7 Digital Agency Red Flags: What to Look Out For When Hiring

If you're in the market for a digital agency, you're probably already aware of the value they can give to your business. From getting on top of the latest digital trends to helping you reach more customers online, agencies can be a huge asset. However, with so many out there to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?

One way to help make your decision is to be aware of the red flags that can indicate a digital agency isn't right for you. In this blog post, we will discuss seven red flags to look for when hiring a digital agency. By being aware of these signs, you can avoid making a costly mistake.

1. Their Portfolio Is Full of Low-quality Work

Any digital agency worth their salt is going to have a portfolio that showcases their best work. After all, their portfolio is one of the first things you'll look at when considering whether or not to hire them. If their portfolio is full of low-quality work, it's a big red flag that they're not the right agency for you.

Low-quality work can range from sloppy design to inconsistent branding to subpar functionality. If an agency can't even be bothered to put their best foot forward in their own portfolio, it's a good indication that they're not going to be able to deliver high-quality work for you either.

You should also be wary of agencies that only have a few projects in their portfolio. It's possible that they're new to the industry or that they just haven't had many opportunities to work with clients yet. While this can't be the worst thing, you should still be cautious and make sure that their work is up to par.

2. They Are Not Transparent About Their Process or Pricing

Another big red flag to watch out for is an agency that is not transparent about their process or pricing. If they are not willing to share information with you, it's a sign that they may be trying to hide something.

It's important to know what you're getting into when working with a digital agency. That means knowing how they work, what their pricing structure looks like, and what kind of timeline they are shooting for. If an agency is unwilling or unable to share this information with you, it's best to move on and look for one that is more transparent.

There are several processes that a digital agency should be willing to share with you, such as:

• The steps they take from discovery to delivery
• How they will work with your team
• What their project management process looks like
• How often they will communicate with you
• The different strategies that they will use
• What type of reporting and analytics they will provide

If an agency is not transparent about any of this information, it's best to steer clear.

Pricing can also be a tricky thing to navigate. Other agencies charge by the hour, while some have a flat fee for their services. It's important to know what you're paying for and what the agency's hourly rate is. If an agency refuses to disclose their pricing, it's likely because it's too high or because they are trying to scam you.

3. They Do Not Have Any Testimonials or Case Studies From Previous Clients

Having testimonials and case studies from past clients is another sign of a good digital agency. If an agency cannot provide any testimonials or case studies, it's a red flag that they may not have a lot of experience working with clients.

Testimonials are especially important because they give you a first-hand account of what it was like to work with the agency. They can tell you about the quality of the work, how well they communicated, and if they were able to meet deadlines. Case studies are also helpful because they show you examples of the agency's work and how it was implemented.

If an agency cannot provide any testimonials or case studies, it's best to move on and find one that can.

4. They Refuse to Provide a Proposal or Estimate Upfront

Providing a proposal or estimate upfront is another sign of a good digital agency. If an agency refuses to do this, it's likely because they are not confident in their abilities or because they are trying to scam you.

Proposals are important because they give you an idea of what the project will cost and how long it will take. Estimates are also helpful because they show you how much work the agency thinks is necessary for the project. If an agency refuses to provide either of these things, it's best to move on and find one that is more upfront about their services.

A good digital agency should be able to provide a proposal or estimate that outlines the following:

• The scope of the project
• The estimated time it will take to complete
• The proposed budget
• Any additional costs that may arise
• How the agency plans to achieve the desired results

It's important to get proposals and estimates from multiple agencies before making a decision. This will give you a good idea of what the market rate is for the services that you need. It will also help you weed out agencies that are overpriced or too inexperienced. If you're dealing with an agency that's unwilling to provide a proposal or estimate, it's best to move on.

5. The Agency Doesn't Have a Clear Vision for What They Want to Do With Your Business 

If an agency can't explain what they want to do with your business, it's a sign that they are not confident in their abilities. A good digital agency will have a clear vision of what they want to achieve and how they plan on doing it. They should be able to provide you with a roadmap that outlines the steps they will take from start to finish.

From the beginning, they should be able to tell you what type of results you can expect and how long it will take to achieve them. If an agency can't do this, it's best to move on and find one that is more experienced in working with businesses.

You should also look out for agencies that over deliver on their promises. If an agency tells you that you will see a certain type of return on your investment within a certain amount of time, they should be able to back it up with data and results. If they can't, it's likely that they are just making things up to win your business.

A good digital agency will also be able to work with your team to help you achieve your goals. They should have a process in place that allows for regular communication and collaboration. If an agency isn't willing to work with you or your team, it's probably not the right fit.

6. Their Prices Are Too Low and They Can't Back Them Up With Quality Work

If an agency's prices are too low, it's a sign that they may not be able to deliver high-quality work. A good digital agency should have competitive prices that reflect the quality of their services. If an agency is charging too little or if their rates are much lower than the market rate, it's likely because they are inexperienced or they are trying to scam you.

It's important to remember that you get what you pay for. If an agency is offering services at a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Steer clear of these agencies and find one that is more upfront about the services they provide.

7.  It Takes Too Long For Them To Respond To Your Inquiries

If an agency takes too long to respond to your inquiries, it's a sign that they are not interested in working with you. A good digital marketing agency should be able to respond to your inquiries within 24 hours. If there is a delay, it's likely because they are too busy or because they don't have the resources to take on new clients.

If an agency can't meet this requirement, it's best to move on and find one that is more responsive. Remember, you want an agency that is responsive and capable of meeting your needs. If an agency can't even meet the basic requirements, it's not worth your time. While you can factor in the time zone differences, if there is an excessive delay, it's not a good sign.

What to Do if You Find an Agency That Matches Any of these Red Flags?

If you find an agency that matches any of the red flags, it's best to move on and find one that is more experienced in working with businesses. It's not worth your time to work with an agency that can't meet your needs or one that is inexperienced. There are plenty of agencies out there that are capable of providing high-quality services.

Let Denver Digital Agency Handle Your Digital Needs

If you're looking for a digital agency that can meet your needs, Denver Digital Agency is the right choice. We are experienced in working with businesses of all sizes and we have the resources to help you achieve your goals. From SEO, PPC, and web design to social media marketing and email marketing, we can help you achieve your desired results.

We offer competitive prices that reflect the quality of our services and we are proud to say that we always over deliver on our promises. We are also responsive and capable of meeting your needs. If you're looking for a digital agency that can help you achieve your goals, Denver Digital Agency is the right choice. Contact us today to learn more about our services.