What Makes a Good Marketing Agency? 7 Red Flags to Watch For

There’s no shortage of marketing agencies out there.

Everyone claims to “scale your brand,” “build your online presence,” or “take your business to the next level.”

But here’s the reality: not all agencies are built the same. And if you’ve ever worked with one that overpromised and underdelivered, you already know how expensive that lesson can be.

If you’re in the market for a marketing agency, or even working with one right now, here are seven red flags to look out for, and what a real agency partner should bring to the table.

1.  They focus on vanity metrics instead of real outcomes

If an agency keeps talking about likes, impressions, or how “your post went viral,” ask them this: How is that translating into leads? Sales? Revenue?

Good marketing agencies understand that growth isn’t measured in followers. It’s measured in results. You’re here to make money, not just look popular online.

2.  They treat you like a template

Some agencies use the exact same strategy for every client. They just swap out the colors and logos.

Real strategy is never one-size-fits-all. A good agency asks questions. They dig deep into your brand, your goals, your audience. They don’t just hand you a package. They create a plan that actually fits you.

3.  They overcomplicate everything

You shouldn’t need a marketing degree to understand what your agency is doing.

If every update is filled with jargon, confusing reports, or buzzwords that mean nothing, that’s a red flag. A good agency makes things clear. You should always know what’s being done, why it matters, and how it’s contributing to your growth.

Transparency is a non-negotiable.

4.  They ghost you after onboarding

You sign the contract, get excited, send all your files and then… crickets.

This happens more than you’d think. An agency shows up strong in the beginning, but the communication dies once you’re locked in. They miss deadlines. They’re reactive instead of proactive.

You deserve a partner, not a service provider that disappears.

5.  They have zero understanding of your industry

An agency doesn’t need to be a carbon copy of your business to help you, but they do need to understand the landscape you’re operating in.

If they don’t understand your customer journey, your competitors, or how to position your offer effectively, they’re not going to move the needle. Period.

6.  They look great online but can’t deliver behind the scenes

Flashy Instagram presence. Gorgeous portfolio. Amazing mockups. But the actual work they deliver? Underwhelming.

A good agency doesn’t just know how to make things look good, they make things that work. A logo that feels aligned. A website that converts. A campaign that brings in clients. It’s about more than aesthetic. It’s about effectiveness.

7.  They don’t challenge you

A great agency doesn’t just say yes to everything.

They push you to think bigger. They challenge your blind spots. They offer strategic guidance, not just services.

If you’re only hearing what you want to hear, you’re not getting value. You’re getting a yes-man with a subscription fee.

What We Do at SALT

At SALT, we don’t sell cookie-cutter marketing. We build strategies that are bold, intentional, and rooted in what actually drives business growth.

Our approach is simple: we ask the right questions, bring clarity to your message, elevate your brand, and deliver the kind of work that makes people stop, listen, and take action.

And we do it as a real partner, not just another agency on your invoice list.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a marketing agency is an investment. It should give you back more time, more clarity, and more results — not headaches, excuses, or confusion.

If you’re seeing any of these red flags, it might be time to reassess who’s helping you build your brand.

And if you’re ready to work with people who actually give a damn about your growth, you know where to find us.