07/22/2025
Hiring an advertising agency can be a game-changing move for your business. Whether you’re a local restaurant in Mid City, a contractor in Prairieville, or a retail shop in Denham Springs, investing in marketing is a big decision. But before you sign on the dotted line with any agency, there are some important questions to answer first.
This blog walks you through five essential things to ask yourself and your potential agency before jumping into a marketing partnership. The right agency can help you grow. The wrong one can waste your time, money, and energy. Let’s help you make a smarter choice.
- What Do You Know About My Business or Industry?
One of the most overlooked but critical questions is this: Do they understand what I do?
A good agency will come to the table with at least a foundational understanding of your industry. A great agency will have done their homework before the first meeting. They should know your competitors, your typical customer, and the kind of messaging that tends to work (or flop) in your sector.
Let’s say you run a plumbing company in Baton Rouge. You don’t want an agency that treats you the same way they would a boutique clothing store. Your business has a different customer journey, different seasonality, and the need for different messaging. If the agency you’re talking to keeps suggesting flashy Instagram giveaways when your customers are mostly searching on Google during emergencies, that’s a red flag.
Ask them directly: “What do you know about my business and my industry?” If they can’t answer that with confidence, keep shopping.
- Do I Have the Budget to Be Successful?
Advertising isn’t a magic bullet. Many small businesses think a single radio ad or Facebook post will flood the phones with calls. Sometimes that happens but more often, effective marketing is a long, steady climb. And that climb requires an investment.
Before hiring an agency, sit down and ask yourself honestly: Do I have enough budget not just to start, but to sustain a campaign long enough to see results?
Your agency should also help set realistic expectations. If your monthly budget is $500, they shouldn’t promise you the moon. Instead, they should help you prioritize, maybe focusing on one channel (like search ads or streaming audio) and building from there.
If your goal is long-term growth, your marketing needs to be seen as an investment, not just an expense. And like any investment, the return may take time.
- Do You See a Problem with My Product or Service?
This one might sting, but it’s crucial. Sometimes, the biggest issue isn’t your ad spend or media plan. It’s your product, your service, or your customer experience.
Good advertising makes a great business grow faster. But advertising can’t fix a bad location, poor customer service, or a product nobody wants. In fact, bad advertising often makes those problems worse by driving more people into a bad experience and damaging your reputation in the process.
That’s why a good agency will ask tough questions. They might challenge you:
- Is there enough demand in the market for what you’re offering?
- Is your price point competitive?
- Are online reviews dragging down your credibility?
- Is your storefront visible and accessible?
You want an agency that’s willing to tell you the truth…not just take your money. So ask them directly: “Do you see any problems with my current offering that might hurt this campaign?” If they’re honest and constructive, you’ve got the right partner.
- How Will We Measure Success?
Marketing should always be tied to specific goals. Otherwise, how will you know if it’s working?
You and your agency need to agree on what success looks like. Is it a boost in web traffic? An increase in foot traffic at your physical location? More calls? A jump in monthly sales?
Pick a number you can track and measure. For example:
- 100 new leads in 90 days
- 20% increase in web form submissions
- 50 more customers walking in per week
Make sure this number is realistic and that both you and the agency are aligned on how to get there. Without this shared goal, it’s easy for things to drift off course and hard to hold anyone accountable.
Also, make sure the agency provides regular reports, so you’re not left in the dark. You should always know how your investment is performing.
- Do You Have References from Companies Like Mine?
Before hiring an agency, ask for examples of businesses they’ve worked with that are like yours. Not just in Baton Rouge, but in your industry or business size. A successful national campaign for a major brand is impressive but it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll know how to help your small HVAC company or your regional law firm.
Ask for client testimonials, case studies, or even phone numbers of other clients you can call. Most reputable agencies are happy to provide references. If they can show that they’ve helped businesses like yours grow, especially in the Baton Rouge market, that’s a very good sign.
Also, pay attention to how those clients talk about the agency. Did they feel listened to? Did the agency deliver results? Were they transparent and easy to work with?
Final Thoughts
Hiring an advertising agency is a serious step for any business in Baton Rouge. The city has a competitive, fast-moving market and your success depends on finding a partner who understands your goals, your budget, and your customers.
Before you commit, make sure you’ve answered the five questions above. The right agency will act like a strategic partner, not just a vendor. They’ll help you avoid costly mistakes, capitalize on your strengths, and grow your business the smart way.
If you get honest, thoughtful answers to these five questions, you’re on the right path. And if you don’t? Keep looking.
Your brand and your bottom line deserve better.
