THE FIRST STEP ISN'T SEARCHING GOOGLE
Finding the right marketing partner for your business is one of the most consequential decisions you'll make in the early stages. Get it right and you accelerate. Get it wrong and you lose months, budget, and confidence.
The first step isn't searching Google. The first step is identifying your own needs. What specifically do you need help with? Most firms claim to do everything, but the industry has specialised significantly. If you're unclear on what you need, ask the firms you're evaluating to explain why they'd recommend specific services. Their answer will tell you a lot about their intent.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Research properly. Some firms show up at the top of Google because they've optimised their own site. That's actually a decent signal. But don't stop there. Look at multiple firms and compare approaches.
Ask for case studies, but understand that the best consultancies don't always publish client names. Confidentiality agreements and client preferences play a role. Ask them to walk you through a problem they solved in your category instead.
LOOK AT THE PEOPLE
Research the people behind the company. What's their background? What's their digital footprint? Are they publishing insights and engaging with their industry?
THE CONSULTATION
Schedule consultations. Ask about their experience with businesses at your stage. Ask how they've handled campaigns that didn't work. Any consultancy that jumps straight to ad spend proposals without understanding your business first is a red flag.
COST AND INSTINCT
Evaluate cost honestly. Good consultancies employ skilled people who stay current across a dozen platforms. That expertise has a price. Negotiate fairly but respect the value.
And trust your instincts. The right partner will make you feel understood, not sold to.