
If your business has been working with the same marketing agency for a while but results feel stagnant, it might be time to reassess. The right agency should feel like an extension of your team, understand your market, and help you grow both online and offline.
Here are some signs it might be time to look for a new marketing agency.
Signs You Might Need a New Marketing Agency
1.) One-Size-Fits-All Strategies
Does it feel like your campaigns are copy-pasted from other clients? A good agency will tailor strategies specifically for your business, your market, and your audience and not just reuse a template.
2.) Falling Behind Your Competitors
If your competitors are dominating search results, social media, or local advertising while your visibility seems stuck, your agency may not be keeping up with the latest trends or tools.
3.) High Retainers, Low Returns
Paying a hefty monthly fee but seeing stagnant or declining results? If your agency is focused on maintenance instead of growth, it’s time to reevaluate.
4.) Slow Response Times
Marketing is fast-moving. If your agency is slow to respond to calls, emails, or change requests, it can cost your business momentum.
5.) Guarantees That Sound Too Good to Be True
No one can promise instant results or a guaranteed number of leads. Agencies that promise guaranteed outcomes, especially in unrealistic timeframes, are probably overpromising.
6.) Generic Content
Your content should be tied to your market, your consumers and your business. If it feels like generic posts that could apply to any business anywhere, you’re missing the local touch that drives engagement and connects with your customers.
7.) Lack of Access to Your Own Website and Accounts
You should own your website and all its assets, including photos, videos, content and the site itself. You should also be able to see your performance on ad accounts and analytics. If you don’t have full access, or can’t see where your money is going, it’s a major red flag that your agency may not have your best interests in mind.
8.) Poor Communication & Transparency
Does this sound familiar? Reports are vague or hard to understand. Your agency rep dodges questions about budget allocation or strategy. The agency claims that certain information about your campaigns is proprietary and can’t be shared. A truly transparent agency will keep you fully informed, providing clear reporting and open access to the data you need to make confident decisions.
9.) Feeling Overlooked
If you feel like just another client in a long roster, it’s time to find a partner that treats your business like it matters. A great agency takes time to understand your business and challenges before presenting solutions.
What to Look for in a New Marketing Agency
When searching for your next advertising agency, consider these key qualities:
- Responsiveness & Flexibility: A great partner should be quick to answer questions and willing to pivot when needed. You should have a dedicated point of contact who knows your business — not just a ticketing system for submitting issues.
- Results Focused: Your agency should have a plan in place to track effectiveness of your marketing. They should work with you to actively track key performance indicators and adjust strategies accordingly based on the results. They should be focused on delivering measurable growth over time, not just vanity metrics.
- Creativity & Innovation: Your agency should bring fresh ideas and innovative strategies specific to your business needs. This includes using tested technologies to help your brand stand out, reach new audiences, and stay ahead of competitors. Creative agencies also proactively suggest new approaches, whether it’s testing innovative ad formats, exploring emerging platforms, or finding unique ways to tell your brand story.
- Transparent Reporting & Billing: You should always know where your money is going and what results it’s producing. Beware of agencies with high retainers or monthly fees that eat up a large portion of your ad budget, leaving little left for actual campaigns. A transparent agency clearly shows how your funds are allocated, what’s driving results, and ensures your marketing dollars are spent efficiently.
- Proven Reputation: Does your agency have good reviews? A solid referral base? Look for positive client reviews and a strong track record, especially when searching for a local agency.
- Full-Service Capabilities: Look for an agency that can handle multiple facets of marketing, from digital, traditional, creative, and production—so your campaigns are cohesive and integrated and you don’t have to call several businesses to achieve the same end.
- Up-to-Date with Technology: Your agency should be using the latest technologies to keep you competitive. A strong agency leverages AI and automation tools to optimize digital campaigns, ensures your landing pages are performing at their best, and uses a diverse mix of platforms and ads to reach your audience effectively.
A new agency can bring a fresh perspective, help with refreshing your brand, or simply provide the communication and partnership your business needs to grow.
How Big Corner Creative Can Help
At Big Corner Creative, we specialize in helping local businesses in South-Central Kansas reach their audiences with tailored marketing strategies. Our services include:
- In-House Videography, Photography, and Drone Services
- Graphic Design: Logos, trade show booths, direct mailers
- Website Design, Development & Website Hosting
- Email Marketing Design & Development
- Online Reputation Management: Reviews & Listings
- Digital Marketing: PPC, Local Service Ads, Display Advertising, YouTube Ads, Social Advertising
- Traditional Media Buying: TV, Radio, Print, Direct Mail
- Streaming Advertising: Streaming TV, Radio & Podcast Advertising
- Vinyl Decals and Vehicle Wraps
- Window Perf for Events and Storefronts
- And Much More!
We focus on building personalized strategies that make your business stand out, help you grow, and give you peace of mind knowing your marketing is in capable hands. If you’re looking for a transparent and flexible local partner, we’d love to hear from you.
