two weeks unless otherwise agreed.

Offer and Request Feedback 🗣️

When feedback flows both ways, it nurtures a more dynamic and adaptive partnership. Whether it’s a recommendation for process improvement or a discussion about unexpected challenges, open comms paves the way for innovative solutions—and happier people. If you’re new to agency life, you can even ask for feedback about how you’re doing on the brand side. We love when a client shows they’re invested in their own success.

Remain Flexible 🧘‍♀️

Flexibility is a cornerstone of collaboration. The marketing landscape, especially in Los Angeles, is ever-changing; thus, adaptability allows the agency to recalibrate strategies in real time as trends shift and evolve. A collaborative, flexible approach helps ensure long-term success and fosters a creative environment where ideas can flourish.

Understand and Avoid Common Missteps

Even with the best plans and intentions, challenges can arise. No one’s perfect. An agency shouldn’t expect perfection from its clients any more than clients should expect perfection from their agency. Being aware of potential missteps in advance allows you to navigate them smoothly when they (inevitably) arise.

1. Budget Transparency

Always track your budget and what you're getting for your investment. If necessary, clarify what's included in your agreement at the start to avoid any confusion later. Transparency builds trust and sets clear expectations for both parties. It’s your money—never be afraid to ask your agency partner how it’s spending your advertising and marketing dollars.

2. Active Involvement

Don't just set goals and step back. Being involved from start to finish ensures the project aligns closely with your business objectives. Regular input helps keep the project on track and allows for timely course corrections if needed. Marketing agencies are not vending machines; clients have to actively participate in the partnership to achieve success.

3. Disagreements

We’re all human, so disagreements can occur. Disputes are normal; what’s important is how you handle them. Approach conflicts with an open mind, focusing on solutions rather than blame. This mindset nurtures a positive and resilient working atmosphere. We recommend you ask agencies in the vetting stage how they handle situations where they don’t see eye to eye with their clients.