Running a small business or working as a solopreneur means every dollar counts, especially when it comes to marketing. Hiring a marketing agency can feel like a smart move to boost your online presence, drive traffic, and grow your customer base. But what happens when the agency you’ve entrusted with your hard-earned budget isn’t delivering? Here are seven warning signs that your marketing agency might not be helping your small business succeed—and what to look out for to protect your investment.

1. Lack of Clear Communication

Effective communication is the backbone of any successful partnership. If your marketing agency is vague about their strategies, fails to provide regular updates, or leaves you in the dark about campaign progress, it’s a red flag. Small businesses need transparency to understand how their marketing dollars are being spent. If you’re constantly chasing them for answers or getting generic responses, they may not have your best interests at heart.

What to watch for: Unanswered emails, jargon-heavy explanations without clear takeaways, or no consistent reporting schedule.

2. No Measurable Results

Marketing isn’t just about flashy ads or social media posts—it’s about results. If your agency can’t show tangible outcomes like increased website traffic, higher conversion rates, or improved search engine rankings, they’re likely underperforming. For small businesses, every campaign should tie back to measurable goals, whether it’s more leads, sales, or brand awareness.

What to watch for: Reports filled with vanity metrics (like social media likes) instead of data tied to your business goals, such as revenue or customer acquisition.

3. One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Your small business is unique, and your marketing strategy should reflect that. If your agency is using cookie-cutter templates or applying the same tactics they use for every client, they’re not tailoring their efforts to your specific needs. A good agency takes the time to understand your industry, audience, and goals to create a customized plan.

What to watch for: Generic campaigns that don’t align with your brand voice or target market, or a lack of industry-specific insights.

4. Overpromising and Underdelivering

Beware of agencies that promise the moon—guaranteed #1 Google rankings or overnight success—without a realistic plan. SEO and digital marketing take time, and reputable agencies set clear, achievable expectations. If your agency’s promises aren’t materializing after a reasonable period, it’s a sign they may lack the expertise or commitment to deliver.

What to watch for: Bold claims with no data to back them up, or failure to meet agreed-upon milestones.

5. Neglecting Your Website’s SEO

For small businesses, a strong online presence often starts with search engine optimization (SEO). If your agency ignores critical SEO practices—like optimizing your website for relevant keywords, improving site speed, or building quality backlinks—you’re missing out on organic traffic. A good agency prioritizes SEO to ensure your business is discoverable on platforms like Google.

What to watch for: No focus on keyword research, outdated SEO tactics, or no improvements in your search engine rankings over time.

6. Lack of Collaboration

Your marketing agency should feel like an extension of your team, not a distant vendor. If they dismiss your input, fail to incorporate your feedback, or don’t involve you in strategy discussions, they’re not treating your business with the care it deserves. Solopreneurs and small business owners often have valuable insights about their customers that agencies should leverage.

What to watch for: Decisions made without your approval, or a dismissive attitude when you share ideas or concerns.

7. High Turnover or Inconsistent Staffing

A revolving door of account managers or team members can disrupt your marketing efforts. If your agency frequently changes the people handling your account, it can lead to miscommunication, delays, and a lack of continuity in your campaigns. Small businesses need stability to build trust and see consistent results.

What to watch for: New points of contact with every meeting, or a lack of familiarity with your business’s history and goals.

What to Do If You Spot These Signs

If you notice these warning signs, it’s time to have an honest conversation with your agency. Ask for detailed reports, clarify expectations, and request a revised strategy that aligns with your goals. If they can’t step up, consider exploring other agencies or even bringing some marketing efforts in-house. Platforms like saneyou.com can help you connect with freelancers or tools to boost your own marketing efforts affordably.

Investing in a marketing agency should feel like a partnership that drives your small business forward. By recognizing these red flags early, you can protect your budget and focus on strategies that deliver real growth. Ready to take control of your marketing? You can list your business free of charge or explore services that may help you. Visit saneyou.com