In this article, we will discuss five important questions that you should ask an agency or consultant before outsourcing your advertising. These questions will help you ensure that you are hiring a good partner who can effectively run your ads.
As the owner of a Facebook advertising agency and an official Facebook marketing partner agency, I have worked with numerous businesses, managing their Facebook ads with budgets ranging from five pounds a day to $50,000 per day. Based on my experience, I will provide you with the key questions you need to ask to make sure that you are working with the best agency or consultant.
1. Can you showcase consistent results?
While many people ask agencies to provide proof of experience in their specific industry or niche, this might not be the most relevant question. The reality is that different industries and niches may have different requirements, but the fundamentals of creating effective ad campaigns remain the same. Therefore, instead of focusing on industry-specific experience, it is more important to inquire about consistent results within a particular type of campaign.
For example, if you are looking for lead generation for your local real estate business, ask the agency if they have consistently generated leads and customers for similar local businesses. The key here is consistency. Any agency can have a one-off successful campaign, but it takes skill and effort to consistently deliver results.
2. Do you have a methodology or philosophy?
A good agency or consultant should have a well-defined methodology or system that they have developed over time through working with various clients. This system should be centered around what works and what doesn’t work in terms of generating results.
In addition to having a methodology, it is also important to understand their philosophy behind it. This philosophy should align with your goals and values as a business. For example, we have developed a methodology called the VF method, which encompasses a four-step process focused on building trust and providing value to customers based on where they are in their customer journey.
When evaluating potential agencies or consultants, ask them about their methodology and the philosophy behind it, as well as the results they have achieved through that methodology.
3. Are you running your own Facebook Ads?
It is surprising how many agencies and consultants claim to be experts in Facebook advertising but do not run their own ads. This is an important question to ask because it reveals whether they truly believe in the effectiveness of Facebook ads and are willing to invest in it themselves.
If an agency or consultant does not run their own ads or have the Facebook pixel installed on their website, it raises questions about their expertise and commitment to the product. Ideally, you want to work with someone who practices what they preach and has firsthand experience running successful Facebook ad campaigns.
4. How much do you charge and what are the terms?
Naturally, the cost is an important factor to consider when outsourcing your advertising. It is crucial to understand the agency’s pricing structure and the terms of the agreement. Some agencies may require a three-month contract, while others may offer a monthly rolling contract.
When discussing pricing, it is essential to consider your advertising budget, the management fee charged by the agency, and the lifetime value of a customer. Analyze these factors to determine whether the cost is justified and if you can achieve a profitable return on investment.
5. Will we have access to the data?
Data is a valuable asset when it comes to advertising, particularly on platforms like Facebook. It is important to clarify whether the agency or consultant will share the data with you or keep it for themselves. Some agencies may create an ad account for you but retain ownership, making it difficult for you to access the data or switch agencies in the future.
To avoid being locked out of your own data, it is crucial to ensure that you have ownership over the ad account and any associated data. This will allow you to make informed decisions and optimize future campaigns based on historical data.
In conclusion, before outsourcing your advertising to an agency or consultant, it is essential to ask these five questions:
- Can you showcase consistent results?
- Do you have a methodology or philosophy?
- Are you running your own Facebook Ads?
- How much do you charge and what are the terms?
- Will we have access to the data?
By asking these questions, you can ensure that you are hiring a competent and reliable partner who will effectively manage your advertising campaigns. Remember, it’s important to find an agency or consultant that aligns with your goals, has a proven track record, and is transparent about their processes and pricing.