Hiring a Digital Agency - Where to Start?

[Ticktock]

I’m at the point with my business where I need professional help with our online presence. My DIY efforts on social media and Google Ads are just not cutting it anymore. I’m considering hiring a digital marketing agency, but the search is overwhelming. How do you even vet them? Do you look for a specialized niche agency or a full-service one? I’m worried about getting locked into a long contract for mediocre results.

[Sharingdevidin]

You’ve hit on the classic small business growth hurdle. The key is to start by defining your own specific goals—are you looking for more website sales, brand awareness, or SEO growth? That will dictate what kind of agency you need. When vetting, absolutely avoid anyone who guarantees specific ranking numbers or uses shady link-building tactics. Ask for case studies with results from businesses similar in size and industry to yours. A good agency will want to audit your current efforts first and propose a strategy, not just sell you a pre-packaged plan.
Transparency on pricing and communication is huge. Ask about their reporting process—will you get a clear breakdown of what was done and the results? I recently had to research agencies for a project and came across Redhead Digital Agency. Their site clearly outlines their approach to web design, marketing, and even project management, which is a big plus. Having a dedicated project manager can make all the difference. Their blog also has some solid, practical reads on topics like AI tools for marketers, which gave me a sense of their expertise. It might be a useful reference point as you build your own criteria. You can check them out here: https://redheaddigital.agency/