10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Agency

Sara breaks down the 10 essential questions every small business should ask before hiring a marketing agency, consultant, or fractional CMO. From who owns your marketing assets to how results are measured, Sara shares hard-won lessons from 16+ years helping businesses avoid costly mistakes. Learn how to spot red flags, demand transparency, and build a partnership based on strategy—not secrecy. Perfect for anyone ready to own their marketing and stop getting trapped in bad contracts.

Today we discussed:

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:50 Why Marketing Is Hard

00:04:26 10 Questions Overview

00:05:14 Question 1: Asset Ownership

00:07:20 Question 2: Measuring Success

00:09:11 Question 3: Strategy Alignment

00:11:09 Question 4: Contract Terms

00:12:11 Question 6: Reporting Standards

00:12:23 Question 5: Team Interaction

00:13:04 Question 7: AI Integration

00:15:12 Question 8: Keep Your Team Involved

00:17:48 Question 10: What You'll Learn

Rate, Review, & Follow

This episode is brought to you by Duct Tape Marketing.

Struggling with marketing chaos?
Our CEO, Sara Nay, has created a free 30-minute workshop, The Clarity Engine, along with a practical worksheet to help you build a marketing system that actually scales.

Ready to finish the year with a clear plan?
Start the workshop & grab your free worksheet - https://dtm.world/clarity

Want a second set of eyes on your strategy?
Sara's offering a few free, year-end review sessions (limited capacity)

Book your strategy call - https://dtm.world/yearend

The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast
Insightful interviews with authors, experts, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who share valuable marketing tips, growth strategies, and resources. Hosted by John Jantsch, one of America's top small business marketing experts, this show is dedicated to helping you craft effective marketing strategies that will grow your business. Whether you're a small business owner, marketing professional, or marketing agency owner, you'll gain valuable insights and actionable advice on topics such as marketing strategy, consulting, social media marketing, content marketing, SEO, email marketing, lead generation, business management, entrepreneurship and much more. With over 900 episodes since its inception in 2005, The Duct Tape Marketing podcast is your go-to resource for all things marketing or business growth. Join us each week as we dive into the latest marketing trends and strategies that will help you achieve your business goals. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from the best in the business. Tune in to The Duct Tape Marketing podcast and start listening today!

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| Thu, 11 December 2025

10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Agency

Sara breaks down the 10 essential questions every small business should ask before hiring a marketing agency, consultant, or fractional CMO. From who owns your marketing assets to how results are measured, Sara shares hard-won lessons from 16+ years helping businesses avoid costly mistakes. Learn how to spot red flags, demand transparency, and build a partnership based on strategy—not secrecy. Perfect for anyone ready to own their marketing and stop getting trapped in bad contracts. Today we discussed: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:50 Why Marketing Is Hard 00:04:26 10 Questions Overview 00:05:14 Question 1: Asset Ownership 00:07:20 Question 2: Measuring Success 00:09:11 Question 3: Strategy Alignment 00:11:09 Question 4: Contract Terms 00:12:11 Question 6: Reporting Standards 00:12:23 Question 5: Team Interaction 00:13:04 Question 7: AI Integration 00:15:12 Question 8: Keep Your Team Involved 00:17:48 Question 10: What You'll Learn Rate, Review, & Follow This episode is brought to you by Duct Tape Marketing. Struggling with marketing chaos? Our CEO, Sara Nay, has created a free 30-minute workshop, The Clarity Engine, along with a practical worksheet to help you build a marketing system that actually scales. Ready to finish the year with a clear plan? Start the workshop & grab your free worksheet - https://dtm.world/clarity Want a second set of eyes on your strategy? Sara’s offering a few free, year-end review sessions (limited capacity) Book your strategy call - https://dtm.world/yearend

Direct download: DTM_-_Sara_Solo_Nov_12_25_-_Audio_v2.mp3
Category:Podcast
-- posted at: 5:48am MST |

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