How to Spot Red Flags with an Ad Agency

1. Lack of Transparency

Red Flag: They won’t give you access to your ad account or share how your money is being spent.

Why it matters:
You should own your data and account. If they’re hiding metrics or controlling the account under their own login, you’ll lose everything if you part ways.

✅ Green Flag Instead:
They give you full access to Google Ads, analytics, reports, and budget details.

2. Vague or Overpromised Results

Red Flag: They guarantee results like "#1 on Google in 30 days" or "We’ll 10x your sales fast."

Why it matters:
No ethical agency will guarantee exact results in paid ads. Success depends on your industry, budget, and competition.

✅ Green Flag Instead:
They talk about goals, testing, data optimization, and set realistic timelines.

3. No Clear Reporting or Communication

Red Flag: You never see performance reports or they’re sending confusing, meaningless graphs.

Why it matters:
An agency should help you understand where your money is going and what results it’s generating.

✅ Green Flag Instead:
They offer easy-to-read monthly reports with clear breakdowns (clicks, conversions, cost, etc.) and explain what’s working.

4. One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Red Flag: Their packages seem cookie-cutter with no customization for your business size or industry.

Why it matters:
Every business has unique goals. If they’re not asking questions about your audience or offerings, they’re not tailoring your ads.

✅ Green Flag Instead:
They ask about your goals, brand voice, past performance, and customer types.

5. They Don’t Talk About Tracking or Conversions

Red Flag: They focus only on traffic or impressions—but not on conversions (calls, form fills, purchases).

Why it matters:
Clicks mean nothing if they don’t turn into actual leads or sales. Conversion tracking is key.

✅ Green Flag Instead:
They help set up Google Tag Manager, conversion actions, or recommend call tracking.

6. Locked Into Long Contracts

Red Flag: They require you to sign a 6–12 month contract with no trial or escape clause.

Why it matters:
You should have time to test them out. A reputable agency will prove their value early, not lock you in. At Bindi and Blazers Media, all of our clients go through a three month contract before initiating an additional 6-12 months.

✅ Green Flag Instead:
Month-to-month or short-term agreements with the option to leave if you’re not satisfied.

7. No Clear Strategy

Red Flag: They jump into running ads without explaining keyword strategy, budget allocation, or audience targeting.

Why it matters:
Without a plan, they’re just spending your money blindly.

✅ Green Flag Instead:
They walk you through their process and explain the campaign structure upfront.