How to choose a digital marketing agency

Describe the business decision first

Write down your priority offer, target customers, existing channels and the result you want to improve. Qualified enquiries, online purchases and consistent brand communication require different work. Include the information you have and the gaps you need the agency to investigate.

For international collaboration, discuss both the language used between teams and the language of customer-facing content. Agree the communication process and time-zone arrangements before setting expectations for delivery.

Compare deliverables, responsibilities and costs

Ask each agency to explain the proposed scope in writing. Media spend, management fees, website changes and creative production should be identifiable. Check who owns the accounts, who approves content and how access and files are handled when the engagement ends.

• What is included, and what would require additional work?
• Who will manage the project and review performance?
• Which results will be reported, and what data must our team provide?
• How will proposed changes and the next steps be explained?

Read references in context

Look for the actual work carried out for a named client. A website project, social media engagement and advertising account are different evidence. If results are available, ask about the period, scope and measurement; another client’s outcome is not a forecast for yours.

DPA’s references identify the services delivered to individual businesses. Use those scopes alongside our service descriptions and working process to assess fit. A useful initial conversation should make the proposed work clearer and identify what still needs checking.